Your search did not yield any results

Site Pages

Dr. Galv KnowledgeBase

News

Whose responsibility is it to clear holes clogged during galvanizing?

Clogged Holes
Clogged Holes

ASTM A123/A123M discusses clogged holes in Section 6.4 Appearance and states:

  • Plain holes of ½ inches diameter or more shall be clean and reasonably free from excess zinc.

The galvanizer is responsible for ensuring holes ½ inch in diameter do not have excess zinc, such as clogged holes or other heavy deposits of zinc that would interfere with the intended use of the product. Be sure to inspect holes before delivery to the customer. For holes under a ½ inch in diameter, the galvanizer is not responsible for clearing clogged holes. In those instances, the fabricator or other galvanizing customer is responsible for clearing clogged holes.

Clogged holes can be cleaned by heating the area of the hole and using a metal bristle brush to clear out the excess zinc. There are two ways to decrease the chances for zinc clogging holes during galvanizing. Zinc chemistry plays a role in reducing surface tension. Lead and bismuth, and to a lesser extent aluminum reduce the surface tension of zinc and help it to flow more easily off the steel as the part is being removed from the galvanizing kettle. One way the galvanizer has control over zinc flow from the steel is how the piece is oriented when hung for dipping. Hanging the steel (and removing it from the kettle) in a more vertical manner will help the zinc to flow down and away from holes. When steel is hung horizontally (or removed from the kettle horizontally), the zinc tends to gather at holes rather than flow away from them.


Was this answer helpful? YES       | NO

Are you still looking for the right answer? Ask an Expert

Add Your Comment