How To Weld Coat Galvanized Sheet Metal

Galvanized steel welds similar to uncoated carbon steel when properly prepped.

How to weld coat galvanized sheet metal.

If you attempt to weld galvanized steel without removing the galvanizing from the weld area the weld puddle will pop blow out and create a health hazard to the welder and any individuals in the immediate area. When you arc weld galvanized steel the heat produced by the welding arc is high enough to vaporize the zinc coating. You are right about removing galvanized coatings sort of. To weld sheet metal with solid wires use electrode positive ep or reverse polarity.

Removing the coating and re spraying or painting the weld seam after welding to regain corrosion resistance. Welding of zinc coated steel can be done but specific precautions should be taken. The continuous hot dip or zinc coated sheet comes in eight classes based on the thickness of the zinc coating. Forget the larger 1 8 inch tungsten electrode and use a smaller one.

It depends on what you are welding and how critical the application. Welding galvanized steel is a dangerous task since the galvanized zinc coating on the metal becomes extremely toxic when it s heated. For example i worked for a while welding big tables that held furniture stripper chemicals. They were made from galvanized sheet metal and we didnt clean crap.

When galvanized steel is arc welded the heat of the welding arc vaporizes the zinc coating in the weld area. Tig welding sheet metal. This adds two operations. In some cases the latter is done regardless of whether or not the coating was removed prior to.

The best way to weld galvanized steel regardless of welding process is to remove the zinc coating from the joint. This results from the variation in boiling points between zinc lower and steel. The sheet metal can be welded without removal and with a little damage to the zinc coating. Welding tips and tricks answer.

In general the galvanized coatings after fabrication are thicker than the recommended amount and become critical to weld. Proper precaution is needed when handling these coated metals as their fumes can lead to serious conditions like the metal fume fever. Take the proper safety precautions by wearing a welding mask a good welding respirator gloves and an apron.