Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Benefits of electrogalvanizing versus hot dip for Tier 1 automotive

We stamp, paint and assemble exterior parts. On one, we are using angalvanized material, even though our customer's drawing specifies only galvanized. We would like to go to hot dipped galvanized, but anticipate receiving pushback from our customer, regardless of the lack of spec. on their dwg-- what are some of the concerns that they may have, and how legitimate are they ( i.e., is electro-galvanized more resistant to corrosion or easier to achieve a better paint finish on? )

Christine Geldart
Tier 1 automotive - Toronto, ON, Canada
2004

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2004

You need to define "electrogalvanized". If you mean electroplated, then there are huge differences.

* Electroplate is typically much thinner. (10-20 microns cf 80-100 with galv)
* Electroplate can have adhesion problems. Galv is alloyed to the substrate.
* Electroplate is a much nicer finish aesthetically. Shinier, smoother, more even. galv tends to be rough.
* The corrosion protection is directly proportional to the thickness of the zinc. Therefore galv about 10 times better.

Geoff Crowley
Crithwood Ltd.
Westfield, Scotland, UK