About Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Not all Baskets out there offer the same level of Weather protection as DGA baskets
What is Hot-dipped galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing has been a standard of North American industry for over a hundred and fifty years and has proven it’s toughness and unmatched corrosion protection throughout a wide range of industries and markets.Hot-dip galvanizing offers durability, longevity, sustainability and aesthetics for metal products needing longterm outdoor protection.Hot-dip galvanizing is used to protect steel from corrosion in some of the harshest environments imaginable and provide maintenance-free longevity for decades. Often large construction projects target a 50-100 year design life, highlighting the need for durable, long lasting corrosion protection. Source: American Galvanizers Association
Be aware of what you are installing
The term “electro-galvanized” or just “galvanized” is often used to describe what is actually zinc electroplated finishes. These terms sound similar to “hot-dipped galvanized” but offer extremely different corrosion resistance. This smilingly small difference in wording is not widely recognized.
The term “galvanizing” is often incorrectly used to describe various zinc coatings for steel.
Zinc electroplated finishes look nice but are orders of magnitude less corrosion resistant than hot-dipped galvanized finishes.
While much cheaper to manufacturer “zinc electroplated,” “electro-galvanized,” and even “galvanized” when not meaning “hot-dipped galvanized” parts are not meant for extended outdoor use, and should never be used for equipment intended to be weather resistant.
Powder Coat vs. Galvanized Cost
The initial cost of a hot-dip galvanization baskets is higher than powder coating alone. Unlike other outdoor metal equipment where powder coating alone can provide weather resistance, disc golf baskets take a tremendous amount of abuse from chains and thrown discs, and powder coating begins to ware quickly. Once the untreated steel below the powder coating is exposed it will begin to immediately oxidize and rust.
For park departments, camps, and schools we have found that hot-dipped galvanized baskets, whether powder coated or not, result in the lowest long-term maintenance costs and best performance for our customers.
| Coating Process | Coating Thickness | Abrasion Resistance/Hardness | Exposure Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Hot-Dipped Galvanized" | 2 - 8 mils | Intermetallic layers 179-250 DPN | Interior uses and suitable for exterior weather conditions. Hot-dipped galvanizing can withstand extreme outdoor conditions | ||
| “Electroplated” “Electro-galvanizing” “Zinc Plating” “Zinc Electroplated” “Galvanized” | 0.2 -1 mils | 70 - 75 DPN | Interior uses. Not suitable for outdoor weather conditions. | ||