Let’s look at the physics of the process, the correct equipment and the rules for taking measurements.

What instrument should be used to take the measurement? (And why an automotive one won’t do)

The main mistake many customers make during inspection is using cheap automotive paint thickness gauges (designed to check car paintwork) or devices intended solely for thin-film electroplating.

What’s the problem?

Hot-dip galvanising is not simply a layer of paint on top. When metal is immersed in molten zinc, a complex iron-zinc alloy (a diffusion layer) is formed. Cheap devices and automotive sensors ‘get confused’: they detect the iron within the zinc coating itself and produce critically low or erratic results.

What should you use?

For professional and indisputable acceptance testing of steel structures in Ukraine, the quality standard is expert-level equipment from the market leader in non-destructive testing — NVF ‘Ultrakon’. The optimal choice is the TP-44M magnetic coating thickness gauge.

The most important rule: The TP-44M device must be fitted with an F2-type magnetic sensor. The F2 sensor is specifically designed for testing hot-dip galvanised coatings. The use of automotive ‘beepers’ or unsuitable sensors will result in incorrect readings. The TP-44M must be set to measure in micrometres (mkm).

At the Metal Invest Plant, the minimum average thickness of the hot-dip galvanised coating, in accordance with DSTU EN ISO 1461, is 85 mkm for steel over 6 mm thick, 70mkm for steel between 3 and 6 mm thick, and 55 µm for steel between 1.5 and 3 mm thick. The thicker the metal, the thicker the zinc layer required by the standard.

Hot-dip galvanising protects steel from corrosion for decades, but only if the thickness of the zinc coating complies with the standards. This article sets out the specifications in micrometres, explains what affects the thickness of the zinc coating, and provides a step-by-step guide on how to check the coating when accepting steel structures.

Zinc coating thickness specifications in accordance with DSTU EN ISO 1461

The standard specifies two parameters: local (minimum at any point) and average (based on a series of measurements on the product). The average thickness is used as a guide when accepting a batch.

Table for products not treated by centrifugation (metal structures, supports, masts, sections); for metal fittings and small parts, a different table from the standard (centrifugation) applies.

To avoid confusion: in quick reference guides, the standard is often referred to by a single figure — this is the average coating thickness: 85 mkm for thick metal, 70 mkm for medium-thickness metal, and 55 mkm for thin metal.

What determines the thickness of hot-dip galvanising

Hot-dip galvanising is not simply a coat of paint on top. When the metal is immersed in molten zinc, an iron-zinc alloy (diffusion layer) forms on the metal; therefore, the thickness of the coating depends on:

• the thickness of the steel — the thicker the metal, the thicker the zinc coating. Profiles with thicknesses of 7 and 12 mm fall within the same range (over 6 mm), so the standard for them is the same;
• the chemical composition of the steel — reactive steel with a high silicon content is galvanised extremely quickly, and the zinc layer on it turns out thicker;
• the geometry of the product — proximity to edges, holes and welded joints alters the distribution of the coating.

Why ‘more zinc’ is not always better

Sometimes, a single welded structure combines components made from different grades of steel. If reaction steel is present, keeping the product in the molten zinc for extra time ‘to achieve the required thickness’ on the standard components is impractical and dangerous. On reactive steel, the zinc layer becomes excessive and brittle, creating a risk of reduced adhesion: the coating flakes and peels away from the metal upon even slight mechanical contact. The process engineer always seeks a balance to avoid damaging the product: the standard is the minimum required, not the goal of ‘the thicker, the better’.

How to measure the thickness of a zinc coating: which thickness gauge to choose

The thickness of a hot-dip galvanised coating is checked using a magnetic thickness gauge fitted with a sensor specifically designed for hot-dip galvanised coatings and calibrated in micrometres (mkm). Cheap automotive thickness gauges (for paint on car bodies) and devices designed for thin electroplating are not suitable for this purpose: hot-dip galvanised coatings contain an iron-zinc alloy, so the readings from such devices may be underestimated or unstable.

