Welding Zinc Coated Sheet Metal

Similar to scratched areas of the coating also in the narrow weld the sacrificial effect of the zinc based coating provides cathodic corrosion protection.

Welding zinc coated sheet metal.

When welding zinc coated steel you need to be extra careful to avoid inhaling the fumes. Unless there is a thick zinc coating flux core welding is the same process as welding non galvanized steel you select your volts and the amp output of your welder according to the thickness of the metal you re welding. When you arc weld galvanized steel the heat produced by the welding arc is high enough to vaporize the zinc coating. Zinc is the coating used on galvanized metals and when you heat the metal it produces vaporized metal droplets which are called fumes.

This results from the variation in boiling points between zinc lower and steel. Welding of zinc coated steel can be done but specific precautions should be taken. Do you weld on galvanized metals. When any fusion welding methods are used the heat input must be as minimal as possible in order to limit the heated zone in the metal coated sheet.

One of the most significant health hazards in the welding process is the generation of fumes and gasses. When galvanized steel is arc welded the heat of the welding arc vaporizes the zinc coating in the weld area. The heat of the arc will burn off the zinc coating without problems. Coated steels mainly having zinc coatings are readily welded provided that the important factors are understood and the process is set up appropriately.

This is because the boiling point of zinc is below the melting point of steel. Welding galvanized steel is a dangerous task since the galvanized zinc coating on the metal becomes extremely toxic when it s heated. Take the proper safety precautions by wearing a welding mask a good welding respirator gloves and an apron.