It has been estimated that if the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco had been galvanized instead of painted on its opening in 1937, the cost saving to date could have been close to a billion dollars.[1] Such life-cycle cost analysis explains the economic advantage of a process that can provide protection from corrosion for up to 170 years.
Hot dip galvanization (HDG) is a tough, sustainable treatment with ever-increasing uses in the global manufacturing and construction industries.In 2015, 50% of all zinc production worldwide – 6.9 million metric tonnes – was used in the galvanizing process on everything from automotive parts to industrial facilities.
By immersing clean steel in molten zinc, HDG causes a series of layers to form by a metallurgical reaction between the two. The result is a coating that is integral to the steel and can remain maintenance free for over seventy years. Corrosion is a serious and costly business – it is estimated that 3% of global GDP is lost to it every year.
HDG is a continuous process, as it relies on very high temperatures that mean the plants cannot be allowed to cool down. This throughput ensures a constant need for cargo securing as product is shipped from the plant - in an environment that is both technically challenging and potentially hazardous.
By the very nature of the process, the coating on galvanized steel needs to be protected from scratching and damage – yet this is exactly what can happen when steel strapping is applied to secure the product for transport. This can lead to rejection of goods on delivery to their destination. In addition, the harsh environment of a HDG plant is not compatible with the expensive tooling that steel strapping requires. And operator injuries while using this securing method can drive up plant insurance premiums and damage time and cost-efficiency.
Increasingly, therefore, galvanizers are turning to Cordstrap to ensure that their cargo-securing is as safe and efficient as possible. Cordstrap CC strapping provides HDG plants with a non-abrasive solution that will not damage galvanized products in the way steel does - and does not oxidise. In addition, Cordstrap applications are easy, quick and safe to apply with a range of low-cost, low-maintenance and durable tensioners that are at home in a harsh HDG environment.
As a proven, tough and sustainable resource that has ever-increasing applications in the global economy, HDG steel is currently produced at a rate of nearly 100 million tons per year. And increasingly, the high-quality products that result are protected in transit by Cordstrap. From the components of your next car, to some of the biggest engineering projects in the world.
For expert advice on cargo securing solutions contact us now
Contact nowCordstrap have specialists in over 50 global locations
Providing physical insurance to the world’s major industries
Delivering cargo protection solutions