An example of a device for professional acceptance testing in Ukraine is the TP-44M magnetic coating thickness gauge from the ‘Ultrakon’ Research and Production Enterprise. For hot-dip galvanising, it is fitted with an F2-type magnetic sensor; without this, or with an unsuitable sensor, the readings will be inaccurate.

Cleanliness, contact pressure, edges: 4 rules for accurate measurement

Clean surface. The metal at the measurement point must be dry and free from dirt, grease and white tarnish (the result of natural zinc oxidation).

1. Clean surface. The metal at the measurement point must be dry and free from dirt, oil, grease and white deposits (products of natural zinc oxidation).
2. Perpendicular probe placement. Hold the probe perpendicular to the surface and press it firmly into place in one steady movement, without tilting. Do not slide the probe across the metal: place it, record the reading, then lift it.
3. Keep away from edges and welds. Avoid taking measurements near component edges, holes, corners and weld areas. Keep the probe at least 10–15 mm away from any edge.
4. Account for the geometry. When measuring a round pipe, position the probe so that its axis aligns with the pipe’s radius.

Methodology for the acceptance of galvanised steel structures based on significant surfaces

To ensure the inspection is objective, a representative sample is required:

1.  Distribute measurements evenly. For a long beam, column or support, take several measurements at the beginning, middle and end. If a component has several faces, take more measurements on the larger faces.
2. Follow the steel thickness range. Assess components within the same thickness range together. For example, measurements on 7 mm and 12 mm sections are combined into a single assessment (over 6 mm).
3. Check the average value. Take a series of 5–10 measurements across the significant surfaces of components within the same thickness range, and use the instrument’s automatic averaging function. Coating quality is assessed using the average, rather than a single reading.
4. Treat the structure as a single item. If a welded structure consists of components within the same steel thickness range, assess it as a whole; there is no need to measure every channel, angle or plate individually.

What is not measured: stiffeners, gussets, brackets

Small components — gussets, stiffeners, brackets — cannot be checked with a thickness gauge. Due to their complex geometry, proximity to edges and welded seams, they cause an ‘edge effect’ that distorts the sensor’s magnetic field, and even a precise instrument will display incorrect readings. Coating thickness is assessed only on the main significant surfaces.

The ‘next product’ rule: when a measurement shows a borderline value

If a measurement at a particular point on a single product yields a borderline result, do not rush to reject the batch. Hot-dip galvanising is a complex physico-chemical process, and the procedure requires you to take the next product from the same batch (with components within the same thickness range) and repeat the test. The quality of the batch is assessed based on the overall sample.

Frequently asked questions about the thickness of the zinc coating

For steel over 6 mm thick — 85 µm (average) and 70 µm (local); for 3–6 mm thick — 70 and 55 µm; for 1.5–3 mm thick — 55 and 45 µm.

Hot-dip galvanising of steel structures in Cherkasy with quality control standards

‘Metal Invest’ carries out hot-dip galvanising on its own production line with a 14-metre bath, so we can protect even large steel structures without cutting them. Production capacity is up to 500 tonnes per month, with a full production cycle: from cutting and fabrication to galvanising. We also accept hardware and small metal structures for processing on our new galvanising line. 

Would you like to calculate the cost or clarify the coating thickness requirements for your product? Submit an enquiry at metalinvest.ua

The post How to check the thickness of a hot-dip galvanised coating: a guide for buyers appeared first on Metal Invest.

What is hot-dip galvanising?

Hot-dip galvanising (the hot or immersion method) involves immersing a metal product in a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of 440–460 °C. As a result, a zinc-iron alloy forms on the surface, which is firmly bonded to the metal at a molecular level.

Key characteristics:

Coating thickness: 50–120 mkm, depending on the thickness of the metal (regulated by DSTU EN ISO 1461)

Service life: 25–50 years, depending on operating conditions

The coating is uniform on all sides, including internal cavities and welded seams

Production process — immersion in an industrial bath (for example, a 14-metre-long bath allows large-scale structures to be treated in a single pass, without joint connections)

What is cold galvanising?

