Why Hot-Dip Galvanizing Is Ideal for Lifting Anchors？

Lifting anchors are essential connectors in the construction and precast concrete fields. They are mainly used to carry and move concrete components and are often used in buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other large projects. In these scenarios, lifting anchors need to bear extremely high loads and also need to withstand the test of harsh environments. Surface treatment is a key link to improve the performance of lifting anchors and extend their service life.

Currently, the surface treatment methods for lifting anchors mainly include primary color, electro-galvanizing, and hot-dip galvanizing. Primary color treatment maintains the state of the metal itself, but is susceptible to corrosion; electrogalvanizing increases certain corrosion resistance, but has limited performance in harsh environments; hot-dip galvanizing is the first choice for its excellent anti-corrosion performance and durability. This article will analyze the pros and cons of these surface treatment methods in detail and explore why hot-dip galvanizing is an ideal choice for lifting anchors. Finally, this article will also introduce HULK Metal's unique advantages as a high-quality supplier.

Surface treatment methods for lifting anchors

Primary color treatment

Primary color treatment is the simplest state of the lifting anchor, without an additional surface protection process.

Process characteristics

The original color-treated lifting anchor is forged, cut, or processed to maintain the original color and texture of the metal. This treatment method is low-cost but lacks protective performance.

Advantages

1. Low cost: suitable for projects with limited budgets.

2. Simple processing: a simple production process with high efficiency.

Disadvantages

1. Lack of protection: It is easy to oxidize and rust in humid, acidic, or alkaline environments, greatly reducing service life.

2. Short-term use: only suitable for short-term or temporary use, long-term use requires additional maintenance.

Electro galvanizing treatment

Electro galvanizing is a common way to treat the surface of lifting anchors. It forms a uniform zinc coating on the metal surface through an electrochemical reaction.

Process characteristics

Electro galvanizing uses an electrolytic cell to deposit zinc ions on the metal surface of the lifting anchor to form a zinc layer of about 5-20 microns. The zinc layer can slow down the oxidation rate of the substrate.

Advantages

1. Beautiful appearance: The zinc layer has a smooth surface and good decorative properties.

2. Moderate corrosion resistance: Suitable for mild to moderate corrosion environments, such as indoor use or construction scenes in dry environments.

3. Mature process: Electro galvanizing technology is widely used for the surface treatment of small hardware and tools.

Disadvantages

1. Thin zinc layer: easily damaged by mechanical friction or collision, limited durability.

2. Environmental restrictions: In high humidity and high salt environments, the electroplated zinc layer is easily corroded and cannot provide long-term protection.

3. Hydrogen embrittlement risk: Hydrogen embrittlement may occur inside the metal during the electroplating process, reducing mechanical properties.

Hot-dip galvanizing treatment

Hot-dip galvanizing is to immerse the lifting anchor in molten zinc liquid above 450°C to form a thick zinc-iron alloy layer between the zinc and the substrate.

Process characteristics

The hot-dip galvanizing process includes five main steps: degreasing, pickling, plating assistance, zinc immersion, and passivation. Through this process, the surface of the lifting anchor obtains a zinc layer with an average thickness of about 70-100 microns. This zinc layer not only adheres firmly but also has excellent protective ability.

Advantages

1. Excellent corrosion resistance: The zinc layer is thick and can provide long-term protection in harsh environments such as salt spray, high humidity, and high temperature.

2. Enhanced impact resistance: The zinc-iron alloy layer is tightly combined, which improves the mechanical wear resistance of the lifting anchor.

3. Durable: The service life is significantly extended and can meet the anti-corrosion needs for more than 20 years.

4. Economical: Although the initial cost is higher than other methods, its long-term low maintenance cost makes the total cost lower.

Disadvantages

1. High initial cost: A more complex process is required.

2. Surface roughness: Compared with electroplating galvanizing, the surface finish is lower, but the functionality is better than the decorative.

Effect of surface treatment on the performance of lifting anchors

Corrosion resistance

Lifting anchors are often exposed to rain, salt spray, and chemical gases, and their corrosion resistance directly affects the service life.

The original color treatment oxidizes rapidly in a humid environment and does not have any anti-corrosion properties.

Electroplating galvanizing can provide short-term protection, but the zinc layer is weak and easily fails in harsh environments.

Hot-dip galvanizing can resist corrosive media in extreme environments with its thick zinc layer, providing long-term protection for lifting anchors.

Mechanical strength

The effect of surface treatment on mechanical strength is mainly reflected in the bonding and damage resistance of the surface layer.

· The original color treatment does not improve the mechanical strength at all, and the surface is easily damaged by friction or collision.

· The zinc layer of electro-galvanizing has general adhesion, is easily peeled off by external forces, and may affect the strength due to hydrogen embrittlement.

· Hot-dip galvanizing enhances the impact resistance of the lifting anchor through the zinc-iron alloy layer, which is particularly suitable for high-load operation scenarios.

Why hot-dip galvanizing is the ideal choice for lifting anchors

Excellent corrosion resistance

Hot-dip galvanized lifting anchors can maintain integrity for a long time in extreme environments. In the salt spray test, hot-dip galvanized lifting anchors can maintain the protection effect for more than 20 years, which is particularly suitable for coastal areas and industrial pollution environments.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties

The hot-dip galvanizing layer not only prevents corrosion but also protects the substrate from mechanical damage under high-stress conditions. Hot-dip galvanizing provides reliable protection for lifting applications that require high-strength load-bearing.

Environmental Benefits

Compared with electro-galvanizing, the hot-dip galvanizing process has less impact on the environment. Zinc is a recyclable metal, and the hot-dip galvanizing layer can still be reused after the service life, thus achieving green and sustainable development.

Comprehensive Economics

Although the initial cost of hot-dip galvanizing is higher, its long service life, low maintenance requirements, and reliability greatly reduce the total cost. For projects with budget considerations for long-term returns, hot-dip galvanizing is the best solution.

Why Choose HULK Metal as Your Supplier

Rich Experience and Expertise

HULK Metal has many years of experience in the production of lifting anchors and precast concrete accessories. The company is committed to providing customers with efficient and professional product solutions to meet various project needs.

Strict Quality Control

HULK Metal is ISO 9001 certified and manufactured in strict accordance with international standards. Every lifting anchor is strictly tested to ensure high quality and consistency.

Customized surface treatment service

HULK Metal offers a variety of surface treatment options, including hot-dip galvanizing, electro-galvanizing, and special coatings. Whether it is a standardized product or a customized requirement, we can provide the most suitable solution.

Efficient logistics and after-sales service

HULK Metal is equipped with a complete logistics system to ensure timely delivery. At the same time, the company provides a full range of technical support and after-sales services to help customers complete projects efficiently.

Hot-dip galvanizing has become the best choice for the surface treatment of lifting anchors with its superior corrosion resistance, enhanced mechanical properties, and economy. By choosing HULK Metal as a supplier, customers can not only obtain high-quality products but also enjoy comprehensive service support. From construction sites to prefabricated component lifting projects, HULK Metal will become your trusted partner.