When we talk about our range of Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fittings we explain that one of the benefits of the fittings is that they’re galvanised cast iron to BS EN ISO 1461, but what exactly does this mean, and what are the benefits?
BS EN ISO
The requirements of EN ISO 1461 include cleaning and preparation of iron and steel, including galvanizing. Galvanising, or hot dip galvanising as it’s often referred as prevents components from corroding. Before a Kee Klamp fitting is galvanised, it is given a chemical clean to remove oil, rust and other residue from the surface. Once the cleaning process has finished, the cleaning solution is rinsed off and the fitting is dipped into a molten zinc bath which has been heated to around 460°c. The fitting is then removed from the bath to cool in a quench tank before the zinc coating is metallurgically bonded to the steel.
Why galvanise?
Longevity – Galvanizing can give an easy to clean surface which has a maintenance free life of over 50 years, depending on the environment it’s being used in.
Cost effective – In many cases the cost of galvanising is cheaper than applying alternative coatings such as painting which can be labour intensive. For example, a galvanised coating can be applied in a matter of hours, whereas a paint system can take up to a week.
Low lifetime cost – When you add the cost of galvanising a fitting with the durability it provides, and factor in the virtually zero maintenance requirements, galvanising is clearly an economical way of protecting iron and steel.
Reliability – Galvanizing is one of the few coatings which is fully defined by a British Standard. Much of this is down to the fact that galvanising is a relatively uncomplicated process which can be closely controlled. The coating’s thickness can be accurately controlled, making it easy to specify.
Toughness – Galvanising is the only coating process where the coating is bonded metallurgically, giving it a greater resistance to damage during handling, storage, transportation and installation.
Complete coverage – As the fittings are dipped into molten zinc during the galvanising process, the entire surface, both inside and outside the fitting and any difficult to reach areas are covered.
Superior protection – The coating weathers slowly, giving the fitting and structures constructed with fittings a long life. This is further enhanced by galvanising providing sacrificial protection to areas that may be exposed through cutting or accidental damage.
Hot dip galvanised Kee Klamp® Key Clamps fittings allows us to provide cost effective handrails, safety barriers and guardrails which are more resilient to corrosion, In fact a typical Kee Klamp® Key Clamps structure can last up to 7 times longer than a fabricated one.
Wed, 06/29/2016 – 11:30
The benefits of using hot dip galvanised fittings when constructing handrails, safety barriers and guardrails.
Hot dipped galvanised Kee Klamp
