Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Small metallizing system for repair of damaged galvanized areas?

November 22, 2009

We use a lot of hot dip galvanizing for air cooled heat exchanger structures. We often have modifications to the structure that damage the zinc coating. We need a small metallizing system that would do a square foot or less at a time. We would use this system to repair the zinc coating after making a hole or notch in a structural component.

We have some components metallized by an outside vendor. If our repair is large enough we use our vendor for the coating repair, otherwise we use a zinc rich aerosol product.

We have spoken with our metallizing vendor and they are unaware of any small systems. We have looked at systems in the U.S. and have not recognized any small systems. Any small fuel, arc or plasma system would likely be acceptable. Alternatively, if there is another process or technology that would repair hot dip zinc surfaces, we would be very interested.

Thanks,
JK

John Kitchens
Mfger using finishing services - Houston, Texas

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November 23, 2009

A number of years ago, TAFA made a really nice rather small dual wire arc system. They were acquired by Praxair and this combined company took over the Miller dual wire. The miller unit was for large areas. One claim to fame was aircraft carrier decks anti skid coating.
The dual wire system, to me, was simpler to use than a flame spray or plasma spray system which tended to also be large. It is not an answer for all thermal coats, but it might work fine for you.
Brush plating is also an option, but it is labor intensive for any thickness of buildup.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida