Chain zinc plating: corrosion protection

Why a chain rusts

Steel oxidises under the action of moisture and oxygen; salts and road de-icing agents, cleaning agents and aggressive environments accelerate the process. In moving assemblies friction adds to this: corrosion products are rubbed off, exposing fresh metal. Protection is therefore a matter of operating conditions, not only of appearance.

Coating options for chains

• Uncoated, with conservation grease — for dry premises and short-term storage; the grease acts as a temporary barrier.
• Barrel finishing — a polished “black” chain: a neat appearance and protection from atmospheric corrosion, often used for livestock tethering chains and general tasks.
• Galvanic (electrolytic) zinc plating — a zinc coating for protection against corrosion and aggressive environments; it gives an even layer even on complex shapes and small parts. We apply the coating on a flow line: sections up to 100 m, coating thickness — 5–7 µm.
• Passivation — an additional treatment on request; used if required by the order conditions (specified when placing the order). Options — colourless, matt, bright, iridescent, blue.

How protection works

The zinc coating creates a barrier between the steel and the environment, and when the layer is damaged the zinc continues to protect the steel as a “sacrificial” metal — the well-known principle of zinc protection, which makes the coating effective on scratches and edges.

What to consider when ordering

• Operating conditions: outdoors and de-icing agents, damp farm premises, wash bays, aggressive environments — the choice of coating depends on them.
• Shape and size: galvanic zinc provides an even coating on complex shapes; for non-standard items, tell us in advance.
• Volume: we process both batches and one-off items.
• Coating type and thickness — agreed when ordering, for the task.

Custom chains are made with and without coating: uncoated, conservation grease, galvanic zinc. For hardware products, barrel finishing, zinc plating and painting are available.

Zinc plating does not replace care

• Periodically inspect the chain: at any defect (cracks, scores, pits) it is taken out of service.
• Store in a dry place; for long storage — conservation grease.
• After contact with de-icing agents, it is useful to clean and dry the chain.

A separate service — galvanic zinc plating to order: protection from corrosion and aggressive environments, work with batches and one-off items. For aggressive environments (for example, the oil and gas industry), the coating and material are selected for the conditions — check with a manager.