Hot Dip Galvanizing

The only process that chemically bonds steel with molten zinc to form one of the most durable, resilient and maintenance free coating systems available. High-quality hot dip galvanising process.

What is Galvanizing?

Hot dip galvanizing is a method of protecting steel from corrosion by dipping it in a bath of molten zinc.

The steel reacts with the zinc creating an alloy that metallurgically bonds to the surface of the steel.

Layers of zinc form on top, providing a tough, abrasion resistant coating that will be truly maintenance free for many years to come. We are able to fully carry out hot dip galvanizing in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, throughout Scotland and beyond.

Process & Capabilities

The Galvanizing Process
Size Capability

Our galvanizing bath in Elgin measures 10.5m long x 1.1m wide x 2.5m deep which allows processing of steelwork of up to 15m in length and 1.05m  in width.

Our galvanizing bath in Cumbernauld measures 7m long x 1.2m wide x 3m deep which allows processing of steelwork of up to 10.5m in length and 1.15m in width.

The width of an item is usually the main determining point on whether an item is suitable for galvanizing. The metal will expand as it is heated in the zinc bath therefore an expansion  tolerance must be allowed for at the design stage.

The maximum lifting capacity including equipment is 4 tonnes at both plants.

scotland hot dip galvanizing

Hot Dip Galvanizing Benefits

Corrosion Benefits

  • All surfaces of the steel are galvanized, whether they are visible, hidden, external or internal.
  • Unlike most other coatings the galvanizing is bonded metallurgically to the steel through the formation of Iron and Zinc alloys.
  • The galvanizing forms a barrier stopping the steel from reacting with the environment.
  • The galvanizing also provides sacrificial action if the coating is damaged, with the zinc sacrificing itself to protect the steel below. This is due to zinc being  more active than steel in the metal reactivity series.

Economic Benefits

  • The initial cost of galvanizing will be comparable to a two coat paint system but when the whole life cost is taken into consideration galvanizing can work out to be substantially more cost effective. This is due to galvanizing being maintenance free therefore eliminating the requirement for maintenance repainting.

Longevity Benefits

  • Galvanizing can last for well over 100 years depending on location. To find out how long galvanizing will last in your area click on this link. Zinc Corrosion Map

Physical Benefits

  • Galvanizing is a tough, abrasion resistant coating that provides resistance to mechanical damage during transit and erection.
  • The alloy layers formed next to the steel are harder than the base steel itself.
  • The softer zinc top layers absorb much of the shock from handling impacts.

Environmental Benefits

  • The longevity and maintenance free nature of galvanizing reduces the energy demand of structures in the built environment.
  • Waste energy and by-products from the galvanizing process are recycled to be used in other parts of the process and other industries.
  • Little or  no packaging reduces the waste that is generated.

Speed Benefits

  • The coating is available in as little as 24 hours.
  • The tough nature of the coating ensures minimum packaging and protection leading to speedy erection on site.

Quality & Specification

Every hot dip galvanizer can apply a coating of zinc to steel; it’s the way they do it that makes the difference. The level of service, process controls and quality checks can make the difference between a satisfied or dissatisfied customer.

At Highland we operate a robust quality management system which complies with ISO 9001 and is audited annually, ensuring that we are constantly striving to improve the level of service that we provide. Our current certificates can be viewed by clicking on the following link.

All material galvanized by Highland is processed in accordance with ISO 1461 – Hot Dip Galvanizing – the international galvanizing standard. By specifying ISO 1461 the customer is defining the method of cleaning and preparation prior to galvanizing and the coating thickness and appearance of the steelwork post galvanizing.

Projects we are proud to have been involved in …

What can you galvanize?

Anything that is made from mild steel and fits within our sizes capabilities.

Top 6 Facts About Hot Dip Galvanizing

Galvanising Adds Years Of Service Time

  • The hop-dip galvanizing process is proven to add years of service time to your steel parts which makes it a much more durable process with minimal maintenance required throughout the years. Because of the durability of the galvanising process, it is also proven to be much more cost-effective than alternate methods such as painting or powder coating.

Best Process For Corrosion Prevention

  • The galvanizing process is one of the best processes for preventing corrosion due to the fact that the process involves coupling fabricated steel with molten zinc. The alloy produced from this reaction is then bonded to the steel or iron which ensures the prevention of corrosion.

Our Air Is Cleaner

  • Our air is actually cleaner and less contaminated with corrosive emissions thanks to hot-dip galvanising. This is because galvanizing parts use relatively low volumes of water compared to alternate coating technologies that are available for businesses. Waste water is very limited with this process.

It Is Used For Dozens Of Industries

  • The great thing about the galvanizing process is the fact that can it be used for dozens of industries to a high standard and on a wide scale. There are various benefits to it with some of the main industries using it including construction, outdoor furniture, utilities, industrial plant equipment, agriculture and many more.

The Process Is Over 150 Years Old

  • Galvanizing is a process that has been around for 150 years now. The great thing about this is that is has been a proven process for over a century and a half and is still one of the best processes used. By 1850, the British galvanizing industry was using 10,000 tonnes of zinc a year for the protection of iron. 

It’s Highly Durable In Harsh Conditions

  • Hot-dip galvanizing is predominantly used outdoors and in outside areas and it provides outstanding toughness and durability even against the harshest of conditions. Regardless of storms, heavy rain or snow, the galvanised coating’s abrasion resistance and uniform protection shields against all potential damage.
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