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Electro-galvanizing - the perfect complement to HVAC painting
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| 11 Sep 2013 |
HVAC paints are used to protect systems and units that exhibit varying temperatures, such as air conditioning units. The constant flow and convergence of hot and cold air causes damage to the base material of the main metal unit, however, when HVAC paint is applied over a component that has been electro-galvanized, its performance and life is expected to increase anywhere between 2 – 20 years.
Traditionally, before applying the prime coat of paint – HVAC paint – painters would apply a zinc epoxy primer to the unit by either brushing or spraying. This primer consists of only 3 – 4 per cent of zinc content in the undercoat, which is then mixed with promoters, resins, solvents and more.
Mr. Rajeev Daswani, Managing Director of Marami Metal Plating, said: “When you put a layer of electro-galvanized zinc on the component, you are putting on 7 – 20 microns of pure zinc as an undercoat. Although this is seen as an extra cost, treating the base material in this way will enhance the overall life of the component.”
The process of electro-galvanizing forms an electrical bond between the zinc and the metal from the unit being coated, allowing for better surface adhesion. Furthermore, there is increased tensile strength and compared to other alternatives, it is extremely eco-friendly.
“An alternative to zinc coating is chrome, which is still being done today in the region,” said Mr. Daswani. “However, using chrome-based primers is carcinogenic in nature and is causing health concerns in Europe. We would highly recommend that people opt for zinc epoxies as it is proven to be significantly effective in corrosion resistance and safe across all industries regardless of its use.”
Spraying or brushing on the undercoat layer of zinc epoxy is heavily regulated in the UAE with numerous health and safety measures, requirements that include spray booths and more. It is in fact considerably easier to have a local ISO certified electro-galvanizing company that already has the systems in place to eliminate all the additional problems.
In the long run, Mr. Daswani stated that the HVAC painted units can significantly benefit from extremely strong three-fold protection by first electro-galvanizing the unit, then adding a thin layer of zinc epoxy primer and then finish with a coat of HVAC paint.
Another benefit of electro-galvanizing the base metal is that painters can reduce or even eliminate the amount of zinc primer that is sprayed or brushed on the component, reducing costs, whilst still providing optimal protection.
Mr. Daswani stated: “Initially, there will be an incremental cost to maximize protection of the units with these three steps, however in the long run, performance increases, inevitable corrosion is delayed, and the aesthetic finish is close to perfect.”
Marami Metal Plating is a complete Metal Service Center (MSC) with approximately 18 years of experience in industrial plating and works with highly reputable organizations and multinationals in the construction, petroleum, marine and industrial industries.
Marami system features include: complete hard chrome plating setup; complete SPIN Hot Dip Galvanizing system (a pioneering system in the region); complete Electro-Galvanizing setup; complete Electroless Nickel plating setup; complete Nickel Sulfamate, tin plating and copper plating setups; complete Manganese & Zinc Phosphate and Black Oxidizing setups; and machine shop with lathes, grinders, welding and polishing systems.
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