The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
  

  -----

Dacrotized vs HDG for the environment

I have heard that a "Dacrotized" finish is more "environmentally friendly" than a hot dip galvanized finish because of the water based materials used to produce the finish. Is there any evidence to support this claim?

Jim Scissom
Sheet metal fabricator - Ladson, South Carolina
2007

---

Cradle-to-grave impact is very resistant to computation. A reputable research organization recently made themselves a laughingstock by trying cradle-to-grave energy computations for autos and finding that a Hummer consumed less energy than a Prius.

When it comes to environmental impact, the exceptionally difficult becomes ludicrous because environmental impact can't be measured in BTUs or otherwise quantified -- it's totally subjective. How does one weigh a brook trout against a field of Monarch butterflies against a smogless sky? It's fine to try to avoid a specific environmental threat if you think a particular finish (like cadmium) is a problem -- but if there is no specific environmental threat to avoid, I say use the finish that best suits your parts. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007