Galvalume Steel

Galvalume Steel is similar to Galvanized, but rather than using a primarily Zinc coating, Galvalume uses a combination of Aluminum and Zinc. The Aluminum better protects against corrosion in certain environments than Galvanized, and also provides a smaller, smoother spangle for a more uniformed appearance. Because of its Aluminum qualities, Galvalume offers better surface protection than Galvanized, but is vulnerable to scratches or cut edges.

Galvalume is the trade name for a patented steel product, which has a resistance to corrosion, which consists of an alloy containing aluminum, zinc and silicon. As the Galvanized, as thicker, the amount of coating, the mayor will be the amount of corrosion protection for the Galvalume steel panel. Galvalume is also produced using the hot dip method to apply the steel-based coating. The two most popular coating thicknesses for Galvalume steel are designated AZ-50 and AZ-55. The number in the designation represents the thickness of the coating on both sides of the surface of the steel panel. The coating thickness AZ-55 has a thickness of 0.0018 "while the coating thickness AZ-50 has a thickness of 0.0016".

Both coating thicknesses (AZ-55 and AZ-50) are composed of 55% aluminum, 43.40% zinc alloy and 1.60% silicon. The main purpose of the added Silicon is to minimize the growth of brittle inter-metallic layers that form when the product is being coated. In addition, without the addition of Silicon the Galvalume steel could not be produced by the hot dip method. Galvalume steel shares forming qualities with galvanized steel. However, there are applications where Galvalume steel can not be used. Typically, AZ-55 was used for the Galvalume Panel while AZ-50 was used for the Galvalume Painted Panel.