Galvanized steel pipes are divided into hot-dip galvanized steel pipes and electro-galvanized steel pipes. Both of them are coated with a layer of zinc on the surface to make the steel pipe anticorrosive and rust-proof. While they both provide corrosion protection, ultimately there are many differences between them. If you are looking for such products, please take a few minutes to understand the difference between hot galvanized steel pipes and electro-galvanized steel pipes.
1. Different Manufacturing Process
Hot Dip Galvanizing Process
Finished pickling – washing – plating – drying – hanging plating – cooling – medicine – cleaning – grinding – hot galvanized finish
Hot galvanized steel pipe is made by dipping the descaled steel parts into the melted zinc solution at about 500°C to make a zinc layer attached to the surface of the steel parts, thus serving the purpose of corrosion protection. It is often used in construction, electric power, chemical industry, and pipelines for transporting general low-pressure fluids such as gas, oil, etc.
Electro Galvanizing Process
Degreasing – electroplating – passivation – drying – packaging
Electro-galvanized steel pipe is a process that uses electrolysis to attach a metal film to the surface of a manufactured part of metal or other materials. Electro-galvanized steel pipe is a good choice when manufacturing small products that require precise plating, such as machinery manufacturing, electronics, and precision instruments.
2. Different Zinc Content
Electro-galvanized pipe has a very low zinc content of 10 to 50 grams per square meter and is often used indoors for projects that require less corrosion protection. Hot-dip galvanized pipe has a thicker and more uniform coating, typically 30 to 60 microns. As a result, it has a higher corrosion protection capacity and is suitable for use in outdoor projects.
3. Anti-corrosion Performance
Hot-dip galvanizing protects the steel pipe by the principle of zinc’s resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Even if the zinc layer is destroyed, a new film layer is re-formed. Electric galvanizing uses a chemical process to separate the zinc alloy into zinc ions. The zinc layer formed in this way is thin and the steel pipe is prone to rust.
4. Adhesion
The galvanized layer of electro-galvanized steel pipe is an electroplated layer, and the zinc layer is independently layered with the steel pipe substrate and easily peels off. On the contrary, hot-dip galvanized steel pipe has a thicker zinc layer and strong adhesion.
5. Different Appearance
In comparison to the appearance, the outer wall of hot-dip galvanized pipe is brighter, and the luster inside the pipe is consistent with the outer wall. However, the surface of electric galvanized pipe is not very smooth, and rust will appear on the surface during use.
Which Is Better, Hot or Electro Galvanized Steel Pipe?
When you are ready to buy galvanized steel pipes, you may be torn between hot galvanized steel pipes and electro-galvanized steel pipes. Which one of them is better? Next, Wanzhi Steel will tell you the answer to this question.
Obviously, hot galvanized steel pipes are better. Because the zinc layer of hot-dip galvanized steel pipe has good wear resistance, it can protect the steel itself very well. Even in a harsh environment, hot galvanized steel pipe can perform at its maximum performance. The electro-galvanized steel pipe has a shorter life because the zinc layer is thin and easily peels off, and the corrosion resistance is greatly reduced. All in all, hot galvanized steel pipe is better than electro-galvanized steel pipe in terms of performance and environmental protection.
Conclusion
Wanzhi Steel is a leading manufacturer of steel pipes in China. At Wanzhi Steel, you can buy galvanized pipes, stainless steel pipes, carbon pipes, and so on. We promise to provide you with high-quality steel pipes and deliver them on time. In addition, we have professional sales staff at your service. They will help you make a better purchase with the most professional knowledge. If you need steel pipe products, please feel free to contact us for more details.
