Industry leadership backed by active industry involvement
AZZ has been a member of the American Galvanizing Association since 1991, having earned recognition for excellence in hot-dip galvanizing in a variety of industries and applications including recreation, petrochemical, industrial and agriculture.
Through participation in the AGA and other industry organizations, AZZ supports the advancement of galvanizing standards, corrosion protection education, and industry best practices. AZZ also develops and presents certified continuing education seminars for architects, engineers, fabricators, and detailers focused on galvanizing applications, corrosion protection, and infrastructure durability.
AZZ actively participates in and supports numerous industry organizations, associations, and technical groups, including:
American Galvanizing Association
American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Steel Constructors
APC/PennDOT
American Road and Transportation Builders Association
Bridge Preservation Partnership
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Chemical Coaters Association International
FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association)
Intermodal Association of North America
Illinois County Engineers Association
Indiana Fabricators Association
Iowa County Engineers Association
Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association
NACE International
NATM (National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
NOMMA (National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association)
NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association)
Ohio Steel Fabricators Association
OSEA (Oklahoma Structural Engineers Association)
SEAoT (Structural Engineers Association of Texas)
Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance
SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings)
Stadium Managers Association
Structural Steel Institute
SWFA (SW Fabricators Association)
Texas County Engineers Association
Industry accreditation
AZZ can help you earn credit hours for industry accreditation. Contact us for additional information about available programs and training opportunities.
AZZ has earned industry recognition for outstanding galvanizing applications, corrosion protection expertise, and project execution supporting critical infrastructure and engineered applications. Through industry-leading galvanizing capabilities and advanced coating technologies, AZZ helps customers achieve lasting durability, reliability, and performance across a broad range of markets, including projects recognized by the American Galvanizers Association’s Excellence in Hot-Dip Galvanizing Awards program.
Spanning eleven active railroad tracks, the oil bridge needs durable protection from the rough, corrosive industrial environment of the railway system.
The fabricator understands the harsh environment of an underground limestone mine and knows that hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) is the ultimate coating for…
The dairy used hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) for their new facility. They needed the most durable, cost effective and low maintenance corrosion protection…
Creating exceptional material performance with seasoned expertise
The galvanizing process has been refined and enhanced over the last 200 years. It represents the absolute best way to protect steel and ensure long-lasting, corrosion-free performance. Less costly than materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, galvanized steel delivers a significantly lower life cycle cost and requires no appreciable coating maintenance once installed.
A heavy footprint, except on the environment
In addition to being 100% recyclable, galvanized steel represents a sustainable material option that emits no volatile organic compounds or hazardous air pollutions in the treatment process. AZZ is committed to environmentally responsible operations, supporting LEED efforts through galvanized steel that contributes points toward certification. With 43 galvanizing locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, AZZ can help minimize transportation requirements while providing extensive resources available at the local level.
AZZ has broad industry experience, having performed hot-dip galvanizing for steel components that meet the performance requirements for a wide range of applications including:
Spin galvanizing for small parts, fasteners, and precision components
Spin galvanizing provides durable, cost-effective protection for small to medium-sized steel parts requiring coating uniformity, thread integrity, and reliable fit and function. By combining hot-dip galvanizing with centrifugal spinning technology, the process removes excess molten zinc to help maintain dimensional consistency across threaded fasteners and precision components.
AZZ's automated spin galvanizing operations support high-volume production while delivering consistent coating quality for construction, electrical, industrial, and transportation applications.
How spin galvanizing works
During processing, steel components are immersed in molten zinc, creating tightly bonded zinc-iron alloy layers. Centrifugal spinning then removes excess zinc to help maintain coating uniformity, thread fit, and dimensional accuracy while delivering the long service life associated with galvanized steel.
The process is commonly used for:
All-thread rods
Nut blanks
Guardrail bolts
Anchor bolts
Washers
Turnbuckles
Wheels
Fasteners and structural hardware
Uniform coating for precision components
Spin galvanizing provides uniform zinc coverage while helping maintain the fit and functionality of threaded fasteners and intricate components. The process helps prevent excessive zinc buildup that can interfere with assembly while protecting surfaces, edges, threads, and complex geometries.
Depending on component size and diameter, spin galvanized parts typically receive coating thicknesses ranging from approximately 1.7 to 3.4 mils (43 to 86 microns), providing substantially greater durability than many zinc-plated alternatives.
Quality standards and production capability
Supported by automated conveyor systems and integrated production lines, AZZ delivers efficient high-volume processing with tightly controlled quality procedures designed to support coating consistency and reliable thread fit.
