Bare Spots
Bare spots, defined as uncoated areas on the steel surface, are the most common surface defect and occur because of inadequate surface preparation, welding slag, sand embedded in castings, excess aluminum in the galvanizing kettle, or lifting aids that prevent the coating from forming in a small area. Only very small areas, less than 1 inch in the narrowest dimension with a total of no more than 0.5%of the accessible surface area, may be renovated using ASTM A 780. This means narrow, bare areas may be repaired; however, if they are greater than one inch-square areas, the product must be regalvanized. In order to avoid bare spots, like those seen in Figure 24, the galvanizer must ensure the surfaces are clean and no contaminants are present after pretreatment. If the size of the bare spot or total surface area causes rejection, the parts may be stripped, regalvanized, and then re-inspected for compliance to the standards and specifications.
Blasting Damage
Blasting damage creates blistered or flaking areas on the surface of the galvanized product. Blasting damage follows abrasive blasting prior to painting of the galvanized steel. It is caused by incorrect blasting procedures creating shattering and delamination of the alloy layers in the zinc coating. Blasting damage, as seen in Figure 25, can be avoided when careful attention is paid to preparation of the product for painting. In addition, blast pressure should be greatly reduced according to ASTM D 6386. Since blasting damage is induced by a post-galvanizing process, the galvanizer is not responsible for the damage.
Chain and Wire Marks
Another type of surface defect occurs when steel is lifted and transported around the galvanizing plant using a chain or wire. These lifting aids can leave uncoated areas on the finished product that will need to be repaired. The superficial marks, like those seen in Figure 26, left on the galvanized coating from the lifting attachments are not grounds for rejection as long as marks can be repaired. ASTM specifications do not allow any bare spots on the finished galvanized part.
Clogged Holes
Clogged holes are holes partially or completely clogged with zinc metal. A good example is the screen shown in Figure 27. The zinc was trapped because liquid zinc will not drain easily from holes less than 3/10” (8mm) in diameter due to its high surface tension. Clogged holes can be minimized by making all holes as large as possible. The trapped zinc can be removed by using active fettling when the part is in the galvanizing kettle, vibrating the cranes to jostle the parts, or blowing compressed air onto the galvanized products. This condition is not a cause for rejection, unless it prevents the part from being used for its intended purpose.
Clogged Threads
Clogged threads are caused by poor drainage of a threaded section after the product is withdrawn from the galvanizing kettle. These clogged threads, as seen in Figure 28, can be cleaned by using post-galvanizing cleaning operations such as a centrifuge or by heating them with a torch to about 500 F (260 C) and then brushing them off with a wire brush to remove the excess zinc. Clogged threads must be cleaned before the part can be accepted.