Cold galvanising involves applying a zinc-rich paint or primer to a metal surface using a brush, roller or spray gun, without heating the workpiece.

Key characteristics:

Coating thickness: 20–40 mkm per coat

Service life: 5–15 years, requires periodic renewal

The bond is mechanical (adhesive) rather than metallurgical — that is, the coating adheres to the surface rather than fusing with it

Suitable for repairing damaged areas on hot-dip galvanised products, and for painting large-scale structures on site where immersion in a galvanising bath is not possible

Comparative table

What to choose: practical criteria

For new metal structures intended for long-term use (supports, masts, frames, fencing), hot-dip galvanising is the best option: it ensures the maximum service life without the need for maintenance.

For small fasteners and metal fittings manufactured in large batches, hot-dip galvanising is also recommended; it ensures uniform coverage of threads and internal surfaces.

For repairing welded joints after installation or localised damage to the galvanised coating, cold galvanising with zinc-rich paint is used, as it is not possible to re-dip a structure that has already been installed.

For projects with a limited budget and a short service life, cold galvanising may be a temporary solution; however, the savings on the initial cost usually result in higher maintenance costs in the long term.

FAQ

The post How hot-dip galvanising differs from cold galvanising appeared first on Metal Invest.

A reliable power transmission line starts not with the conductors, but with the tower. The tower bears the weight of the conductors, wind and ice loads, span tension, and forces at line direction changes. A mistake in calculating or selecting the tower type can cost more than the structure itself — resulting in emergency outages, unplanned repairs, and risks to personnel.

Metalinvest specializes in manufacturing power transmission line towers for overhead power lines with voltage classes from 0.4 kV to 110 kV and above. Our products include steel lattice towers, angle towers, and anchor towers, manufactured according to standard designs or individual customer drawings, with hot-dip galvanizing for long-term corrosion protection. We supply towers to energy companies, contractors, construction and industrial enterprises throughout Ukraine.

Manufacturing Power Transmission Towers: How It Works

Manufacturing a power transmission tower is not simply a matter of mass production. It is an engineering process in which every stage affects how long the tower will operate without repairs.

Technical specifications and load calculation. At the initial stage, the line voltage class, terrain type (open, forested, mountainous), regional wind and ice loads, line turning angle (for angle towers), and span length are determined. These parameters define the required steel section, tower height, and foundation connection method.

Design. For standard transmission lines, proven tower designs that comply with applicable standards are used. For non-standard conditions — complex routes, increased loads, or limited space for tower installation — an individual design is developed.

Steel structure manufacturing. Depending on the design, the tower is assembled from steel angle sections or tubular sections using welded and bolted connections. Lattice towers are manufactured in sections for easier transportation and on-site assembly.

Hot-dip galvanizing. The finished steel structure is immersed in molten zinc, creating a protective coating designed to provide long-term corrosion protection. This is particularly important for structures that remain exposed to weather conditions for decades.

Delivery and installation support. Towers are delivered to the site either disassembled or partially assembled. Technical support for installation can also be provided if required.

Power transmission towers can be manufactured according to a standard design (faster and more cost-effective) or according to an individual customer drawing when standard solutions do not meet the requirements of a specific route or load.

Steel Lattice Power Transmission Towers

A lattice tower is a three-dimensional truss structure made of steel angle sections connected into triangular sections. This design provides high structural strength with a relatively low steel weight compared with solid-wall towers.

Applications:

• long-distance transmission lines where reducing the amount of steel per kilometer of route is important;
• regions with increased wind and ice loads, where the lattice structure provides effective load distribution;
• high- and extra-high-voltage lines (35 kV, 110 kV and above), where considerable tower height is required.

