Bustin Truck and Trailer Retractable Steps: Go Naked, Go Galvanized
It’s not a secret that Retractable Steps on trucks and trailers are susceptible to Mother Nature’s harsh elements, salt, snow, dirt and anything the road kicks up. Chipping, fading, and corrosion are the side-effects of this tough environment.
Our Bustin Retractable Step is offered with two finishes: new Hot Dipped Galvanized or Powder Coated. Grab a pencil, it’s important to know the science behind these two finishes.
Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel undergoes a process called galvanization – the practice of submerging steel in hot, molten zinc (also known as hot-dip galvanizing [HDG]), reaching temperatures as high as 860 degrees Fahrenheit. If successful, a metallurgical bond is formed between the two components (zinc and steel). Galvanization can help steel last longer as zinc corrodes very slowly, protecting the Step’s base metal.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is also a popular industrial coating on metals. Powder coating provides a durable finish that provides protection against chipping and scratching. An ingredient mixture that is mixed and melted, cooled, and made into a powder that has a similar look and feel to powder sugar. A spray gun is used to create an electrostatic charge that allows the powder particles to attract to the metal base. After the Step is sprayed, the powder coated Step is placed in a curing oven which allows the coating to chemically adhere. The heat from the oven helps the sprayed coating to create molecular changes which provide a shell that is long lasting.
What’s the Difference?
Both are strong finishes and offer excellent protection against the enemies: rust and corrosion. A couple of key differences:
- Do you want color? Powder coating is your choice. Endless color options are available. We offer red and black.
- Extreme temperatures? Galvanized is considered the better option. For very high and very low temperature resistance to rust and corrosion, zinc offers additional durability.
Go Naked, Go Galvanized
Currently there is an industry trend toward galvanization. It might take some getting used to the naked finish, i.e. no color, but the additional zinc ingredient provides that extra kick of durability.
For more information on the Bustin Retractable Truck & Trailer Step, contact your territory manager> bit.ly/2I8iiNM
Call us anytime – 800-323-7424 or visit us online at www.sftruckandtrailer.net
