Why Should Galvanizing Be Considered Before Production?
When a steel bracket includes welded plates, hollow sections or enclosed spaces, the design needs to be reviewed before the part is sent for hot-dip galvanizing.
The galvanizing process requires suitable access for cleaning solutions and molten zinc, as well as a way for air and liquids to escape. Poorly designed enclosed areas can create processing difficulties and safety risks.
The American Galvanizers Association recommends discussing enclosed or partially enclosed fabrications with the galvanizer before fabrication, when design changes are still easier to make.
1. Review Welded Joints
Weld locations and joint geometry can affect the finished product.
Before production, the buyer and manufacturer should review:
- The specified weld locations and dimensions
- Whether overlapping areas could trap cleaning solutions or zinc
- The removal of welding flux and other surface contaminants
- Any appearance or dimensional requirements after galvanizing
These details should be addressed in accordance with the approved design and applicable fabrication requirements.
2. Consider Venting and Drainage
Hollow sections and enclosed fabrications require particular attention.
Suitable venting and drainage allow air to escape and molten zinc to flow through the component during galvanizing. The appropriate hole locations and sizes depend on the design and should be agreed with the galvanizer.
Extra holes should not be added to a finished drawing without review, because they may affect the component’s function, appearance or structural requirements.
3. Check Dimensional Requirements
Fabrication and hot-dip galvanizing can both influence the final dimensions of a component.
For parts with tight fits, threaded features or closely spaced components, discuss the relevant tolerances and finishing sequence before production.
Where necessary, the drawing may need to specify how critical dimensions are to be checked.
4. Review the Complete Process Before Making Samples
A practical workflow for custom steel brackets may include:
- Drawing and specification review.
- Confirmation of material and fabrication details.
- Review of galvanizing requirements.
- Sample production and dimensional inspection.
- Surface treatment and final checks.
- Customer approval before mass production, where required.
The exact workflow depends on the product and customer requirements.
Custom Brackets Designed for Manufacturing
At Borhaf, we work with customer drawings to manufacture custom metal parts through processes such as laser cutting, bending and welding.
Early technical communication helps us identify details that may need clarification before production.
Developing a welded bracket for hot-dip galvanizing?
Send us your drawing and surface treatment specification. We can review the manufacturing details with you before quotation.