Advantages over reinforced concrete towers:

• Lower weight during transportation and installation — heavy lifting equipment may not always be required;
• Repairability — a damaged section can be replaced without dismantling the entire tower;
• Resistance to mechanical loads with potentially smaller foundation dimensions;
• Long service life with high-quality galvanizing — unlike reinforced concrete, steel structures do not suffer from internal reinforcement corrosion.

Angle Power Transmission Towers

Where a power transmission line changes direction, a standard straight tower may not withstand the lateral load — the conductors pull the structure sideways with a force proportional to the turning angle. This is why angle power transmission towers are used: reinforced structures specifically designed to withstand this lateral force.

Key features:

• reinforced foundations and additional bracing to compensate for the lateral pull of the conductors;
• calculation of the angle load depends on the turning angle, number of conductors, and climatic loads in the region;
• installed at points where the transmission route changes direction and often combined with the function of an anchor tower when the turning angle is significant.

Choosing the wrong tower type — for example, using an intermediate tower instead of an angle tower at a line turn — is one of the common causes of conductor failures during the early years of operation.

Anchor Power Transmission Towers

An anchor tower is a “fixing point” of a power transmission line. Unlike an intermediate tower, which primarily supports the conductors between spans, an anchor tower is designed to withstand the conductor tension from both sides and securely fix the position of the line.

Where anchor towers are typically installed:

• at the beginning and end of each line section;
• at crossings with roads, other power transmission lines, and utility infrastructure, where required by applicable standards;
• at intervals along long transmission lines to limit the potential area of cascading conductor failure in the event of an accident;
• at locations with significant changes in terrain or line direction.

Anchor power transmission towers have a reinforced structure compared with intermediate towers — thicker steel sections, a more robust base connection, and a reinforced foundation. This is intentional: in the event of a conductor failure, the anchor tower helps limit the extent of damage to a single section rather than allowing it to propagate along the entire line.

Why Metalinvest

• Manufacturing power transmission towers according to standard designs and individual customer drawings
• Full production cycle: load calculation → manufacturing → hot-dip galvanizing → delivery
• Steel lattice, angle, and anchor towers for 0.4–110 kV and higher-voltage lines
• Supply to energy companies, contractors, industrial and private facilities throughout Ukraine

The post Power Transmission Line Towers: Manufacturing, Steel Lattice, Angle and Anchor Towers appeared first on Metal Invest.

A reliable power line does not begin with the wire, but with the pylon. It is the pylon that bears the weight of the wires, wind and ice loads, and the tension in the spans and at the bends in the line. An error in the calculation or selection of the tower type costs more than the structure itself — it leads to emergency outages, unscheduled repairs and risks to personnel.

Metalinvest specialises in the manufacture of power line towers for overhead power lines with voltage classes ranging from 0.4 kV to 110 kV and above. Our product range includes metal lattice pylons, angle pylons and anchor pylons, manufactured to standard designs or the customer’s individual drawings, with hot-dip galvanising for long-term protection against corrosion. We supply pylons to energy companies, contractors, construction firms and industrial enterprises throughout Ukraine.

Manufacturing of electricity transmission pylons: how it works

The manufacture of electricity transmission pylons is not a mass-production process, but an engineering process in which every stage affects how long the pylon will last without requiring repair.

Technical specifications and calculations. At the outset, the line’s voltage class, the type of terrain (open, forested, mountainous), wind and ice loads specific to the region, the angle of the line (if the pylon is angled) and the span length are determined. These parameters determine the cross-section of the rolled steel, the height of the pylon and the method of securing it to the foundation.

Design. For standard lines, tried-and-tested tower designs are used, which already comply with current regulations. For non-standard conditions — such as a complex route, increased loads or limited space for the tower — a bespoke drawing is developed.

Manufacture of the steel structure. The support is assembled from angle or tubular sections using welding and bolted joints, depending on the type of structure. Lattice supports are assembled in sections for ease of transport and on-site installation.

