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How to recognize electrogalvanized vs. hot dipped steel?

Dear Sir,

I would like to ask you the following question:

How to recognize from the outside a electro-galvanized surface and hot dipped in zinc bath such as steel wires.

Thank you and really appreciate your help,

Etienne

Hong Kong

Etienne Lui
buyer - Hong Kong
December 6, 2011

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Hi, Etienne.

If this is for casual talk over martinis at a bar, electrogalvanized materials are usually smooth, shiny, and bright, whereas hot dipped surfaces are usually either spangled (like the frost patterns on a window on a cold day) or dull and drippy.

But if it's a case where you absolutely have to be right, the answer is that appearances can be deceiving and you can't tell for sure from visual examination. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 6, 2011

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Further to Ted's answer, the next step is to measure the thickness of the zinc. Typically electroplated zinc (assume that's what you meant by "electrogalvanized"?? is 8-10 microns, and hot dip galv perhaps 80-120 microns.

Geoff Crowley
Crithwood Ltd.
Westfield, Scotland, UK

December 8, 2011