Rust. It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way
Fe2O3 • H2O. Hydrated Ferric Oxide. Rust!
Why do things rust so easily?
Steel is made of iron and carbon and iron can’t help but rust, because all it wants to do is go back to its thermodynamically-favored state of being, which is iron ore. When we mine iron, it looks like rust, because it is rust. When we make steel, we’re forcing it to be something it doesn’t want to be and rust is iron’s way of defying our efforts. Here in Florida, that fight is even tougher.
So to counteract that, we clean, treat, coat, paint and so on. But, that only slows down the process. On most outdoor fitness equipment or playground products, we first see rust occurring at the welds.
Why there?
The process. One of the best ways to fight rust is galvanization, but it’s rust-resistance qualities are compromised during the welding process.
When galvanized steel is welded, it is exposed to extremely high temperatures, typically exceeding the melting point of zinc (419°C or 787°F). During welding, several key factors can impact the integrity of the zinc coating and the overall corrosion protection: Zinc vaporization, oxidation and depletion, spatter and contamination, heat affected zones are compromised.
BeStrong Outdoor Fitness Equipment uses a different approach.
Post-Weld Galvanization: Galvanizing after welding, ensures that all component parts, including the welded areas, receive the necessary surface treatment for corrosion protection.
Thickness: BeStrong’s galvanization is 2.5 times thicker than competing products.
Grinding: After welding and before galvanizing, our craftsmen employ precision grinding techniques to refine the appearance and aesthetics. While it provides and exceptional visually appealing product, it removes even the smallest burrs and pits, further protecting any chance of rust sneaking in.
Sandblasting: BeStrong adheres to the stringent standard SA3, where cinder, rust, and other surface impurities are completely removed, setting the stage for a flawless finish.
Primer: Before final surface coating, Epoxy Resin Powder is applied at 2.36-3.14 mil. thickness. E-coating is commonly used in industries such as automotive, appliances, and furniture for corrosion protection and as a primer coat for additional coatings.
Top Coat: Lacquer with Weatherproof PES Powder, provides the ultimate protection against environmental factors.
Beyond the process: High quality standards in material selection, advanced material cutting techniques to ensure seamless assembly, and highly skilled welders using state-of-the-art equipment to join each piece to create a solid and dependable framework.
BeStrong – Outdoor fitness equipment of the highest quality.
Photo by Rémi Jacquaint on Unsplash