Hot-dip galvanising. The finished steel structure is immersed in molten zinc, creating a protective coating that lasts for the entire service life of the support — this is critical for structures that remain exposed to the elements for decades.

Delivery and installation support. The pylons are delivered to the site either disassembled or partially assembled, with technical support for the installation work provided where required.

Power line pylons can be manufactured either to a standard design (faster and cheaper) or to the customer’s individual drawings — when standard solutions are not suitable for a specific route or load.

Metal lattice pylons for power lines

A lattice pylon is a three-dimensional truss made of metal angle sections joined to form triangular sections. This design offers high strength whilst using a relatively small amount of metal compared to solid-section pylons.

Where they are used:

• long-distance transmission lines, where saving on metal per kilometre of route is important;
• regions with high wind and ice loads, where the lattice structure redistributes forces more effectively;
• high- and extra-high-voltage lines (35 kV, 110 kV and above), where considerable tower height is required.

Advantages over reinforced concrete pylons:

• lower weight during transport and installation — heavy lifting equipment is not always required;
• ease of repair: a damaged section can be replaced without dismantling the entire pylon;
• resistance to mechanical loads with a smaller foundation footprint;
• longer service life provided the galvanisation is of high quality — unlike reinforced concrete, the metal does not deteriorate due to corrosion of the reinforcement from within.

Angled electricity pylons

Where a power line changes direction, a straight pylon cannot withstand the lateral load — the cable pulls the structure sideways with a force proportional to the angle of the bend. This is where angled electricity pylons come into play — a reinforced structure designed specifically to withstand this lateral force.

Key features:

• a reinforced foundation and additional bracing in the structure to counteract the lateral pull of the wires;
• the calculation of the angular force depends on the angle of deflection, the number of wires and the climatic loads in the region;
• they are installed at points where the route changes direction and often also serve as anchor towers if the angle is significant.

Choosing the wrong type of tower—intermediate or corner—at a bend in the line is one of the most common causes of accidental wire breaks during the first few years of operation.

Anchor towers for power lines

An anchor tower is a ‘fixed point’ on a power line. Unlike an intermediate tower, which merely supports the wire between spans, an anchor tower bears the full tension of the wire from both sides and rigidly fixes its position.

Where power line anchor supports must be installed:

• at the start and end of each section of the line;
• at points where the line crosses roads, other power lines or utility networks — in accordance with regulatory requirements;
• every few spans on long power lines, to limit the area affected by a potential cascade of wire breaks in the event of an accident;
• at points where there is a significant change in terrain or angle of curvature.

Anchor pylons on power lines have a reinforced design compared to intermediate pylons — thicker rolled steel, a more robust mounting base and a reinforced foundation. This is a deliberate design feature: if a break occurs on the line, it is the anchor pylon that limits the damage to a single span, rather than the entire route.

Why Metalinvest

• Manufacturing of power transmission line (PTL) structures according to standard designs and custom customer drawings
• Full-cycle service: load calculations → manufacturing → hot-dip galvanizing → delivery
• Steel lattice, angle and anchor structures for 0.4–110 kV and higher voltage lines
• Supply for energy companies, contractors, industrial and private facilities throughout Ukraine

The post Power line pylons: manufacture; metal lattice, angle and anchor pylons appeared first on Metal Invest.

What is the galvanising of vehicle platforms and why is it more effective than painting?

Hot-dip galvanising involves immersing a metal structure in molten zinc at a temperature of over 450°C. As a result, rather than a film, an ultra-strong zinc-iron alloy forms on the metal’s surface, which is chemically bonded to the base material. Unlike paint and varnish coatings, which chip, crack and peel over time, a zinc coating:

• is resistant to chipping and mechanical damage when loading equipment;
• provides cathodic protection — even if a scratch appears on the surface, the zinc continues to protect the steel from corrosion;
• withstands harsh environments: chemicals, salt, moisture and temperature fluctuations;
• lasts between 25 and 50 years without additional maintenance, depending on the thickness of the coating and operating conditions.

