1.Principle of galvanized steel plate

Galvanized steel plate, as an important metallurgical material, its widely used in construction, electricity, transportation and other fields. Its ability to prevent rust mainly depends on the zinc layer on the surface. Zinc's chemical nature is more active than iron, when the steel plate is exposed to moisture or corrosive substances in the environment, zinc will preferentially react with oxygen and water vapor to generate a dense protective layer of zinc oxide or alkaline zinc carbonate, thus delaying the corrosion of the steel plate. Even if the zinc layer is partially damaged, the zinc protects the iron substrate by means of a “sacrificial anode”, avoiding the rapid spread of corrosion.

The galvanized process is mainly divided into two types: hot-dip galvanizing and electro-galvanized:

-Hot-dip galvanizing: Steel plates are immersed in a molten zinc solution to form a thicker zinc layer on the surface (usually tens of microns or more), which is more resistant to rust and suitable for outdoor use or harsh environments.

-Electro-galvanized: A zinc layer is deposited on the surface of the steel plate through electrolytic reaction, with a thinner zinc layer (a few microns) and a more uniform appearance, commonly used for products with higher surface requirements, such as the shell of home appliances.

2. Characteristics of galvanized steel plate

(1) Good corrosion resistance

This is one of the most prominent characteristics of galvanized steel plate. Zinc in the air can react with oxygen to generate a layer of dense zinc oxide film, this film can prevent the oxygen in the air, water vapor and other corrosive substances to further erode the steel substrate, thereby greatly improving the corrosion resistance of steel. In some high humidity environment, such as coastal areas, building roofs, underground pipelines, etc., the use of galvanized steel plate can effectively resist the erosion of seawater, moisture, etc., to extend the service life. Different galvanizing process and thickness of galvanized layer will have impact on corrosion resistance. Generally speaking, hot-dip galvanized steel plate has a thicker galvanized layer and better corrosion resistance than electro-galvanized steel plate. The greater the thickness of the galvanized layer, the greater the corrosion resistance.

(2) Excellent processing performance

Galvanized steel plate has good processing performance and is easy to carry out various processing operations. It can be cut, bent, stamped and other processing methods, made of various shapes of parts. In the automobile manufacturing industry, a large number of galvanized steel plate production body parts, such as doors, hoods, etc.. Due to its good processing performance, it can meet the shape design requirements of complex automobile parts. In the processing process, the zinc coating can follow the deformation of the steel substrate better, not easy to fall off, to ensure that the processed products still have good protective properties. This is due to the good combination between the zinc layer and the steel plate substrate, so that in the processing of deformation, the zinc layer can be deformed in concert with the substrate.

(3) Surface aesthetics

The surface of the galvanized steel plate has a silver-white glossy color with a high degree of aesthetics. This beautiful surface makes galvanized steel plate in some of the appearance of the requirements of the occasion is widely used. For example, the building facade decoration, the use of galvanized steel plate can not only play a protective role, but also enhance the overall aesthetics of the building. Moreover, the surface of galvanized steel is relatively smooth, not easy to stain dust and other impurities, easy to clean and maintain, and further maintain its aesthetics.

(4) Good welding performance

Galvanized steel plate can be welded in a variety of ways, such as resistance welding, arc welding and so on. In the welding process, although the galvanized layer will have a certain impact on the welding quality, but through a reasonable choice of welding process parameters and welding materials, can effectively ensure the quality of welded joints. In some steel structure buildings and metal products manufacturing, the welding performance of galvanized steel plate makes it easy to connect with other parts to form a whole structure to meet the use requirements of the project.

