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.
Protecting Metal Gratings: The Benefits of Hot Dip Galvanizing
Whether used in industrial settings, commercial buildings, or public infrastructure projects, metal gratings need to withstand a lot of wear and tear over time. Without proper protection, metal gratings can become corroded, weakened, and unsafe. That's where hot dip galvanizing comes in.
When metal gratings are hot-dip galvanized, they receive a durable and long-lasting protective coating that helps to prevent corrosion and rusting.
When applied to metal gratings, hot dip galvanizing offers a number of key benefits:
Corrosion resistance: Metal gratings are often exposed to harsh environments that can cause corrosion and rust. Hot dip galvanizing creates a protective layer that helps prevent corrosion, even in highly corrosive environments.
Durability: Galvanized metal gratings are highly durable and can withstand heavy loads, extreme temperatures, and frequent use. This makes them ideal for use in industrial settings, transportation infrastructure, and other demanding applications.
Low maintenance: Once galvanized, metal gratings require minimal maintenance to remain in good condition. The zinc coating is self-healing, which means it will repair itself if scratched or damaged. This reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements, saving time and money over the long term.
Aesthetics: Galvanized metal gratings have a distinctive silver-grey appearance that can complement a wide range of architectural styles. This can make them a good choice for both functional and decorative applications.
Environmentally friendly: Zinc is a natural and abundant element that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. This makes hot dip galvanizing an environmentally friendly choice for protecting metal gratings.
In conclusion, hot dip galvanizing is a proven and effective way to protect metal gratings from corrosion, wear, and other types of damage. Whether used in industrial, commercial, or public infrastructure projects, galvanized metal gratings offer durability, low maintenance, and long-lasting protection.
At AZZ Galvanizing and Plating – Milwaukee, precision and performance come together to deliver reliable corrosion protection and surface finishing solutions.