Search Results

Galfan is a new generation zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy coating for steel offering opportunities for greater fabrication flexibility and upgraded corrosion performance in automotive applications. The formability of Galfan is equivalent to that of electrogalvanized steel, based on laboratory tests and automotive component fabrication. Corrosion resistance of Galfan exceeds that of hot dip and electrogalvanized, including performance in automotive industry tests. Automotive production applications for deep drawn and stamped components in France and Germany are based on the ability to meet dual performance requirements for upgraded formability and corrosion resistance. First U.S. Galfan applications are on 1985 model Ford cars and light trucks for transmission oil cooler line and power steering line tubing.

Craters in galvannealed coatings on steel sheet are depressions caused by non-uniform diffusive growth. Correlations have been sought between “crater” densities in galvannealed sheet steel and friction, powdering, and paint adherence, as relevant to the appearance, corrosion resistance and processing of auto body panels. Crater densities were established on a series of samplings from major producers, and related to frictional measurements from a binder-radius simulator, powdering levels from bend testing, and paint adherence assessments from a stone-chipping test. Results suggest that increased crater density decreases powdering, but does not aid in lubrication. In fact, decreased powdering could be correlated with increased friction levels. A strong correlation was found between increased crater density and increased paint adherence.