2. How does galvanizing protect springs from corrosion?
Zinc metal used in the galvanizing process provides an impervious barrier between the steel substrate and corrosive elements in the atmosphere. It does not allow moisture and corrosive chlorides and sulfides to attack the steel. Zinc is more importantly anodic to steel -meaning it will corrode before the steel, until the zinc is entirely consumed.

3. How does the cost of hot-dip galvanizing compare to other corrosion protection systems, such as paints or coated?
When compared with paint systems or coated, hot-dip galvanizing after fabrication has comparable initial application costs and, almost always, adds Longer life-cycle. In fact, the higher life-cycle of a hot-dip galvanized spring makes galvanizing the smart choice for today and tomorrow.

4. How long can I expect my galvanized steel spring to last in service?
Hot-dip galvanized steel resists corrosion in numerous environments extremely well. It is not uncommon for galvanized steel springs to last more than 70 years under certain conditions.

5. Does the galvanized coating of zinc resist abrasion?
The three intermetallic layers that form during the galvanizing process are all harder than the substrate steel and have excellent abrasion resistance.

6. What are the specifications governing hot-dip galvanized steel?
Structural steel (plate, wide-flange beams, angles, channels, pipe, tubing) are galvanized to ASTM A 123/A 123M. Fasteners and small parts that fit into a centrifuging basket are galvanized to ASTM A 153/A 153M. Reinforcing steel is galvanized to ASTM A 767/A 767M

7. Isn't galvanizing more expensive than coated springs?
Depending on the product mix and condition of the steel surface, galvanizing is often less expensive on an initial cost basis. However, as with any purchase, spring lifetime costs should be considered when making a project decision on the corrosion prevention.

8. Is the Galvanized coating's thickness consistent over the entire piece?
Coating thickness depends on the thickness, roughness, chemistry, and design of the steel being galvanized. Any or all of these factors could produce galvanized coatings of non-uniform thickness. Members of the American Galvanizers Association galvanize all torsion springs to ASTM standards, which define minimum average coating thickness grades for various material categories

9. Can I specify how much Galvanized zinc to put on the springs?
No, the steel chemistry and surface condition are the primary determinants of springs that are galvanized zinc coated.

10. Sometimes, the galvanized coating is shinier in some places than others. Why is that?
The galvanized coating appearance may either be bright and shiny resulting from the presence of an outer layer of pure zinc, or duller, matte gray as the result of the coating's inter-metallic layers being exposed. Performance is not affected.