This is precisely why galvanising is the standard method for protecting metal structures in the transport sector: tow truck platforms, equipment transport trailers, cargo trailer bodies and semi-trailer frames.

 Which components are subject to galvanising

Virtually all metal components of vehicle platforms are subject to galvanising:

• Tow truck platforms — the working surface that is constantly in contact with cargo, dirt and moisture;
• Trailer platforms for transporting specialised, construction and agricultural machinery;
• Cargo trailers and semi-trailers — frames, side panels, body components;
• Auxiliary metal structures: ramps, brackets, fasteners, frames.

Galvanising of large-scale structures up to 14 metres

One of the key technical challenges in galvanising vehicle platforms is the size of the structures. Standard galvanising baths are designed for smaller dimensions, so not every production facility is capable of treating a tow truck frame or gun carriage in one piece, without welded joints, after galvanising.

Our production line allows us to galvanise structures up to 14 metres in length in a single dip. This is critical to the quality of the final result:

• the zinc coating is applied evenly along the entire length of the structure;
• there are no joint areas where the seams would need to be treated with cold-applied zinc after welding;
• the geometric accuracy of the frame is maintained, which is particularly important for tow truck platforms and gun carriages, where deviations in geometry affect the secure fastening of the load.

Stages of the hot-dip galvanising process

1. Surface preparation — degreasing, acid pickling to remove scale and rust, and fluxing.
2. Immersion in molten zinc — the structure is immersed in a zinc bath at a temperature of 450–460°C.
3. Alloy formation — the zinc reacts with the iron to form several layers of an intermetallic alloy, over which a pure zinc layer is formed.
4. Cooling and coating thickness control — the thickness of the zinc layer is checked in accordance with the thickness of the base metal, as specified by the relevant standards (usually DSTU EN ISO 1461).

Advantages of galvanising for fleet owners and manufacturers of vehicle platforms

For companies operating recovery vehicles, tow trucks or a fleet of goods trailers, galvanising is, first and foremost, a cost-saving measure:

• Reduced maintenance costs — no need to regularly repaint or treat areas of corrosion;
• Preservation of equipment value — a galvanised platform retains its appearance and technical condition for much longer;
• Operational safety — corrosion of metal fastenings and load-bearing structures directly affects the safety of cargo transport;
• Compliance with customer requirements — many tenders and corporate clients require anti-corrosion protection in accordance with hot-dip galvanising standards.

Galvanising or painting: which to choose for a car transporter

Painting provides cosmetic protection for 2–5 years and requires regular repainting. Hot-dip galvanising is a one-off investment with a coating lifespan of decades, even when constantly exposed to road chemicals and mechanical stresses. For structures operating in harsh conditions — and recovery vehicles, tow trucks and cargo trailers certainly fall into this category — galvanising is an economically and technically sound solution.

Order galvanising for vehicle platforms

We carry out hot-dip galvanising of metal structures up to 14 metres in length, including tow truck platforms, gun carriages and freight trailer frames. Please contact us for a quote on the cost of galvanising your structure and for advice on the technical specifications of the coating.

The post Galvanising of vehicle platforms: reliable protection against corrosion for recovery vehicles, flatbed trailers and goods trailers appeared first on Metal Invest.

Why is choosing hot-dip galvanising an investment in durability?

The main advantage of hot-dip galvanising lies in creating a reliable barrier between the steel and the corrosive environment. The key benefits of this method include:

• High corrosion resistance: The coating withstands decades of use even under the harshest conditions.
• Self-healing effect: When minor scratches appear, the zinc ‘seals’ them through electrochemical processes, preventing damage to the base steel.
• No need for frequent maintenance: Galvanised structures do not require annual painting, which significantly reduces operating costs over the structure’s lifetime.

Main areas of application for galvanised steel structures

Thanks to its reliability, galvanised steel has become indispensable in many B2B sectors. A general table of the types of structures that should be galvanised:

MetalInvest’s expert opinion: the importance of coating quality

At MetalInvest, we are convinced that the quality of protection depends not only on the thickness of the zinc layer, but also on technical discipline.

