Once the metal is cleaned, treated, and painted, the strip is rewound into a coil size prescribed by the customer. From there, the coil is removed from the line and packaged for shipment or additional processing.
After the primer is applied and cured, then the metal strip enters the finish coat station where a topcoat is applied. Topcoats provide color, corrosion resistance, durability, flexibility and any other required physical properties. Like primers, the topcoat is cured using thermal cure ovens.
Oven
Coil coating ovens can range from 130 feet to 160 feet and will cure the coatings in 13 to 20 seconds.
During this stage, the strip enters the prime coat station whereby a primer is applied to the clean and treated metal. After the primer is applied, the metal strip travels through a thermal oven for curing. Primers are used to aid in paint adhesion, improve corrosion performance and enhance aesthetic and functional attributes of the topcoat.
S Wrap Coater
The S wrap coater design allows for primers and paints to be applied to the top and back side of the metal strip simultaneously in one continuous pass.
The cleaning and pretreating section of the coil coating process focuses on preparing the metal for painting. During the cleaning stage, dirt, debris, and oils are removed from the metal strip. From there, the metal enters the pretreatment section and/or a chemical coater whereby chemicals are applied to facilitate paint adhesion and enhance corrosion resistance.
Dried-In-Place
In this stage a chemical that provides enhanced corrosion performance is applied. This treatment can be chrome free if required.
The accumulator is a structure that adjusts up and down to store material, which makes continuous operation of the coil coating process possible. This accumulation will continue to feed the coil coating processes while the entry end has stopped for the stitching process. As much as 750 feet of metal can be collected.
Powering Data Centers with Long-Term Corrosion Protection
As demand for data storage and processing continues to accelerate, the infrastructure supporting modern data centers must perform at the highest level.
Reliability is not optional. Every structural component, support system, and piece of hardware must be built to last, often in environments where corrosion can quietly compromise performance over time.
Hot-dip galvanizing plays a critical role in meeting these expectations.
Built for Longevity in Critical Environments
Data centers are designed for continuous operation, often with minimal tolerance for maintenance disruptions. Whether located in humid regions, coastal environments, or areas with fluctuating temperatures, exposed steel components are subject to corrosion that can lead to costly repairs or premature replacement.
Hot-dip galvanizing provides a metallurgically bonded zinc coating that protects steel from corrosion both as a barrier and through cathodic protection. This dual layer of defense ensures long-term durability, even in aggressive environments.
For data center developers and operators, this translates into extended service life and reduced lifecycle costs.
Supporting a Wide Range of Applications
Galvanized steel is used throughout data center infrastructure, often in ways that are not immediately visible but are essential to overall performance. Common applications include:
Structural steel components and framing
Equipment supports and platforms
Cable management systems and trays
Electrical and utility infrastructure
Exterior elements exposed to the environment
These components must maintain structural integrity over decades of service, making corrosion protection a key design consideration from the outset.
Consistency and Scale Across a National Footprint
With projects spanning multiple regions, consistency in quality and turnaround is essential. A network of galvanizing facilities allows for efficient processing and reliable delivery, helping keep construction timelines on track.
AZZ Metal Coatings operates more than 40 facilities across North America, providing the scale and geographic reach needed to support data center projects wherever they are built. This network ensures that fabricators and contractors have access to consistent galvanizing services without unnecessary logistical complexity.
Designed for Total Cost of Ownership
Initial material selection is only one part of the equation. Over the lifespan of a data center, maintenance, repair, and replacement costs can significantly impact total cost of ownership.
Hot-dip galvanizing reduces the need for ongoing maintenance and eliminates the periodic recoating required by many alternative systems. The result is a more predictable and cost-effective solution that aligns with the long-term operational goals of data center owners and operators.
A Proven Solution for Critical Infrastructure
Data centers are among the most demanding infrastructure environments in operation today. The materials used in their construction must deliver durability, reliability, and performance without compromise.
Hot-dip galvanizing has a long track record in protecting critical infrastructure across industries. Its application within the data center sector continues to grow as developers recognize the value of specifying corrosion protection that performs for decades.