Kloeckner Metals

Galvanizing is the process by which a coating of zinc is applied to steel. It endows corrosion resistance and other beneficial properties to the steel. Zinc had been applied to copper to create brass alloy as early as the 10^th century B.C., but it wasn’t until the 1700s that its applications in steel and iron were first discovered. In 1742, a French chemist by the name Melouin presented a paper describing how a zinc coating could be attained by dipping iron in molten zinc. This was the earliest precursor to hot-dip galvanizing.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing at Kloeckner Metal’s Hawaii Branch

Hot-dip galvanizing dramatically improves the longevity and durability of steel. This is especially important in highly corrosive environments. That is why Kloeckner Metals has a hot-dip galvanizing plant in Hawaii, the only one in the state. Hawaii’s diverse and highly corrosive environment of ocean-salt exposure, high humidity, rain and trade winds create the need for superior corrosion protection.

“It’s ideal for Hawaii’s demanding environment,” says Diane Malinovich, vice president and general manager of Kloeckner Hawaii.  “Because of the fact that we are in the middle of the pacific, that salt in the air takes a beating on everything. So by galvanizing steel, it’s going to last very long term.”

Customers bring in a variety of steel parts for galvanizing from rebar to boat trailers. The kettle is 27 feet long, 6 feet deep, and 4 feet wide. Over-length materials can still be galvanized, but sometimes it requires two or even three dips. One of the most interesting things to be galvanized was steel fencing surrounding the Iolani Palace in Honolulu, the only palace in the United States.  The fencing was installed in the late 1800s.