“Our process engineer notes that proper surface preparation prior to hot-dip galvanising extends the service life of a structure by 5–7 years. The quality of zinc adhesion to steel depends on thorough degreasing and pickling, which we carry out at our production facility.” – Alona Tomashchuk

That is precisely why we pay particular attention to every stage of metal preparation, ensuring that our structures meet the highest quality standards.

Why do professional developers choose hot-dip galvanising? Applications in industrial construction

In modern construction, a structure’s service life is a key indicator of its quality. Using steel structures without proper anti-corrosion protection is a deliberate risk of hidden defects arising. Hot-dip galvanising is now the gold standard, enabling major repairs to be avoided for decades to come.

In the construction industry, we work with a wide range of structures where protection against moisture and external factors is critical:

• Load-bearing building frames: Columns, beams and trusses, which form the ‘skeleton’ of the structure. The zinc coating ensures the structural integrity of the framework, regardless of humidity levels.
• Bridge structures and flyovers: These structures are constantly exposed to precipitation, temperature fluctuations and, frequently, aggressive road de-icing agents (salts).
• Fencing systems and façades: Metal subsystems for curtain walls, fences and balustrades, which must retain their aesthetic appearance without any signs of corrosion.
• Staircases and fire escapes: Elements located outside the main building and most exposed to the external environment.

For a construction company, hot-dip galvanising is not just a technical solution, but also a strategic cost-saving measure:

1. Minimisation of operating costs: Galvanised components do not require periodic repainting. This eliminates maintenance costs for 20–30 years.
2. Speed of installation: Galvanised components arrive at the construction site ready for installation. There is no need to spend time applying anti-corrosion paint on site.
3. Structural integrity: Unlike cold galvanising or painting, the hot-dip galvanising process ensures complete coverage of the structure, including hard-to-reach internal cavities within profiled tubes.

Our technician’s view: “In construction projects, we often see how structures galvanised using the hot-dip method retain their original strength even 40 years after installation. The key requirement is correct structural design, so that the zinc can freely penetrate all the structural openings.”

Hot-dip galvanising in the agricultural sector: how to protect grain silos and hangars from corrosion

For an agribusiness, steel structures form the backbone of its production facilities. However, in today’s farming environment, simply painting metal becomes a never-ending and costly cycle of maintaining facilities in working order. Hot-dip galvanising offers a solution that means you can forget about anti-corrosion treatment for 50 years.

Key structures in the agricultural sector requiring galvanisation

1. . Galvanisation of grain elevator equipment

Silo frames, conveyor supports and load-bearing steel structures are subject to heavy loads. Hot-dip galvanising not only provides protection against rust but also ensures a smooth surface, which is important for removing dust and grain residue.

2. Galvanising of hangar and grain storage facility frames

Large-scale hangar structures require no maintenance whatsoever once hot-dip galvanised. This eliminates the need for work at height to repaint the structures, resulting in significant savings for the company.

3. Galvanising of irrigation (watering) systems

Pipes and fittings for irrigation systems are in constant contact with water. Hot-dip galvanising coats the metal both inside and out, ensuring that no rust forms inside the pipes.

Benefits for agribusiness: Why is it cost-effective?

1. Full payback: The cost of hot-dip galvanising is higher than that of painting only at the installation stage. However, over the following 10 years, the cost of painting exceeds that of galvanising by a factor of 3–5.
2. Product safety: The galvanised coating is environmentally safe and does not release harmful substances when in contact with foodstuffs (grain, seeds), which is important for certification to international standards.
3. High resistance to mechanical damage: Paint is easily scratched during loading, unloading or the installation of equipment. The zinc layer is metallurgically bonded to the steel, so it does not peel off even when subjected to heavy impacts.

