Centrifuging
This term is also called ‘spin galvanizing’ or ‘centrifuge galvanizing’, and is used to describe the process for HDG threaded components and other small articles.  The procedure is to dip them into the zinc bath in a perforated basket. After coating, the basket is spun at high speed to throw off the surplus zinc and so result in a thinner, more uniform coating. The performance figures given above are for non-centrifuged HDG.

Painting and powder coating of galvanized metal
When paint or powder coating is applied to a galvanized surface the resulting combination is known as a duplex coating. Such coatings are used to a) add colour, b) increase the economic life, c) provide additional protection in aggressive environments.

Paint systems should be specially formulated for use on HDG and used strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

If powder coating is specified, the galvanizer must be informed, and post HDG treatments agreed with the powder coater.

Galvanizing fasteners (nuts & bolts)
If it is specified that nuts and bolts are to be galvanized, then care must be taken that the correct items are supplied.  Electroplated items look very similar and can be mistaken for HDG.  They have a coating only 5-10% of
HDG and their life is shortened correspondingly.  Similarly, sherardised items are also inferior to HDG.  They can
however be recognised more readily as they are a dark grey.  There are two grades of sherardising and neither is equivalent to HDG (see table).     

Commercially plated fasteners can have a coating as thin as 4 μm, and commercially sherardised fasteners can have coatings as thin as 10 μm. 
They should not be substituted for HDG.

Detailing threads
If threaded items are to be HDG then it is important to make allowance for the coating.  Obviously if the nut and bolt are plated then they will not fit as before.  It is usual practice to HDG both items and then to re-tap the thread on the nut oversize after galvanizing.  The zinc on the bolt then also protects the ungalvanized thread on the nut.  The additional thickness is equivalent to 4 times the galvanizing thickness.  In practice, for HDG items, the oversize allowance is 0.4 mm.

It is not necessary to adjust the size of punched holes etc to allow for HDG.

Other coatings
As mentioned above, small items, particularly threaded fasteners may be obtained with a coating that is zinc (electro) plated, or sherardised.  Many commercial fasteners and fixings are supplied sherardised.  This gives a degree of protection but should not be relied on as the main protection in an aggressive atmosphere.

Welding HDG
HDG steel can be welded satisfactorily, although some adjustments may be required to the welding settings. Welding speeds are slower, and there is more splatter.

To maintain fume levels within acceptable levels, extraction should be provided when welding galvanized steel in confined areas, as indeed it should when welding uncoated steel. Wherever welding takes place, due note must be taken of the relevant COSHH regulations.

All welds of HDG articles should be protected against rust as soon as possible since the protection from the galvanizing will have been removed.