AZ55 signifies a specific grade of steel coil coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy. This coating typically consists of approximately 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicon by weight. The designation “AZ55” often refers to the coating weight, indicating a nominal coating mass of 0.55 ounces per square foot (oz/ft²) total on both sides of the sheet, which is equivalent to approximately 165 grams per square meter (g/m²) sometimes denoted as AZM165 in metric specifications.
Core Properties and Advantages
AZ55 coated steel coils offer a range of beneficial properties making them suitable for diverse applications:
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: The primary advantage is its superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional galvanized (zinc-coated) steel in many atmospheric environments. The aluminum component forms a tightly adherent, passive oxide layer, providing excellent barrier protection, while the zinc offers galvanic protection.
- Heat Reflectivity and Resistance: The high aluminum content contributes to good heat reflectivity and allows the material to withstand higher service temperatures without significant degradation or discoloration.
- Formability: AZ55 steel can be readily formed, bent, and drawn, allowing for complex shapes and designs. Its coating adheres well during forming processes.
- Paint Adhesion: The surface of AZ55 provides a good base for painting, often requiring minimal surface preparation for optimal paint adhesion, enhancing its aesthetic versatility. Many steel processors, such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, offer pre-painted AZ55 coils.
- Longevity: Due to its enhanced corrosion protection, AZ55 typically offers a longer service life than conventional galvanized steel, particularly in outdoor and aggressive environments.
Typical Applications
The robust performance characteristics of AZ55 make it a preferred material across various industries:
- Building and Construction: Widely used for roofing panels, wall cladding, rainwater goods (gutters and downspouts), and structural sections due to its durability and weather resistance.
- Appliances: Components for ovens, toasters, washing machines, air conditioning units, and other white goods benefit from its heat and corrosion resistance. Quality sourcing from suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company ensures consistent performance in these applications.
- Automotive: Used in manufacturing mufflers, exhaust components, fuel tanks, and unexposed automotive parts requiring corrosion protection.
- Agricultural: Suitable for silos, animal confinement buildings, and agricultural equipment exposed to corrosive environments.
- Industrial Equipment: Used in ductwork, industrial ovens, and heat exchangers. The reliability of material from established manufacturers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company is crucial for such demanding uses.
Important Considerations
When specifying AZ55 steel coils, it’s important to consider factors such as the specific environment of application. While AZ55 offers excellent overall corrosion resistance, its performance at cut edges relies on the sacrificial action of zinc, which may be less pronounced than in purely zinc coatings over the long term, though the barrier protection of the aluminum typically compensates for this. For specialized applications, partnering with knowledgeable suppliers, such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, can provide essential guidance. The quality of the base steel and coating application, which responsible producers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company carefully control, are paramount for achieving the expected performance and lifespan of AZ55 products.
