What is coated steel used for?

Coated Steel: Versatile, Durable, and Attractive

Coated steel refers to steel sheets that are embedded with a protective layer, either metallic or non-metallic, designed to combat rust and corrosion which can be triggered by humidity and contaminants in the environment.

Coated steel possesses additional layers of metal, paint, or both, which safeguard it against wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for industries requiring resistant, visually appealing, lightweight, and cost-effective materials. Its applications range across various sectors, including construction, automotive, household goods, and more emerging fields.

How is Coated Steel Manufactured?

Understanding the manufacturing process of coated steel highlights its value and reliability:

Inception

• A majority of coated steel originates from cold-rolled steel.
• This steel sheet then receives a coating that is either metallic or non-metallic to prevent rust and corrosion.
• The metallic coatings can include a layer of zinc (known as Zintro) or alloys that combine zinc with other materials, such as aluminum (Zintro Alum).

Galvanization Process

• Galvanization can be executed via immersion in molten metal or through electrochemical methods.
• The process initiates with cold-rolled steel sheets being arranged, with the edges trimmed to remove imperfections.
• Cleaning methods such as alkaline or direct flame are used to eliminate residuals like oil or particulate matter.
• The sheets then undergo a continuous annealing furnace process to recover their structural integrity and ductility.
• Post this phase, they are submerged in a molten metal crucible for coating, and excess metal is removed by air or gas.
• The final steps involve surface finishing, treatment with a protective chemical solution, an application of a thin layer of oil oxide, followed by rolling.

Electrogalvanization

• This involves immersing the steel in an electrolytic solution of zinc chloride and applying electric current to ensure adherence of the zinc to the surface.

Benefits and Applications of Coated Steel

Different types of coatings serve varied purposes and applications:

Zintro: A high-resilient option achieved via hot-dip galvanization adds a zinc layer to the steel, preventing corrosion. It is widely utilized in challenging conditions.

Zintro Alum: This coating combines zinc and aluminum, creating a sheet that withstands six times more corrosion than standard galvanizing while also reflecting heat—ideal for industrial units and building facades.

Pintro: Post-galvanization, these sheets are coated with paint on one or both sides, enhancing their lifespan and thermal insulation, offering an aesthetic finish that suits appliances and architectural designs.

Why Choose Coated Steel?

Coated steel is preferred for its robustness and versatile applications in various industries. Its resistance to corrosion significantly extends the life of structures and products while maintaining an appealing aesthetic and functionality. This makes Steelhighsen's coated steel an excellent choice for diverse needs.