4 Reasons Why Galvanizing for OEM Products Is Vital
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For more than 100 years, hot-dip galvanizing has been an instrumental part in original equipment manufacturing products (OEM). Not only does galvanizing for OEM products help create a strong, corrosion-resistant product, but it can also enhance and improve it.
Galvanizing is a process where steel is dipped in a molten zinc bath. As a result, this zinc provides rust protection, preserving the material underneath. The result is not only longevity, but it’s an economical option, as galvanized materials also require less maintenance.
When you consider that the annual cost of metallic corrosion in the U.S. exceeds $496 billion, you can understand why hot-dip galvanization is vital to the success of OEM products, according to information from the American Galvanizer’s Association.
At South Atlantic, we’re the Southeast’s leading galvanizer, trusted by national companies for more than 50 years. All of our products undergo our rigorous 25-point quality assurance process. We’d love to be your partner in your latest project, and getting a quote is quick and easy. Just contact us today.
If you’re not sure if galvanizing for OEM products is right for you, we’ll review four reasons why you should consider it.
4 Reasons Why You Should Use Galvanizing for OEM Products
1. Superior Rust Resistance
Galvanizing provides a protective zinc coating. Zinc is vital in preventing rust and oxidation. For this reason, it’s a good choice for maritime environments or for areas where it will be exposed to excessive salt and moisture.
2. Extensive Durability
Zinc becomes a part of the object’s surface, and as a result, it resists issues like flaking, peeling or corrosion. Not only is this critical to preservation, but because zinc is “sacrificial,” it will rust in place of the steel.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
While galvanizing costs more initially, this investment more than pays for itself because galvanized materials require less maintenance over the life of the project. As a result, it significantly reduces the total cost of ownership for OEMs by extending the product life.
4. Environmentally Responsible
Because galvanized materials are recyclable, it is a “green” choice. Galvanizing provides a long service life and means less material waste. In addition, the galvanizing process itself has grown more energy-efficient throughout the decades.
What Types of OEM Products Can Be Galvanized?
There are hundreds of possibilities when you’re dealing with galvanizing for OEM products. Zinc’s protective durability makes it an asset to your company’s ventures.
Some additional examples of what can be made with galvanized materials include:
- Material-handling equipment
- Truck and trailer bodies
- WIP containers
- Salt spreaders
- Scaffolding
This list only scratches the surface. You can clearly see how galvanization lends itself to extensive variety and dependability.
What Are the Benefits of Using Galvanized OEM Products?
We briefly reviewed some of these above, touching base on the long-term corrosion resistance, durability and lower maintenance that are the hallmarks of galvanized materials.
To recap, additional benefits include:
- Aesthetics: The modern, sleek appearance is often desired in construction and building projects.
- Lifetime cost savings: According to the American Galvanizers Association, more than $121 billion is spent each year on corrosion protection systems. As we mentioned earlier, the cost of corrosion can exceed $400 billion, so investing in long-term corrosion prevention planning can create significant savings.
- Full coverage: Because of the galvanizing process, materials have uniform and complete coverage. You don’t have to worry about corrosion appearing around edges, holes and tubes. In fact, even scratched zinc can still provide protection.
Can Galvanized Materials Be Easily Combined With Other Materials?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is that combining galvanized steel with other materials is very nuanced, and there are several details and practices that should be carefully considered.
This is because when you combine a metal like galvanized steel with another metal material, you get a bimetallic couple. This means you must account for the corrosion protection potential of the other metal relative to zinc. It is also crucial to consider the potential benefits and risks in areas where the two metals are in direct contact.
Don’t worry. We know that combining materials can involve a lot of time and preparation. Our experts are here to help you. Remember that we will stand by you throughout your entire venture. If you have any questions about our galvanization process and any interactions with other materials, we encourage you to reach out to us.
What Are the Long-Term Savings of Using Galvanized OEM Products?
We’ve already discussed the cost of corrosion and the billions spent on corrosion protection systems. But were you also aware that when materials are galvanized, they can last more than 70 years?
Long-term savings come from:
- Less need for maintenance
- A track record of durability
- A longer life cycle
- Reduced downtime (which is vital for OEM equipment)
While galvanized metals may have a higher upfront cost, over the long term it is a more economical choice.
Need Hot-Dip Galvanizing for OEM Products? At South Atlantic, Our Fixed Estimates Mean No Hidden Surcharges
When your project has a tight deadline, you need to have a reliable partner who will give reliable quotes and galvanize what you need in a timely fashion. For more than 50 years, we’ve been trusted by nationally recognized companies.
Contact us for a quote so we can help ensure you’re prepared for your latest venture. No matter what, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways:
- Hot-dip galvanizing has been used for over 100 years to create strong, corrosion-resistant OEM products.
- The galvanizing process coats steel with zinc, forming a durable layer that prevents rust and oxidation.
- Galvanized materials are cost-effective over time because they require little maintenance and last decades.
- With corrosion costs exceeding $496 billion annually in the U.S., galvanizing offers major long-term savings.
- Zinc’s “sacrificial” protection ensures the underlying steel stays intact even when the surface layer corrodes.
- Galvanized steel is ideal for harsh environments such as coastal or industrial areas with high moisture or salt exposure.
- Galvanizing is environmentally friendly due to its recyclability and improved energy efficiency in modern processes.
- OEM products that benefit from galvanizing include truck and trailer bodies, salt spreaders, and scaffolding.
- The sleek, modern appearance of galvanized materials enhances aesthetics in many applications.
- Galvanized coatings provide full coverage, even on edges and welds, offering superior and uniform protection.
- Combining galvanized steel with other materials requires care to prevent galvanic corrosion but can be done successfully.
- Galvanized products can last 70 years or more, reducing downtime and extending the life cycle of OEM equipment.
South Atlantic’s 25-point quality assurance process ensures top performance and reliability for every galvanized product.
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Sources:
American Galvanizers Association, “HDG Use in Original Equipment Manufacturing,” https://galvanizeit.org/hdg-in-use/original-equipment-manufacturing
American Galvanizers Association, “Original Equipment Manufacturing,” https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery?sector=original-equipment-manufacturing
American Galvanizers Association, “In Contact With Other Metals,” https://galvanizeit.org/hot-dip-galvanizing/how-long-does-hdg-last/in-contact-with-other-metals
