We commit to supplying the highest quality products to customers. It is our main focus because we believe it is what you deserve. People pay good money for these parts. In return, we ensure that they receive the finest ERW tubes in the UK. The tubing features the best materials, and we also subject it to careful finishing and testing. As a result, you can use it with confidence.
One of the special things we offer with our tubes is pre-galvanised. The demand for these is increasing. There are multiple applications for the tube in transportation, electronics, and construction to name a few. Some of the most common techniques to galvanise the tubing include electrostatic and hot-dip galvanising. What we will focus on here are the distinctions that exist between the two so you can decide which to use.
The galvanisation process
This is a technique that many manufacturers use to augment the corrosion resistance of various metal parts, including ERW tubes. Usually, ferrous metals react with oxygen to produce iron oxide. We know it as rust. With galvanisation, we introduce a zinc coating to supply protection. The coat stops the oxidising and amplifies the metal’s longevity. How you create the coating differs between galvanising strategies.
Hot dipped galvanising leaves a pure zinc coating which is slightly rough and dark. In terms of aesthetics, the appearance is normally a silvery-white shade. It is generally a thick layer as well. The thickness depends on the duration of the dipping. The steel’s composition and roughness matter too.
As for electrostatic galvanisation, the coating is dense and uniform. There is a bright and smooth appearance. The coating’s colour is primarily yellow-green. However, it is possible for it to achieve other colours like iridescent, green, white, blue-white, and more. The zinc coating is a lot thinner as well. Its thickness relies on the liquid solution’s electrolyte temperature, as well as the current density.
Which methods to use?
Hot-dip is the best solution for certain metal products. These are ones for use in high traffic, demanding applications. This is because it provides long service life, robust corrosion resistance, and thickness. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for those items you will expose to the elements. Examples include construction materials like tubing, grating, and pulley systems.
With electrostatic galvanisation, it is more appropriate for applications where aesthetic appearance is the priority. This includes materials that will only need to last a few years. It also comes in handy for projects that need tight tolerances.
We can cover your specifications for ERW tubes
At Union Steel Tubes, we are certain we can satisfy the needs of all our customers. We are confident because we have more than two hundred different sizes of tube available. In addition, there are separate shapes like oval, rectangular, and square, and we can give you a cutting service to offer various lengths.
So, if you would like to purchase our ERW tubes, please let us know. Our prices are excellent and you can expect consistent, reliable quality from us.