Operation and maintenance of Steel

The products are supplied using materials to ensure they are fit for purpose and function for many years to come.

To aid in ensuring the maximum life can be realised with the product, along with minimising the costs for major refurbishment, this manual has been created to assist in the ongoing maintenance requirements, along with identifying important points that should be followed at all times.

Our commitment to providing a service of quality that takes into consideration the effects of the environment during its manufacture and life plus, the health and safety of the Customers has been fully considered. Standards that have also been used during product design and manufacture are:

• BS EN ISO 1461:2009 (Hot Dip Galvanised Coatings on Fabricated Iron and Steel Articles)
• BS EN ISO 13920:1997 (Welding Tolerances Shapes, Dimensions and Lengths)

The Galvanising used on the product has been processed in accordance with the requirements specified in BS EN ISO 1461:2009. Galvanising is a hot dip chemical reaction of molten zinc onto a steel substrate. At the time of the process taking place the appearance will be shiny silver, however, this will not last and over a period of several weeks, this will dull off to a grey colour. This is the natural finish of the Galvanised surface.

Note: due to the nature of the Galvanising process some surface irregularities may occur on the surface of the finished products. Although these will be finished flat, where possible, this will not be undertaken where it may breach the zinc coating. Some visual irregularities may therefore be present on galvanised products, including those finished with a polyester powder coating – these do not compromise the durability and performance of either the product or the coatings in any way.

The cleaning of any exposed Galvanised surfaces should be undertaken using:

1. A low-pressure water wash, e.g. hose pipe.
2. A soft brush, with warm soapy water, to remove any surface dirt.

Scourers, wire brushes and abrasive cleaners must not be used during cleaning as they may compromise the protective surface and result in premature rusting.

After cleaning ensure the product is rinsed thoroughly. Galvanising has the ability to "self-heal" any minor knocks or scratches. However, there will be occasions when the coating has been damaged to base steel at a size that will not allow for self-healing. Based on this there are several propriety repair paints on the market. In Armco Direct's experience, we have found two that give a satisfactory repair and finish for ongoing use. The two methods are either Galvafroid or Zinga with both being available in either paste/brush application, or an aerosol spray.

• Where the surface is scratched or damaged though to base steel, a check should be made to establish if rusting has occurred.
• Where rusting is present, the area should be wire brushed/sanded to bring back to a bright steel surface.
• The system used for repair will state the required precautions that should be taken, along with the application method. However, a build-up of coating should be such that the thickness will be capable of giving ongoing protection as required. The coating thickness on renovated areas should be at least 100 microns.

As the name suggests, this process involves the application of a polyester powder onto the substrate using an electrostatic gun. This is then oven cured to create the hard-wearing outer layer that can be seen on the finished product.

Powder coating can last many years, but its life expectancy depends on a variety of factors, including site location, atmospheric conditions and cleaning regime.

The recommended cleaning frequency is detailed at the start of this section.

The cleaning of powder coated surfaces should be undertaken using either:

1. Warm mild soapy water and soft brush, sponge or natural bristle brush. Rinsed with clean water.
2. A proprietary car wash and wax system. Rinsed with clean water. At no time during the cleaning process is it advisable for any abrasive cleaners, solvents, or other chemicals to be used:

To enhance the appearance of the powder coating, an annual treatment with car wax would be acceptable, but not considered mandatory.

Where Graffiti is present, then it is recommended that no solvent cleaners are used in an attempt to remove it. The method of removal should be with the use of either a car ‘T-Cutting’ compound, or through a specialist cleaner. This should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area first to assess its efficiency.

Where small repairs to the powder coat surface are required, then the following should be adhered to as a minimum:

• For light scratches/chips where the base metal is exposed, then a suitable zinc-rich primer should be carefully applied to the defect, followed by a topcoat finish of a matching acrylic based paint, or touch up.
• Where scratches/chips have only exposed the substrate surface, then the above must be followed with the exception of the zinc rich primer being applied. For larger areas of damage, vandalism or coating breakdown, then you should contact us for technical advice.