Galvanising
is the process of adding a zinc or zinc/iron alloy protective layer
to normal steel.
A
Galvanised chassis offers greater protection where the vehicle is used
in a hostile environment where it may be exposed to mud, salt water
or abrasive grit and dust.
Marsland
Galvanised Chassis
Marsland
Chassis can supply chassis which have been hot dipped galvanised after
manufacture so that all integral chassis sections are treated.
The
chassis is immersed in a bath of molten zinc for a specified period
during which time a zinc/iron alloy coating forms on the metal surface
with a top layer consisting of pure zinc.
Appearance
Galvanised
chassis may be left in their 'natural' state or painted with conventional
finishes after etch priming, the cosmetic appearance of each Galvanised
chassis is unique however and may vary from dark grey to a light grey
metallic appearance.
Drilling
and Welding
Where
drilling or welding operations take place after the galvanising the
integrity of the protection may be compromised.
It
is recommended that the affected area is thoroughly cleaned with wire
brushing or abrasive cleaners and then painted with Zinc rich paint
to at least the thickness of the original coating.
It
should be noted that because of the sacrificial metal action of the
zinc coating small scratches or chips tend to be self healing.
Staining
Sometimes
rust coloured staining of the galvanised surface may occur, this is
not necessarily a sign that the protection has failed. Where untreated
nuts, bolts or washers are in contact with the galvanised metal then
superficial surface staining may occur, another source of staining may
be metal swarf or filings that have become deposited on the galvanised
surfaces.
It
is therefore important to ensure properly galvanised fixings are used
and that any untreated metal deposits are thoroughly removed from the
galvanised chassis after final assembly.
