What types of galvanized body are there and which one to choose
Content
The technology of hot application makes it possible to finally obtain a body with a protective layer thickness of 15-20 microns, even if scratches occur, zinc will begin to oxidize, but not the base metal of the vehicle. The method is used not only when creating a premium car, some budget models are also well processed, we are talking about Renault Logan or Ford Focus.
Car owners are very kind to their four-wheeled friend, because every few years not every person can afford to replace a vehicle. In order not to worry about the detrimental effect of corrosion, leaving the car on the street, it is important to clearly understand which types of car body galvanization are considered the most durable.
By purchasing a model made of high-quality metal, you can forget about problems with rust, after 5-10 years the defects will be minimal.
Types of galvanization
Some budget car manufacturers assure their customers that specialists galvanize the body with a primer solution at the time of creation, but this protection cannot be called the best.
Foreign brands that are serious about the image of the company present vehicles that have passed a thorough check, and the base metal is coated with hot, galvanized or cold galvanized. These are brands such as:
- Volkswagen;
- Porsche;
- Audi;
- Seat;
- Skoda;
- Mercedes;
- Volvo;
- Opel;
- Ford;
- BMW;
If we talk about VAZ cars, then all copies do not have a similar degree of protection against the effects of corrosion. Zinc was added only to the primer layer, but it is difficult to call this type of body treatment a full-fledged one. Vehicles from China also fall into this category; owners of Chery or Geely cannot safely leave the car on the street without worrying about further damaging effects of rust.
Galvanizing methods
The main task pursued by the craftsmen at the factories, starting to galvanize any body, is to create a perfectly smooth and even surface that can withstand bends or shocks. Among the common technologies for applying a protective layer in the automotive industry, the following is used:
- Thermal galvanization (hot).
- Galvanic.
- Cold.
- With the use of zinc metal.
In order to have a correct understanding of the above types of technologies, it is necessary to analyze each separately.
Hot working features
Experts consider this type of body galvanization to be the most reliable and high-quality, because the car body is completely immersed in a special container with molten zinc. At this point, the temperature of the liquid reaches 500 degrees, pure metal reacts and forms a coating on the surface of the machine body.
The technology of hot application makes it possible to finally obtain a body with a protective layer thickness of 15-20 microns, even if scratches occur, zinc will begin to oxidize, but not the base metal of the vehicle. The method is used not only when creating a premium car, some budget models are also well processed, we are talking about Renault Logan or Ford Focus.
cold galvanized method
This body treatment process is considered cheaper, therefore it is used in the production of inexpensive vehicles, including modern Lada models. The algorithm of actions of the masters is associated with the application of highly dispersed zinc powder using a special sprayer, the metal content in the solution varies from 90 to 93% of the total mass of the liquid, sometimes the management decides to apply a double layer.
This method is often preferred by Chinese, Korean and Russian manufacturers to galvanize, factories often use partial application of mixtures, rather than two-sided, in such a situation, corrosion can begin inside the vehicle, although the outside of the car will look perfect.
Features of galvanized galvanizing
When implementing the process, spraying on the body is applied using electricity; for this, the frame of the future car is placed in a special container with an electrolyte that contains zinc. The method helps factories to save significantly, because the consumption is minimized due to the uniform application of the layer. The thickness can vary from 5 to 15 microns, which allows the manufacturer to give a 10-year warranty on the product.
Processing of the galvanic type is not distinguished by high reliability indicators, therefore, specialists further improve the quality of the base metal with a primer.
The use of zinc metal
This unique way of processing the body was developed by Korean professionals in the automotive industry, at the stage of rolling it was decided to use a special zinc metal, which includes 3 layers:
- Steel.
- Oxides containing zinc.
- Organic zinc compound.
There is one significant difference from the previous methods, not the finished product is covered, but the material itself, from which the supporting frame will be assembled.
Which galvanization is better
Each type of protective coating has its strengths and weaknesses, starting from them, you can decide which type of processing will come out on the first line of the rating.
The hot process has shown excellent results in preventing corrosion, but it is quite difficult to achieve an even layer, which is reflected in the shade of the car, if you look closely at the surface, you can see the zinc crystals.
The galvanic method protects the details a little worse, but the appearance becomes shiny, perfectly even, while the manufacturer saves on components, presenting goods to the attention of buyers at competitive prices.
Cold galvanizing and the use of zinc metal will only help to reduce the cost and reduce the cost of the machine, it is difficult to talk about maximum protection against moisture, but from an economic point of view this is a fairly good solution.