Wire Galvanizing: Non-Ferrous Metals & Silicon Carbide
There are many ways to prevent metal alloys from succumbing to corrosion or oxidation while in use. Their chemical composition can be altered to increase the concentration of anti-corrosive elements, such as molybdenum (Mo), for instance. Yet, this is often unsuitable as changing the elemental composition of the product would yield chemical/mechanical changes that could alter workability, inhibit performance, reduce tolerances, and so on.
In products like wiring, where dimensional tolerances are already incredibly fine, the preferred method of increasing corrosion resistance is coating, or surface treatment. One of the leading solutions in this instance is wire galvanization. Sometimes referred to as hot-dipping, wire galvanizing refers to the process where metal wires with a protective layer of the non-ferrous metal zinc (Zn).
What is Wire Galvanization?
They are subsequently wiped before the zinc coating sets to ensure ideal coating uniformity.
Using Silicon Carbide in Wire Galvanizing
Silicon carbide (SiC) is an advanced technical ceramic that has been exploited by engineers for decades. One of the first fine ceramics used in mass industrial processes, it remains one of the leading solutions for challenging working environments associated with high chemical, mechanical, and thermal demands.
Heater tubes in non-ferrous metal hot-dip baths, for instance, are routinely fabricated using silicon carbide due to the ceramic’s exceptional thermodynamic stability and chemical integrity. Cryston® Max immersion heaters from Saint-Gobain High-Performance Ceramics & Refractories are engineered for greater lifetime expectancies, reducing ongoing maintenance requirements to ultimately increase production output.
At Saint-Gobain, we have leveraged our unprecedented experience in advanced metallurgy and technical ceramics to implement unique silicon carbide solutions throughout continuous hot-dip processes. Our cast Refrax® wire guides and sinker stones supplement high-performance ceramic heaters to increase throughput and ensure greater productivity over time. With exceptional resistance to molten non-ferrous metals, our silicon carbide solutions are also available as acid sliders, beams, and combs which can significantly increase the output of wire galvanizing baths.
If you would like more information about how Saint-Gobain silicon carbide products can assist with your wire galvanizing processes, or learn more about our non-ferrous metals expertise, simply contact a member of the team.
