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Galvanization methods

If I have a galvanized sheet how can I differentiate visually between galvanization method (hot dip, electrolytic deposition,...)

Thanks,

Ahmed Mohamed Elsabbagh
Ain Shams University - Cairo, Egypt
2003

You did not say why you asked, Mr. Elsabbagh, and if you had, your letter probably would have been more readily answerable -- because the tools and methods available to an inspector in a galvanizing plant would be different from those available to a consumer browsing in a hardware store :-)

But I'd say you can recognize hot dipping from either a gritty, sandy, look or a jig saw puzzle crystallization pattern, whereas you would recognize electroplating from its smooth, uniform, bright look.

In general, galvanizing is much thicker than electrolytic coatings, so a thickness tester could indicate an improbably thin hot-dip or an improbably thick electroplating. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003