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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Zinc Whiskers and electro galvanized steel

2007

Dear Sir,

I have a concern about zinc whisker growth in our computer room. The floor panels are electro galvanized steel. Are these panels capable of producing zinc whiskers? Is there a difference in electro galvanized and electroplated steel?

Thanks

Steve Giljames
Computer room manger - Winston Salem, North Carolina

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There is no difference between "electrogalvanized" and "zinc electroplated" steel, Steve. Yes it is capable of producing zinc whiskers. Last I read it was believed that hot dip galvanized panels are far less likely to generate whiskers. That is because the whiskers are believed to be a stress relaxation phenomenon and galvanized coatings do not have the stress that electroplated zinc has.

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