| 1. | Communication between the designer, the fabricator and Metalplate Galvanizing is essential. |
| 2. | Steel chemistry should be discussed. |
| 3. | When at all possible, avoid any of the following combinations within the same fabrication:
- Components of different steel grades
- Cast iron with steel
- New material with older heavily oxidized or pitted material
These differing types of materials have individual surface preparation as well as galvanizing process requirements and when combined prior to galvanizing result in non-uniform quality and appearance of the zinc coating. |
| 4. | When welding articles together, all welding flux residues must be removed prior to galvanizing or uncoated areas will result. It is also important to choose welding rods with chemical compostion as close to that of the base material as possible in order to prevent preferential attack during the galvanizing process. |
| 5. | Avoid cold worked steels or steels with an ultimate tensile strength that exceeds 150,000 psi to prevent any possibility of embrittlement. |
| 6. | Consult with the Plant Manager of the Metalplate Galvanizing facility you will be using for size and shape considerations of the article(s) to be galvanized. |
| 7. | Proper drainage and venting of all material to be galvanized are critical considerations to providing the best quality to our customers as well as insuring the safety of our galvanizing personnel. The Plant Manager of the Metalplate Galvanizing facility you will be using will be happy to consult with you on any changes in design that will result in the highest quality coating for your material. The best time to get the Plant Manager involved is of course prior to fabrication of the articles to be galvanized and ideally while still in the design stage. |
| 8. | To minimize distortion and warpage during galvanizing, consult ASTM Standard A-384 "Safeguarding Against Warpage and Distortion During Hot Dip Galvanizing of Steel Assemblies" for proper techniques and considerations. |
| 9. | It is best to avoid overlapping surfaces and narrow gaps but, if they cannot be avoided, the ASTM Standard A-385 "Providing High Quality Zinc Coatings (Hot Dip) on Assembled Products" should be consulted for proper fabrication procedures. |
