Maintenance

About galvanization

Hot-dip galvanization

Hot-dip galvanization is one of the most effective methods of corrosion protection that available.

All galvanized products are maintenance free throughout their lifetime. However, it is recommended that you still maintain your lamp by washing and wiping regularly.

In the process of lowering into the zinc melt, a reaction between the steel and zinc happens. Here, the zinc obtains a metallic attachment to the steel, creating a very sturdy and robust coating.

Zinc, as opposed to steel, is a base metal and is thus protected against small scratches as the zinc coating is protected cathodically. This makes it a low-maintenance material. If larger scratches occur, it is possible to use an aluminium/zinc spray.

 

Procedure at heat galvanization

When the lamps are welded together, they are prepared and delivered to our zinc supplier, that we work closely together with.

To obtain the cleanest and most resistant result, they are cleaned off of slag debris, burrs, oil and grease. These coatings are removed in a pickle liquor containing acid and water-soluble salts. The steel is lowered into molten zinc at a temperature of 460 °C.

What happens in this process is that the part actually rusts and creates zinc oxide. This zinc oxide becomes a protective layer that keeps the steel safe from external elements that may cause it to corrode. This way, the steel becomes more prone to the elements if faces in an outdoor environment. It is basically the same protective principle as grinding wood before priming it.

 

Finished product

When the lamps are brought to our workshop from the galvanization partner, they are quality controlled before being assembled to lamps. If minor flaws are observed, they are repaired by light grinding by hand. It should be mentioned, though, that small imperfections such as spots or studs occur. These are hardly noticeable and when the lamp has been exposed to wind and weather, these imperfections become part of the natural patina.

 

Approval

Galvanization and quality assurance is carried out in accordance with DS/EN ISO1461: 2009.