How To Weld Zinc Coated Metal. Welding of zinc-coated steel can be done but specific precautions should be taken. The major difference between weld ing zinc coated steel and uncoated steel using the gas metal arc welding process arises from the need for higher heat input to remove the zinc from the weld pool and slower welding speeds to burn off as much as possible of the zinc coating.
When you arc weld galvanized steel the heat produced by the welding arc is high enough to vaporize the zinc coating. Y ou should remove the zinc 1 to 4 inches around the area that you will be welding. In order to minimize corrosion a post welding protective coating e-coating is usually required.
Welding of zinc-coated steel can be done but specific precautions should be taken.
Hot-dip galvanization takes place by dipping the metal in a hot 450C bath of molten liquid zinc. When galvanized steel is arc welded the heat of the welding arc vaporizes. While welding in the overhead position the spatter may fall into the nozzle of the welding gun. Zinc coated steel dip galvanized or electroplated are usually spot welded except that the current must be higher than that normal for un-coated steel.