Galvanized Steel Zinc Plated Steel
Both methods add a protective layer of zinc to the steel.
Galvanized steel zinc plated steel. That coating is eventually consumed. Galvanized coatings are almost always several times thicker than electroplated coatings so galvanized fasteners greatly outlast zinc plated fasteners. Galvanized nuts it s important to realize that stainless steel itself is a material and galvanizing and zinc plating are forms of coating. But don t be a magpie and just pick up the shiny object think about the use.
Zinc plating on the other hand is immersed in a cold chemical solution of zinc and uses an electrical current to apply a layer of zinc. Zinc plating is a popular choice for coating nuts bolts washers metal stampings automotive parts fabricated parts for industrial applications as well as sheet metals. Stainless steel is the most durable option when it comes to different types of nuts. The steel and the zinc become one.
The steel and the liquid zinc bond together because of the high temperature. There are some instances when zinc is electrically connected to dissimilar metals on purpose such as on boats or on pipelines. Galvanized plating is used in a multitude of materials in the construction industry including large structural shapes. Zinc plating looks shiny and pretty galvanized looks dull.
When should you use galvanized steel or zinc plated steel. Both add a layer of zinc to the outside of the product. Zinc plated and galvanized fasteners are made of steel with a sacrificial zinc coating.