Our experts I Cataphoresis painting
In warehouses, racks are exposed to changes in temperature, humidity, continuous
transport of goods and operators. These factors can cause deterioration of the components
that make up the structures. This article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the
different methods and finishes available on the market to protect the metal profiles from the
effects of corrosion and oxidation.
What systems can be applied against
corrosion?
The components that are part of the racking should be protected against oxidation.
Scratches or lack of continuity in the coating
generate more vulnerabilities. For this reason, both the type of finish employed and
the pre-treatment applied are very important, which act as a second barrier protection against corrosion.
Different methods and systems coexist on
the market:
- Galvanized consists of covering the metal with zinc to protect and insulate it from
corrosion.
There are two options:
a. Pre-galvanized or sendzimir
b. Hot galvanized
- Painted profiles are coated with a paint
that acts as a physical barrier against the
onslaught of oxidizing environments,
thanks to the anti-corrosive effect of the
pigments and resins used.
There are two systems:
a. Electrostatic
b. Immersion by cataphoresis
Below, the article examines the main advantages and disadvantages of these protection systems for metal components.
Protection through galvanization
Pre-galvanized sheet metal
The finish of pre-galvanized elements is
procured by the immersion of the steel coil
in a bath of molten zinc in a continuous process. It is an operation carried out by the
steel manufacturers themselves. It creates
a coating with a thickness of between 14
and 19 µm.
This system entails certain advantages:
- The galvanization process is perfectly
controlled by the steel company and does
not require intermediate stages for the racking manufacturer.
- Perfect cleaning and preparation of
the base steel before galvanizing.
- Heat treatment preparation of the base
steel.
- Chemical passivation after galvanization by means of a chroming process.
- It is highly applicable for additional
racking elements, mainly those made of thin
sheet metal, and those which are subject to
constant friction.
However, this system also involves some
drawbacks:
- The finish is different according to each
manufacturer.
- Availability of steel grades suitable for
producing the racks is more restrictive than
with ungalvanized steel.
- The visual appearance deteriorates
over time and ends up looking old.
- Sheared and gashes are uncoated,
and although this is visible, they are still
protected by the adjacent zinc.
