Galvalume steel and pre-painted steel are two materials widely used in MB Group products. And why were they chosen? In short, for high quality and performance. Let's look at its characteristics in greater detail.
Galvalume steel
This is the trade name for a specific type of galvanized steel. In it, the galvanization coating is done withan alloy consisting of 55% Aluminum, 43.5% Zinc and 1.5% Silicon.
Experiments in a research program in the United States in the 1960s sought to improve the performance of galvanized steel, obtaining an effective protective barrier for different environments. There was interest in exploiting aluminum for its corrosion resistance despite its limited galvanic properties.
And it was this composition, with 55% aluminum, that was successful: the best combination between the galvanic protection of zinc and the barrier protection of aluminum. Silicon controls the reaction between the aluminum-zinc alloy and the steel, ensuring the formation of an adequate intermetallic layer.
This quality is confirmed by inspections carried out around the world, where protection remains excellent in buildings over 30 years old. Another indicator is the increased use of Galvalume steel: from less than one million tons produced in 1972, in 2010 almost 115 million tons were produced.
Among its great qualities, we have:
- Resistance to atmospheric corrosion superior to zinc-plated and aluminized galvanized steel;
- High heat reflectivity;
- Resistance to oxidation at high temperatures;
- Better surface appearance;
- Significantly lighter than zinc plated;
- Service life two to four times longer than that of galvanized steel.
The main uses of Galvalume steel are:
In construction, in tiles and roofing, as it has better cost/benefit than aluminum and non-metallic material roofing.
In agriculture, storing grains in silos due to their high heat reflectivity, providing better preservation.
In the automotive industry, both for heat reflectivity and corrosion resistance in heat deflectors, brake protective covers, floor pans, seat supports and exhausts.
In white lineof household appliances, mainly washing machines and refrigerators, as well as toasters and ovens.
Pre-painted steel
Pre-painted steel technology is a trend in the market, replacing the post-painting process. It stands out for its exceptional durability and aesthetics.
The basis of the product is galvanized steel, Galvalume steel or other metal substrates. What guarantees its properties is essentially the painting process used: a process known ascoil-coating, providing extra protection against climatic factors and the passage of time.
In this process, the steel passes through apre-treatmentmulti-stage process with full surface cleaning via degreasing, brushing and rinsing, followed by the application of chemical coating and the application of a chemical sealant. This process guarantees excellent adhesion of the paint to the steel and excellent protection against corrosion.
Next, primers are applied, which are polyester or polyurethane-based paints, and finally the external resin finish is applied, which complements the aesthetic result, quality and durability of the pre-painted steel.
Pre-painted X Galvalume Steel
All these steps make pre-painted steel a material with superior quality, even higher resistance to bad weather, lower environmental impact and greater uniformity and standardization of the product. In addition to a significant reduction in steps, process costs and depreciation losses compared to post-painted materials.
Applications of pre-painted steel
Pre-painted steel is widely used in:
C
construction
constructionTiles and side coverings, thermoacoustic panels, facades, awnings, gutters and conductors, frames, doors and gates, light metal structures, blinds and electrical panels, among others.
Automobile industry
Internal painting of chassis, floors, auto parts, trailer bodies, utility vehicles, buses, oil filters, fuel tanks, bus sides, etc.
White line
Refrigerators, freezers, stoves, microwaves, washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, air conditioners, electronics, etc.
Steel packaging for tomatoes, fish, milk, paints and varnishes, lubricant packaging, decorative packaging, metal drums, drums, among others.
Others
Furniture, computer cabinets, VCRs, lamps, dividers, school boards and wherever else creativity allows.
The properties of pre-painted steel directly impact several aspects of the industrial segment, such as:
- Savings in process costs;
- Quality improvement;
- Compliance with environmental requirements.
The result is a material with greater resistance to weather conditions and corrosion, a varied range of colors – allowing architects, designers and engineers to explore creativity in application forms – and the reduction of environmental problems, favoring projects concerned with sustainability.
To find out more about MB Group products, see thespecificationsorget in touch.
Source: Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional.
