ZincAL Technical Data

AZ Technology vs. GI Technology

Version 1 / 2011

Steel is an important part of economic activity in most countries. Its use extends in almost all sectors of the economy, such as Engineering, Construction, Railways, Shipbuilding, Automotive and Consumer Goods. Steel does however have an inherent weakness in that when used unprotected and exposed to the environment, it corrodes very easily. To extend the service life of steel, it is generally coated with a corrosion inhibiting coating. The 2 most commonly used coatings to protect steel are:

Aluminium Zinc Coating (AZ) Galvanizing (GI)

Aluminium Zinc Coating
The mild steel substrate is continuously hot dipped in a formulation of Aluminium (55%) Zinc (43.5%) and Silicon (1.5%). The combination of Aluminium and Zinc increases the sacricial properties therefore extending the service life span of a steel roof of up to 4 times that of galvanised steel. The aluminium components of the coating provide a tough physical barrier between the extreme atmospheric conditions and the inner core of steel. The Zinc in the coating protects the steel where exposed.

Galvanised Coating
The mild steel substrate is continuously hot dipped in an almost pure Zinc formulation. Zinc has inherent sacricial properties and corrodes rst before the mild steel core. Galvanising offers almost twice the service life that of the steel substrate. A unique spangle appearance gives Galvanised steel its signature in the market.

Coating Comparison
AZ Coating weight/m2 AZ70 AZ100 AZ150 AZ Coating Thickness/ microns 18.9 27 40.5 Equivalent GI Coating weight/m2 Z140 Z193 Z289 GI Coating Thickness/ microns 18.9 27 40.5

* AZ offers an increase in service life up to 4 x longer. * Please note coating thickness under AZ100 or Z200 are not recommended for roong applications.

Product Comparison
AZ Coating Continuous Hot Dipped process 55% Aluminium 1.5% Silicon 0.01% Lead 43.5% Zinc GI Coating Continuous Hot Dipped process 0.2% Aluminium 0.1% Lead 99.7% Zinc

Product Comparison Conti.

AZ Coating GI Coating

Superior Corrosion Resistance: Aluminim oers barrier protection Zinc oers sacricial protection *AZ150 after 240hrs of salt spray testing - No signs of deterioration. Excellent heat reectivity: Roong applications: creates a cooler internal temperature in Summer and a warmer temperature in winter. Appliance applications: AZ increases the appliances eciency therefore lower energy consumption Heat Resistance: AZ can reach temperatures up to 675C. Product can be used up to 315C before discolouration Superior cut edge protection Superior formability Superior weld ability: generates less zinc fumes Small, uniform unique spangle Silver, white in colour Matte nish

Medium Corrosion Resistance: Zinc oers sacricial protection *Z200 after 240hrs of salt spray testing - Signs of red dust appear.

Moderate heat reectivity: Roong applications: the heat loss is greater therefore the internal temperature is a lot hotter in summer and a lot colder in winter. Appliance application: the eciency of the appliance is not increased therefore higher energy consumption Heat Resistance: GI can reach up to temperatures of 480C Product can be used up to 400C before discolouration Superior cut edge protection Superior formability Medium weld ability Medium/Large irregular spangle Silver, grey in colour Shiny and bright nish

Life Expectancy of AZ Technology vs. GI Technology in relative environments.

Graphs replicated from BIEC International INC.

Coating thickness loss m

15 10 5 0 0 2 4 6 8 10
Exposure (in years) to elements

Coating thickness loss m

RURAL

AZ

GI

URBAN
15 10 5 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

AZ

GI

Exposure (in years) to elements

Coating thickness loss m

15 10 5 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Exposure (in years) to elements

Coating thickness loss m

HEAVY INDUSTRIAL

AZ

GI

SEVERE MARINE
15 10 5 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

AZ

GI

Exposure (in years) to elements

SAFAL STEEL IS A MEMBER OF

Safal Steel (Pty) Ltd is a licensed producer of AZ Coated Products - Manufactured under license to BIEC International Inc. Manufactured locally in South Africa | www.safalsteel.co.za | Tel: 031 782 5500 | Fax: 031 782 1400