Hot Dip Galvanized Finish
The Best Solution for Protecting Against Corrosion and Rust
Drive Trailers offers hot-dip galvanizing as a premium finishing option, delivering unmatched corrosion protection for your trailer. This industrial-grade zinc coating creates a durable zinc-iron alloy barrier that stands up to harsh conditions, from winter road salt to demanding job sites. Each galvanized trailer is processed at Valmont Coatings and undergoes a multi-step treatment that ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance. The process includes thorough surface preparation and immersion in a molten zinc bath, resulting in a metallurgically bonded finish built for decades of use.
Step-by-Step Hot-Dip Galvanizing Process
1: Surface Preparation
Proper preparation is critical to achieving a high-quality galvanized finish. Steel must be completely clean before it’s immersed in molten zinc. The preparation stage includes:
Fluxing: Remaining oxides are removed in a zinc ammonium chloride solution. A protective layer is applied to prevent oxidation before the galvanizing stage.
Degreasing/Caustic Cleaning: Contaminants like dirt, grease, and oil are removed using a hot alkali solution, a mild acidic bath, or a biological cleaning bath.
Descaling: Mill scale and iron oxides are removed by immersing the steel in a heated sulfuric acid bath or an ambient hydrochloric acid solution.
2. Galvanizing
The cleaned steel is immersed in a molten zinc bath containing at least 98% pure zinc, maintained between 815°F and 850°F (435°C–455°C). As the steel and zinc react, they form bonded zinc-iron alloy layers, with a final outer layer of 100% zinc for maximum durability.
3: Inspection & Quality Control
Because zinc will not bond to unclean steel, a visual inspection quickly reveals coating quality. Coating thickness and adhesion are tested to meet ASTM galvanizing standards, ensuring every trailer receives a long-lasting protective finish.
Why Choose a Galvanized Drive Trailer?
- Superior corrosion resistance in all weather conditions
- Extended trailer lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Protection against road salt, chemicals, and abrasives
- Durable, bonded zinc coating that resists chipping and peeling