Electrogalvanizing

If you think steel is indestructible, think again. Bare steel is vulnerable, but there's an engineering process that transforms it into a champion of longevity: electrogalvanizing.

This isn't just a coating; it's the first line of defense, a material essential to the durability of products we use every single day—from your car's body panels and appliances, to critical infrastructure. Thanks to its low cost and excellent corrosion resistance, galvanized steel is one of the most widely used coated materials.

Today, electrogalvanized steel is crucial, especially in the automotive industry, where the goal is to keep vehicles free from cosmetic corrosion for decades. But how is this durability magic achieved? And, more importantly, how can we make this vital process more efficient and sustainable? The answer is a powerhouse of electrochemical innovation and precision.

Electrogalvanizing is a precision electrochemical process. It involves depositing a thin, uniform layer of zinc onto steel. The secret to its success lies in its dual-action mechanism:

1. Barrier Layer: The zinc coating acts as a physical shield against the elements.

2. Sacrificial Anode (Cathodic Protection): Even when the layer is scratched, the zinc corrodes instead of the underlying steel, protecting the base metal.
   
   

This technique allows for extremely precise coating control with minimal impact on the steel's properties, making it ideal for forming and painting operations. With over 5 million tons of zinc used annually worldwide, process optimization is not an option—it is an obligation.

This is where De Nora steps in. To make electrogalvanizing more efficient, reliable, and sustainable, we utilize the most advanced technology: Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA®).

• Maximum Energy Efficiency: Our Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO) based anodes on a titanium substrate are designed to ensure very low energy consumption and precise control over the zinc layer thickness. Their low overpotential for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) ensures significant energy savings.
  
  

• Reliability and Clean Process: Unlike traditional soluble anodes, DSA® are dimensionally stable and do not dissolve into the electrolyte. This means a cleaner process, minimal sludge formation, and consequently, significantly reduced maintenance needs, increasing uptime.
  
  

• Extended Sustainability: The durability is outstanding, and even as the catalytic layer gradually degrades, the titanium substrate can be reused through re-coating. This preserves the structure and extends the anode's lifecycle, defining the future of sustainable steel production.
  
  DSC anodes are not just a component; they have become the preferred solution in new electrogalvanizing plants worldwide. They guarantee the delivery of advanced electro-technologies that help the steel industry meet today's demands for performance, quality, and sustainability. Through our technology, we support the production of corrosion-resistant steel that touches every part of our daily lives.

  
  If you are ready to delve deeper into how De Nora's electrochemical science is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, and to hear directly from our experts about the impact of this technology on our planet, come and discover how we are powering progress in the electrogalvanization of steel.