Introduction of ZAM Coated Steel

一、What is Zinc Aluminum-Magnesium Coated Steel? 

 Zinc Aluminum-Magnesium coated steel which is also called ZAM coated steel, is a new type of corrosion-resistant coated steel consisting mainly of zinc, about 11% aluminum, 3% magnesium and trace amounts of silicon. Based on the combined effect of these additional elements, the corrosion inhibition effect is highly improved. In addition, it has processing performance under severe conditions (drawing, stamping, bending, paint welding, etc.), the coating has high hardness and excellent damage resistance. Compared with ordinary galvanized and aluzinc products, it has better corrosion resistance. Because of this corrosion resistance, it can be used instead of stainless steel or aluminum in some areas. The anti-corrosion and self-healing effect of the cut end face is a major feature of the product.

二、The Use of ZAM Coated Steel

ZAM coated steel are widely used, mainly used in civil construction (keel ceilings, perforated plates, cable bridges), agricultural and livestock products (agricultural breeding greenhouses, steel structures, steel components, greenhouses, breeding equipment), railways, roads, and power communications (transmission Power distribution high and low voltage switch cabinets, box-type substation outer bodies), photovoltaic brackets, automotive motors, industrial refrigeration (cooling towers, large outdoor industrial air conditioners) and other industries, the application field is very wide.

三、The Superior Properties of ZAM Coated Steel

1. Corrosion Resistance

The magnesium (Mg) component in the coating is beneficial to promote the formation of a very stable and well-structured fine protective film, which generates and maintains a film-like coating on the surface of the coating, thus exerting excellent corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of ZAM coated steel is 5-12 times that of hot-dip galvanized steel.

2. Self-repairing Performance

The self-repairing performance of the processed section of the steel plate, the upper plating layer will dissolve and gradually cover the section, which promotes the formation of a stable protective film. In the initial process, red rust occurs on the exposed cut surface, but after the protective film forms a film-like covering on the cut surface, it prevents further corrosion from occurring.

3. Friction Resistance

It has a low coefficient of friction and stable friction characteristics, which is very beneficial to stamping and can reduce the amount of coating wear, thereby reducing the roughness of parts.

4. Good Welding Performance

The addition of magnesium can reduce welding during laser welding. Spatter of seam attachments to improve welding performance.

5. Good Coating Performance

The coating performance of ZAM coated steel is basically the same as that of pure zinc. It can be electrophoresed, post-sprayed and used as a raw material for color coating. Because of its excellent corrosion resistance under the film, it can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the coated product.

6. Easy-to-Process

ZAM coated steel can be cut and used directly; traditional hot dip galvanizing requires galvanizing, refinishing, surface treatment, etc., which is a tedious process.

7. Long Service Life

The service life of ZAM is up to about 50 years, while the traditional hot-dip galvanizing is only 20 to 30 years.

四、Summarize

Currently, application cases of the ZAM coated steels are emerging in the market. At the same time, also being mass-produced and widely used.

In the future, as the requirements for materials in construction and various industries gradually increase, ZAM coated steels may gradually replace the aluminum-zinc steel sheets in the market.