ArmorGalv® is a zinc alloy thermal diffusion coating, and is covered by ASTM A1059M-08(2013). This process requires a closed container, heated to a minimum 343˚C (650˚F), with a powdered zinc mixture. At this temperature sublimation of the zinc mixture occurs and it is dispersed into the container as a vapor. Being soluble in iron, the zinc vapor subsequently diffuses into the surface of ferrous parts. Volume of the zinc mixture is calculated based upon total surface area of the parts resulting in excellent control of resultant thickness with near total consumption of the zinc powder. After the diffusion, specially designed topcoats and sealers are applied to complete the finish. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has stated this finish approaches zero emissions and it has received recognition and awards for its contribution to pollution prevention. There is no hazardous chemistry and water consumption is extremely low. In addition to these benefits, ArmorGalv® exceeds the performance benchmarks of many competing solutions.

SPIROL recommends ArmorGalv® coating as an alternative to traditional platings and coatings for many reasons; chief among them product quality, maximum corrosion protection/performance, cost effectiveness, and environmental stewardship. Primary benefits of ArmorGalv® are:

• 1,000 hours or greater corrosion resistance of time to red rust (base metal attack)
• ZERO risk of hydrogen embrittlement
• Will not reduce fatigue strength of material (applicable to all alloys including stainless)
• Uniform deposition of coating on all surfaces (No insignificant surfaces). All internal features or ØID’s receive full coating and protection
• Cost effective Anti-galling characteristics similar to cadmium (may be applied to stainless steel)
• No flaking, peeling, or blistering – approximately 1/3 of finish thickness is diffused into the coated surface effectively becoming part of the component
• Hard and highly abrasion resistant @ 37-42 HRC
• Slightly porous surface will retain paint and other coatings in the event complete pinned assembly requires subsequent painting, powder coating, etc.

ArmorGalv® offers a low risk, cost effective, high performance alternative to many of today’s platings and coatings. With ever-increasing performance and life cycle requirements, this coating is an ideal solution for fasteners used in some of the most aggressive environments such as marine, automotive, mining, and industrial manufacturing. The following photographs provide visual representation of this coatings effectiveness.

The image below demonstrates the layered structure of ArmorGalv®. Maximum percentages of zinc occur at the surface with the percent iron increasing with depth (20 microns average coating thickness is applied to SPIROL fasteners):

Uniformity of deposition is visible in the following photographs. Note coverage of all surfaces including peaks, valleys, corners, and gaps:

• Fastener and washer with ArmorGalv® coating)
• A closer cross-section with thicker deposition for clarity in the two images below:
• Powder Metal Parts Before ArmorGalv®
• Powder Metal Parts After ArmorGalv® (100 microns / 4mils))

SPIROL leads the innovation of new technologies in the fastener industry in order to meet the ever-changing requirements of a dynamic market.  Until now, Thermal Diffused Zinc had not been a commercially viable option for small components.  By leveraging its 68+ years of engineering ingenuity, developing the associated process, and investing in the necessary equipment, SPIROL is able to bring this superior coating to the fastener market at a cost effective price.  As stated by SPIROL’s Marketing Manager, Christie Jones, “ArmorGalv® is a game-changer in the fastener industry, and SPIROL is proud to be at the forefront of bringing this technology to the market.”

Currently ArmorGalv® is only available for SPIROL’s Tubular Product lines. However, they are looking forward to rolling out ArmorGalv® as a standard finish option for their other product lines in the future. Contact SPIROL today for more information!                                                       info@spirol.com