An Overview of Geomet coating vs Zinc Flake Coating

In the world of automotive, durability, safety and strength are crucial. However, some hidden concerns threaten these qualities. Read this blog to learn more about Geomet coating in zinc flake coating. Zinc flake coating is becoming the coating of choice for fastening automotive, heavy trucks, agriculture, construction equipment, etc. These are used as the fasteners to maintain and design the equipment to be coated with the Zinc flake coatings & move away from the traditional zinc platings they used in the past. 

What is zinc flake coating?

Zinc flake coating is the general coating name for the coating, which contains zinc & aluminium flakes bonded to the fastener with the proprietary matrix. The above coating is applied by using the special dip spin process, and it doesn’t use harsh chemicals & prevents embrittlement. The traditional zinc platings are applied using an electro-plating procedure. Electroplating is effective for applying a thin, uniform coating to threaded parts, but it could cause embrittlement in high-strength fasteners. The zinc flake coating offers superior corrosion protection compared to standard zinc plating, which is used today!

The standard zinc plating offers 48 to 96 hours of salt spray based on the thickness. It is applied, while a zinc flake coating offers salt spray protection based on the version that is applied. There are 4 major brand names for zinc flake coating thickness such as Geomet, Magni, Delta Protekt, and Dorrltech.

Zinc flake coating has some limitations as compared to zinc platings. The zinc flake coating needs to be applied at a higher thickness than the electroplated coating & can cause issues. 

Pros of zinc flake coating

• Cost-Efficacy: Zinc plating is a cost-effective choice for large-scale production since it is often more affordable than other coating techniques.

• Increased Resistance to Corrosion: The zinc layer serves as a protective sacrificial layer, preventing rusting and corrosion on the underneath metal. 

• Improved Durability: Zinc plating strengthens the metal surface overall, increasing its resistance to corrosion and scratches.

How to measure the thickness of zinc coating?

Hot-dip galvanised steel may have its zinc flake coating thickness measured using a magnetic thickness gauge. Since optical microscopy is a destructive test that is primarily used to settle measurement disputes, the most straightforward and non-destructive method is to use a magnetic thickness gauge.

Magnetic thickness gauges come in three varieties:

• The pencil-style pocket-sized gauge uses a spring-loaded magnet housed in a container that resembles a pencil.  Since the inspector's expertise determines its accuracy, the measurement should be made several times.

• The ability to detect coating thickness in any location without recalibration from gravity gives banana gauges an edge over pencil-style gauges.

• The most precise and user-friendly gauge is an electronic or digital one. Electronic gauges also can store data and calculate averages.

An overview of geomet coating

Steel & cast-iron objects are protected against corrosion with Geomet coating. The only technique for applying zinc flake coating that uses water is Geomet. The special procedure allows for the best possible corrosion prevention and friction management. A common global reference for sectors needing high-performance thin-layer anti-corrosion solutions is the Geomet product line. 

Geomet solutions may protect a wide range of metallic surfaces and are entirely devoid of chrome. Both big and small items with simple or complicated geometry can be effectively protected by the coatings. A patented line of water-based solutions called Geomet contains metallic zinc & aluminium flakes together with metal oxides. A metallic silver coating is created when the platelets of zinc & aluminium align in several layers.

Metallic zinc and aluminium flakes make up the majority of the ecologically benign, made from water geomet coating. Applying it with a spray or dip-spin method creates a protective coating that is lightweight and durable. This is widely employed in a variety of industries, including architecture and the automotive industry; this coating is well known for its remarkable ability to resist corrosion. 

• Sustainability: The sustainability of Geomet Coating is one of its advantages; unlike conventional solvent-based coatings, Geomet is a water-based coating. 

• Strong Resistance to Corrosion: The zinc and aluminium flakes work together to provide exceptional corrosion resistance. 

• Versatility: Geomet coating may be applied to a wide range of substrates and is appropriate for intricate shapes, resulting in a flexible choice for several applications.

One notable feature of geomet coating is its eco-friendliness. For example, it is less hazardous than conventional coatings and emits fewer VOCs due to its water-based nature. Despite its effectiveness, zinc plating raises more safety & sustainability issues since it frequently uses dangerous chemicals during the procedure of electroplating.

The purpose, cost, intended durability, and surrounding circumstances all play a role in the decision between zinc plating and geomet coating. Knowing each one's advantages can have a big influence on the standard and durability of your metal fabrication projects. Aum Dacro Coatings is a good choice if you want professional guidance or superior metal fabrication services. Our staff is prepared to offer customised solutions that satisfy your unique needs.