Common standards include:
ASTM A153
ASTM F2329
ISO 9001
ISO 14001
Customer-specific requirements
Sustainable corrosion protection for precision components
Spin galvanizing helps extend the service life of steel components while reducing maintenance requirements and material replacement over time. Utilizing naturally occurring zinc and fully recyclable steel, spin galvanized components support long-term durability while benefiting from the performance and sustainability advantages of zinc-based corrosion protection.
Hot-dip galvanizing for long-term steel protection and performance
Hot-dip galvanizing is a proven corrosion protection process that creates a durable hot dip galvanized zinc coating across fabricated steel surfaces. By fully immersing steel into molten zinc, the process forms tightly bonded zinc-iron alloy layers that help extend service life, reduce maintenance requirements, and provide long-term corrosion protection.
AZZ performs hot-dip galvanizing for fabricated steel used across a broad range of end markets, including construction, electrical, industrial, and transportation. From bridges, substations, transmission structures, and industrial facilities to renewable energy infrastructure, and engineered fabricated steel assemblies, AZZ delivers dependable corrosion protection backed by decades of galvanizing expertise and one of North America’s leading hot-dip galvanizer networks.
A tested and proven galvanizing process for modern applications
Hot-dip galvanizing protects steel through a multi-step process designed to properly prepare the steel surface, promote metallurgical bonding, and verify coating quality and specification compliance. The resulting hot dip galvanized zinc coating provides both barrier and sacrificial protection, helping protect steel in demanding environments.
Preparation
Steel arriving at an AZZ galvanizing facility undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure drainage and venting requirements are met. Once in the staging area, careful handling ensures the material is transported efficiently and effectively through the initial cleaning process.
Cleaning
A critical part of the process is cleaning, which begins with a complete immersion in a hot alkali solution, to remove organic compounds and dirt. Next acid pickling removes rust or scale and finally fluxing eliminates surface oxides to promote intermetallic development.
Hot-Dip Galvanizing
The steel is submerged in a bath of molten zinc until it reaches 840° F (449° C). At this point, the zinc reacts with the steel to form zinc/iron intermetallic layers on all surfaces inside and out.
Post-Dip Quality Inspection
The galvanized steel is cleaned, weighed, and inspected. Calibrated instruments verify quality standards, coating thickness, appearance, and ASTM compliance before final approval. Once complete, the product is ready for shipment, and AZZ can assist with transportation requirements.
Complete coating coverage and durable performance
Hot-dip galvanized zinc coating provides uniform corrosion protection across the entire fabricated component through a metallurgically bonded coating that becomes part of the steel itself. Unlike barrier coatings that rely solely on surface adhesion, galvanizing forms multiple zinc-iron alloy layers that help resist abrasion, handling damage, moisture, and corrosive environments while providing sacrificial protection if minor surface damage occurs. This durable coating system helps reduce maintenance requirements, extend asset service life, and lower long-term repair and replacement costs.
Value-added galvanizing services for enhanced protection
Beyond traditional hot-dip galvanizing, AZZ offers specialized services engineered to address application-specific requirements and challenging environments. Duplex coating combines galvanizing with powder coating or wet coating systems to provide enhanced corrosion protection, extended service life, and expanded finish options. For buried and ground-contact steel, below-grade coating delivers additional protection against soil, moisture, and underground exposure, helping improve durability and reduce maintenance requirements.
GalvXtra® proprietary galvanizing performance
AZZ utilizes its proprietary GalvXtra® galvanizing formulation to help optimize the appearance and performance of hot-dipped galvanized steel while supporting coating consistency across a wide range of fabricated steel applications.
GalvXtra® has been field-tested and proven to help minimize irregular coating reactions while supporting durable, high-quality galvanized finishes. Combined with AZZ’s process controls and galvanizing expertise, GalvXtra® helps provide dependable coating performance across critical infrastructure and industrial applications.
Proven quality standards and specification compliance
AZZ galvanizing operations follow recognized ASTM standards and quality control procedures designed to support coating consistency, specification compliance, and corrosion protection performance. Common standards include ASTM A123, ASTM A153, ASTM B6, applicable ISO standards, and additional customer-specific requirements.
AZZ also supports ongoing process improvement, sustainability initiatives, and industry collaboration through Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) standards including ISO 14025, ISO 14040, and ISO 14044 developed through the American Galvanizers Association (AGA), participation in AGA environmental and sustainability initiatives, and a research and development partnership with Texas A&M focused on process efficiency, product quality, emissions mitigation, and operational improvements.
Sustainable corrosion protection
Hot-dip galvanizing provides sustainable corrosion protection that helps steel structures remain in service for decades with minimal maintenance. The durability, recyclability, and long service life associated with galvanized steel reflect the value of essential zinc as a protective coating material, while also supporting LEED initiatives and more sustainable infrastructure. AZZ's extensive galvanizing network further improves logistical efficiency through localized service and support.