3. Advantages of galvanized steel plate

(1) Cost-effectiveness advantage

Compared with some other metal materials with anti-corrosion properties, the cost of galvanized steel plate is relatively low. Under the premise of achieving similar protective effects, the use of galvanized steel plate can significantly reduce material costs. In construction, for example, the use of galvanized steel plate as a structural and protective material not only meets the structural strength and durability requirements of the building, but also saves a lot of money in the procurement of materials. Moreover, due to its good corrosion resistance, it reduces the cost of maintenance and replacement at a later stage. Reduced labor costs, time costs, etc. brought about by frequent maintenance and replacement of materials, in the long run, has a significant cost-effective advantage.

(2) Convenient construction

Compared with other materials, galvanized steel plate is smaller and lighter, so it can be more easily and conveniently transported and installed during construction. At the same time, galvanized steel plate molding performance is also very good, can be made according to the need for different shapes of components, easy to assemble, installation.

(3) Long service life

Galvanized steel plate has a long service life, the service life of conventional galvanized layer is more than 20 years, while high-quality galvanized layer can reach a service life of more than 50 years. Therefore, galvanized steel can greatly reduce the maintenance costs of buildings and equipment, allowing a longer service life.

(4) Wide range of applications

The properties of galvanized steel plate determine that it has a wide range of applications in many fields. In the construction industry, it is used to manufacture roofs, walls, ventilation ducts, etc.; in the field of automobile manufacturing, it is an important raw material for body, chassis and other components; in the home appliance industry, galvanized steel plate is often used in the shells of refrigerators and air conditioners. In addition, galvanized steel plate can also be seen in the electric power, communications, agriculture and other fields. This wide range of applications thanks to its many excellent characteristics, to meet the diverse needs of different industries.

(5) Environmental protection and energy saving advantages

The galvanizing process is relatively environmentally friendly and produces fewer pollutants in the production process. Moreover, galvanized steel plate in the process of use, due to its good durability, reduces the waste generated by premature damage to the material, and indirectly realizes certain environmental benefits. At the same time, in some application scenarios, such as the field of building insulation, galvanized steel plate can be used as the base structure of the insulation material, which can be used in conjunction with the insulation material to improve the thermal insulation performance of the building, thus reducing energy consumption and achieving the goal of energy saving.

4.Application fields of galvanized steel plate

Galvanized steel plate is widely used in many fields such as construction, furniture, electrical appliances, machinery and so on because of its excellent characteristics and wide range of application fields.

(1) Construction industry:

Galvanized steel plate is mainly used in the construction industry for roofs, balcony panels, window sills, kiosks, warehouses, roller shutters, heaters, rainwater pipes and so on. Its corrosion resistance and fire performance makes galvanized steel become the ideal material for building walls, roofs and other parts.

(2) Household appliances:

Galvanized steel plate is also widely used in the field of household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, toasters, copiers, active vending machines, electric fans, vacuum cleaners and so on. The corrosion resistance and surface finish of galvanized steel plate makes it an ideal material for the shell of home appliances.

(3) Furniture Industry:

In the furniture industry, galvanized steel plate is mainly used for lampshades, closets, tables, bookshelves, medical equipment and so on. Its strong and durable, moisture-proof and mildew-proof characteristics make galvanized steel plate an important material in furniture manufacturing.

(4) Transportation industry:

Galvanized steel plate is mainly used in the transportation industry for automobile ceilings, car shells, carriage panels, tractors, trams, containers, highway fences, ship bulkheads and so on. Its corrosion resistance, impact resistance and welding performance makes galvanized steel plate become an important material in the manufacture of vehicles and ships.

(5) Other fields:

Galvanized steel plate is also widely used in musical instrument shells, garbage bins, photographic devices, meters, etc.. Its excellent corrosion resistance and surface finish make galvanized steel plate in these areas are also widely used.

In conclusion, galvanized steel plate is a widely used anti-corrosion material with excellent corrosion resistance, aesthetics and durability. It has a wide range of application prospects in the fields of construction, manufacturing and packaging, etc. It can be seen that galvanized steel plate will be applied and promoted in more scenarios. Galvanized steel plate will also continue to lead the industry in the future.