Electrogalvanized steels: corrosion resistance with the thinnest possible coating

Electrogalvanizing (EG or ZE) steel involves electrolytically depositing a layer of zinc by running a steel strip through a conducting zinc salt bath with inert anodes and the steel as the cathode. Electrogalvanization provides a uniform coating and high surface quality. EG coats are much thinner than other galvanizing processes, making them appropriate when the thinnest possible coating is needed for corrosion resistance.

Electrogalvanizing: aka, EG or ZE

SSAB offers various EG-coated steels, many of which are targeted to automotive OEMs. Particularly noteworthy are our electrogalvanized martensitic steel grades. Electrogalvanized coatings are designated as EG by the VDA standards and ZE by the EN nomination.

Electroplating or electrogalvanizing?

Technically, the terms are not interchangeable. Electroplating means applying a metal coating (including decorative metals, such as silver or gold) to a solid surface using an electric current. Electrogalvanization specifically uses zinc to coat steel to provide resistance to corrosion.

*In triple spot test

Processing properties of electrogalvanized steel

Forming EG steel

Electrogalvanization, with its thin coatings, can be suitable for highly formed parts; for example, deeply drawn components. Extreme forming applications may require lubrication prior to forming.

Welding ZE steel

Electrogalvanizing provides excellent resistance spot welding properties.

Adhesive and mechanical joining of electrogalvanized steel

Electrogalvanized steel can be joined using a variety of adhesives. EG-coated parts are generally considered easier to bond than traditional zinc-coated (GI) parts. Mechanical joining of electrogalvanized parts can be done using bolts, rivet tabs, or non-tabs.

Is electrogalvanized steel right for your project?

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Additional corrosion resistant coatings available from SSAB

Galfan® coated steels: enhanced formability and corrosion resistance

Galfan® (ZA) coatings are produced when a steel coil continuously runs through a hot-dip bath of 95% zinc and 5% aluminum. Compared to traditional zinc (GI) coatings, zinc-aluminum coatings have both superior forming properties and corrosion resistance.

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Galvannealed coated steels: excellent paintability, unbeatable weldability

Galvannealed coated steels are made by running a steel coil through a continuous hot-dip zinc bath and then heat treating the steel inline to diffuse iron from the substrate into the zinc layer. ZF-coated steel provides excellent paintability and unbeatable weldability due to the coating’s iron content.

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Hot-dip galvanized steel: cost-effective, long-term corrosion resistance

Hot-dip galvanizing submerges steel into a vat of molten zinc to form a zinc-iron alloy coating that is highly durable and resistant to corrosion. It is often the most cost-effective method of adding corrosion resistance to steel since it can be done immediately after cold rolling.

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