Hot-dip galvanising

WIEGEL galvanizes in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1461. This standard defines requirements and tests for batch hot-dip galvanized fabricated steelwork; WIEGEL additionally anchors this in its own quality management system. In addition, our kettles use a DASt 022-compliant bath composition.

Depending on zinc coating thickness and environmental conditions, protection periods of several decades are possible. The International Zinc Association assumes a service life of 66 years.

Yes. WIEGEL organizes collection, picking/commissioning, post-processing and delivery; if required, also daily deliveries or deliveries close to/at the construction site.

Yes. WIEGEL has been using lead-free zinc melts for many years and informs customers transparently about this.

In eight steps: set-up, degreasing, pickling (with separated pickling management), fluxing, drying, hot-dip galvanizing, post-treatment, dismantling. Pre-treatment is enclosed. Our galvanizing is free of SVHC substances and POP substancesand fully complies with REACH, RoHS, etc.

For load-bearing steel components, the requirements of DASt 022 must be complied with; WIEGEL supports classification/implementation and performs required tests (e.g., MT) at the plant.

DIN EN ISO 14713 provides design and construction principles (including openings, material influence, storage/transport), which WIEGEL references in its consulting.

Yes. At many WIEGEL sites, preservation/passivation is available on request; it maintains the shine and reduces early formation of white rust.

Yes. From single items to series and from small parts to space-consuming structures – WIEGEL covers the full spectrum. The largest dimensions that can be galvanized in Feuchtwangen are 16.80 m (length), 1.70 m (width) and 3.00 m (height), with a maximum weight of 8 t.

Guideline values according to DIN EN ISO 1461 (example): for steel > 6 mm, an average of ≥ 85 µm is required (local ≥ 70 µm); the exact requirements vary depending on component type and test method. In general, zinc coating thicknesses are often higher than the standard requires, as they are process-related.

Yes – wherever cavities, double plates or covered areas occur. Openings are necessary so that

• zinc can flow into cavities and flow out again,

• air, moisture and pre-treatment media can escape,

• dangerous pressure build-ups and defects are avoided.

Openings are provided at the lowest and highest points of each chamber or hollow section, in pairs and opposite each other. Slots are possible if cross-section and drainage are ensured. Without sufficiently sized openings, safe, standard-compliant galvanizing is not possible. WIEGEL checks the design in advance and recommends the position and size of the openings according to the principles of DIN EN ISO 14713-2 / 1461.

Yes. Anti-spatter agents—especially silicone-containing welding sprays—can prevent wetting of the steel and lead to adhesion issues, black spots or missing zinc coating in the heat-affected zone. In the heat-affected zone, i.e., around the weld seam, residues burn off. Deposits next to the seam often remain problematic. Recommendations:

• Avoid sprays, pastes and release agents wherever possible.

• If necessary, use only silicone-free, water-based products—still remove residues completely.

• Before galvanizing, remove weld spatter, scale and spray residues mechanically (e.g., blasting/grinding) or with suitable cleaners.

The basis is the requirement of DIN EN ISO 1461 that surfaces to be galvanized must be metallically clean and free of non-metallic contamination. WIEGEL coordinates the appropriate pre-treatment on a project-specific basis.

WIEGEL is the provider with the most EMAS-validated sites worldwide. EMAS is Europe’s most demanding environmental management system; it requires legal compliance monitored by state-approved environmental verifiers, annually updated and publicly accessible environmental statements, and site-specific register entries. This makes environmental protection at WIEGEL demonstrably more transparent, more strictly audited and measurably improved than typical ISO 14001 systems alone. In addition, WIEGEL has a complete CO₂ footprint across all scopes and is already working on a product EPD for galvanized components. Our new plant technology goes beyond the “best available techniques” from long ago, especially in global comparison.

WIEGEL provides verified environmental data for the executing plant and a group-wide, consistently validated management standard—documented by EMAS evidence.

EMAS requires regular, independent verification of legal compliance and environmental management by accredited environmental verifiers and registration in the official register. This reduces compliance risk.

The annually updated and validated environmental statement provides site-specific data (e.g., resource consumption, energy, water, waste, emissions) that can be used directly.

EMAS registration applies group-wide (Reg. No. DE 158 00127; initial registration 08/12/2014). This ensures consistent processes and evidence—regardless of the executing plant.

EMAS is often recognized as a quality feature and can serve as an award criterion. It also facilitates credible fulfillment of ESG and due-diligence requirements.

The systematic management of environmentally relevant aspects, including emergency and operating procedures, reduces the likelihood of disruptions or environmental incidents that impact schedules and costs.

EMAS is closely linked with European industrial and emissions requirements; alignment with stricter IED requirements supports proactive compliance.

In some countries/regions, EMAS organizations may receive administrative simplifications or incentives—depending on authority practice.

WIEGEL has operated an integrated management system for almost 30 years, certified to EN ISO 9001 and 14001; occupational safety has so far been certified by the BG or the trade supervisory authority and will be certified to EN ISO 45001 in the future. Combined with our EMAS validation, this results in precisely defined workflows, high quality and safety standards, and safeguarded, precisely monitored processes.

WIEGEL operates its own excellently equipped central laboratory for quality control of our treatment baths and melts. This type of process monitoring is unrivalled in the industry. Highly trained personnel monitor these processes in internal audits and inspections in Germany and abroad. WIEGEL has several in-house auditors for EN ISO 9001, EN ISO 14001 and EN ISO 45001 and its own environmental verifier. Here, too, WIEGEL has a global unique selling point.