Our technician’s view: ‘In the agricultural sector, we often work with non-standard structural components. Hot-dip galvanising has a unique advantage — it ‘coats’ all hard-to-reach areas, welded joints and the internal cavities of profiled pipes. No brush or spray gun can provide such protection at structural joints.” — Alona Tomashchuk

Hot-dip galvanising in the energy and telecommunications sectors:

Energy infrastructure is often located in remote areas, where carrying out regular maintenance work is technically challenging and financially burdensome.

Benefits for the sector:

• Protection in hard-to-reach areas: It is virtually impossible to paint pylons regularly when they are situated in marshy terrain, fields or along power lines. The zinc coating ‘works’ autonomously, requiring no monitoring.
• Resistance to vibrations and loads: Mobile phone masts are subjected to constant wind loads. Hot-dip galvanising does not crack under deformation, unlike paint and varnish materials, which become brittle over time.
• Absence of ‘localised’ corrosion: Rust most often appears at bolted joints in structures. The hot-dip galvanising process ensures that every component, including threaded holes and the edges of the metal, is fully protected.

What types of structures require galvanising in the energy sector

1. Power line pylons: Both the main load-bearing structures and auxiliary components (cross-arms, brackets).
2. Telecommunications towers and masts: From tall structures for base stations to compact antenna masts in urban areas.
3. Gantry structures and substations: Steel structures for outdoor switchgear operating under constant voltage and exposed to the elements.
4. Cable support systems: Galvanised trays and brackets providing protection and cable routing within power distribution centres.

An expert approach: what MetalInvest’s specialists focus on

The design of structures for the energy sector has its own specific characteristics, which we take into account when accepting orders:

«When galvanising telecommunications masts and power line pylons, we always advise clients to avoid creating enclosed air cavities. If there are cavities in the steel structure, we help to correctly position the process openings for zinc ingress and air escape. This guarantees a perfect coating quality both on the outside and inside of the profiled tubes,» notes our technologist – Lyudmila Fait, Head of the Quality Control Department.

How do I order hot-dip galvanising for a metal product?

Are you planning a large-scale project? We’ll provide reliable protection for your metal structures that will stand the test of time and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Find out more about the service and submit a request for hot-dip galvanising.

The post Where hot-dip galvanising is carried out: key areas of application and benefits for your business appeared first on Metal Invest.

In this video, we take you on a tour of Metal Invest’s production facilities. You will see the full production cycle for steel structures of any complexity: from high-precision design to the final stage – hot-dip galvanising.

In the video, you will learn about:

1. Our production capacity: how we process thousands of tonnes of steel every month.
2. Our production facilities: the operation of modern CNC machines and automated production lines.
3. The production of power line pylons and crossarms for the renewable energy sector. The manufacture of mobile communication towers for 4G/5G coverage.
4. Reliable street lighting columns for modern cities.
5. The secret to durability: our own hot-dip galvanising line operating at 450°C.

Today, it is a full-cycle industrial complex specialising in the design, manufacture and anti-corrosion protection of complex metal structures.

Our production sites in Cherkasy and Bila Tserkva are equipped with the necessary technical facilities to meet the needs of the energy and telecommunications sectors.

Our own equipment fleet, located in Bila Tserkva, ensures the supply of lattice high-voltage and low-voltage pylons (0.4–750 kV)

and steel gantries for power lines, with a capacity of up to 8,400 tonnes per year.

Leader in hot-dip galvanising in Ukraine (Cherkasy)

We operate the country’s most powerful anti-corrosion protection centre:

Unique dimensions: The largest bath in Ukraine, measuring 14 m x 1.6 m x 3.2 m.

This allows us to galvanise large-scale trusses, long-span poles and bridge structures weighing up to 6 tonnes.

Capacity: Production capacity of 14,000 tonnes of galvanised products per year.

Durability: Coating thickness from 45 µm (in accordance with ISO 9001:2018),

guaranteeing corrosion protection for up to 50 years, even in aggressive environments.

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