08-15-2022
Preparing to order steel light poles?
You’ll have many options when it comes to finishes, one of which we recommend is galvanizing.
The galvanization process will protect your steel poles from corrosion better than any other treatment. When steel is submerged in molten zinc, inter-metallic layers form that are harder than steel. The result is an extremely durable coating that lasts for decades.
The zinc serves as a sacrificial anode, so it cathodically protects the steel. This means that even if the coating is scratched, the exposed steel will still be protected by the surrounding zinc.
The Galvanization Process
At General Structures, Inc., galvanizing is the second stage of our 10-year warranty finish.
We use the hot-dip method, dipping the light pole in a zinc bath that’s heated to 860 degrees Fahrenheit. The pure zinc reacts with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which reacts with carbon dioxide to become zinc carbonate.
Once the galvanization process is finished, the pole is preheated and mechanically etched before moving on to the next stage of the finishing process.
Why Powder Coat Your Galvanized Finish
Powder coating is a durable finish that’s resistant to scratches and chemicals. It also provides excellent protection from corrosion. Plus, you have more flexibility with colors.
Within 12 hours of galvanization, we apply the powder coat electrostatically, so the powder is applied consistently to all exposed surfaces.
Powder coating provides superior edge coverage and a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing finish with virtually no drips, runs, or sags.
And according to the Society of Protective Coatings and the American Galvanizers Association, powder coating the galvanized finish extends each pole’s service life by as much as 2.5 times over galvanizing alone.
Ready to order your steel light poles? Reach out to us.
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