Electrogalvanized (electroplated) coatings are created by applying zinc to steel sheet and strip by electro-deposition. Similar to sheet galvanizing, the operation is continuous and coating thickness is minimal. Applied in a steel mill, sheet or strip is fed through entry equipmentinto a series of washes and rinses then into the zinc plating bath.
The most common zinc electrolyte-anode arrangementuses lead-silver, or other insoluble anodes and electrolytesof zinc sulfates. Soluble anodes of pure zinc are also used.The coating develops as positively charged zinc ions inthe solution are electrically reduced to zinc metal anddeposited on the positively charged cathode (sheet steel). Grain refiners may be added to help produce a smooth, tight-knit zinc coating on the steel.
