The choice of finish for storage systems should be considered as a strategy for your company's logistics. You know that the use of space within your warehouse needs to be strategic, right?
That is why many companies opt for storage systems that allow for the rational use of space and ensure that the protocols adopted by their organization are properly followed. Agility, cost reduction, and organization are synonymous with good results.
However, what also needs to be strategic is the type of finishing application for your structure. This process aims to increase the durability of the equipment, creating a physical barrier that separates the environment from the steel, preventing oxidation and hindering the corrosion process.
Corrosion
One of the main objectives of painting processes is to prevent corrosion, which can cause aesthetic and, especially, structural damage. Corrosion occurs through the loss of electrons from one material to another and can be chemical, electrochemical, or electrolytic.
When we think about industry, the form of corrosion that causes the most concern for companies is electrochemical corrosion. In this situation, one metal loses electrons while another, with a higher electrochemical potential, receives the electrons in the presence of water, in a redox process.
The more noble a metal is, the greater its resistance to corrosion. Gold, for example, is a precious metal due to its ability to resist corrosion, maintaining its properties intact for much longer than other known metals.
On the other hand, steel, the most common element in industry, has a strong tendency to oxidize (corrode or rust). That is, it has a great potential to lose electrons to the environment or to another material with a higher electrochemical potential.
This can be avoided with different methods and systems available on the market, the main ones being:
Painting
Electrostatic painting is considered the The most efficient finishing method available on the market. This type of painting offers a smooth, mirror-like finish that doesn't leave the streaks or bubbles common in other methods. This technique uses the principle of attraction and repulsion of electrical charges for better paint adhesion when applied to structures.
The inks used by Bertolini Storage Systems are thermosetting inks, which originate from the reaction between the resin and the curing agent after the powder melts. The material polymerizes and forms a component with a high molecular weight, which has optimized physical and chemical properties.
To be painted, the metal structure and the paint receive opposite electrical charges through a special applicator, which allows for complete coverage of the piece in a more practical and fast way.
After this process, the structure is placed in an oven at 250°C, where the paint fuses to the structure, forming a resistant, uniform film with a beautiful finish. This is also a very sustainable method, as it doesn't require the use of solvents. This is something your company needs to consider.
While conventional methods require diluted paint, electrostatic painting eliminates the need for solvent dilution, offering less risk to health and the environment. Bertolini considers the quality of its products and respect for the environment as pillars of its commitment to excellence.
In addition to these, we have listed below other advantages of choosing a product with a painted finish.
-Ink reaches into hard-to-access cavities;
-High impact resistance;
-In addition to corrosion, it is also resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and stains;
-Variety of colors and finishes;
-Excellent grip and flexibility;
-Chemical and mechanical resistance;
-Resistance to extreme weather, such as the effects of sun, UV rays, heat, cold and humidity;
-No material is lost during application. The powder that does not remain on the part is reused;
-Durable finish and visual appearance;
-Use of bright colors in certain parts, with the aim of assisting in the operation and safety of storage systems.
Galvanizing
Galvanization, also called electroplating, is a chemical or electrochemical process in which a thin layer of metal is applied to the surface of a given item—whether metallic or not.
Its main function is To protect the object from wear and tear caused by handling, contact with air, or simply using the item. The procedure is performed through electrolysis in an aqueous medium, thus the part is completely covered by the metal. Galvanizing can be done in two ways: hot or cold.
Hot-dip galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanizing gets its name because, in the final stage of the zinc plating process for iron or steel, the part must be immersed in molten zinc at a temperature between 445 and 460ºC. During immersion, the iron or steel reacts with the zinc, which forms a protective coating on the metal part.
Many metal parts undergo a hot-dip galvanizing process in industry. However, the protective layer wears away with use, requiring maintenance. Depending on the type of part or equipment, subjecting it to a hot-dip galvanizing process can be very difficult or even unfeasible.
Cold galvanizing
Cold galvanizing, on the other hand, is a... chemical reaction between zinc and iron. Like hot galvanizing, it offers corrosion protection. However, cold galvanizing is done using sprays or brushes. Generally, cold galvanizing refers to the coating of metal parts with zinc-rich paints.
Hot-dip or cold galvanizing?
In both cases, the procedure prevents wear and tear on metal parts. The final decision as to which process will be used will depend on the criticality of the equipment, the level of corrosion, and also the company's priorities.
But what are the advantages of galvanization? Some of these advantages include corrosion resistance, protection against oxidation, and increasing the thickness of the part. However, it is a method that is quite harmful to the environment and to the health of humans and animals. This is because the final solution of the process always contains a quantity of cations that belonged to the metals used.
If the solution containing metal cations is not treated and is discharged as waste into rivers, lakes, or oceans, it can trigger various health problems that will certainly negatively impact living beings.
How to choose the best option
You've already seen that the available finishing processes are primarily aimed at protecting your structure. In addition, they also seek to enhance the safety of the support's operation, providing easy visualization of elements such as columns, stringers, protectors, and other accessories.
However, the main advantage of painting over galvanizing is that it has greater resistance to corrosion when in contact with certain chemicals, such as washing powder.
This is proven through a globally recognized process called salt spray (or salt spray test) and applied by Bertolini Storage Systems. This technique consists of tests to evaluate the resistance of coatings against corrosion. In other words, it is the technology and quality in the processes applied to the equipment that They attest to the effectiveness of the structures and their perfect application in your company's spaces.
The test with a dense, corrosive mist replicates an accelerated corrosion process, causing an aggressive attack on the component and, after a certain period, checking the rust produced. It is a relatively simple process. cheap, quick and easy to repeat. The technique is internationally recognized through the standard. ASTM B117.
Another advantage is that the painted structure improves the sense of space and enhances the operator's ability to meet demands. With this in mind, the colors of Bertolini storage structures follow a protocol developed precisely to guarantee this ease of use and safety. In addition to combining beauty and ergonomics, the color of each element was chosen according to its use, allowing for the correct balance between function, visibility, visual comfort, aesthetics, and, of course, the basic function of protecting the steel elements.
For example: elements without user interaction do not need to be highlighted — not surprisingly, Bertolini chose Azul Del Rey because it is a more discreet color. However, elements with direct interaction, where the user deposits cargo, need to be easily visible. For this, we chose orange to give greater prominence to the structure. Safety elements follow international standards with the color yellow, and should stand out from the rest of the structure.
There are also other advantages:
-Because the paint is applied more evenly, it allows for easier cleaning of the structure;
-The visual aspect, which makes the component more appealing – a quality widely recognized by many companies.
-The delivery time is shorter compared to the galvanized product;
-The cost-benefit ratio is better, since a structure with a painted finish has a lower price than a galvanized one.
Points to note
But are there places where a painted finish isn't the best option? Yes. Those are themore aggressive environments, For example, chemical manufacturers, where painting becomes a problem due to the products stored there, slaughterhouses, where the presence of blood and salt is high, are also not usually good for structures with a painted finish.
Did you realize how the finishing touches on your warehouse structure make all the difference to your business? That's not the only factor you need to pay attention to. Issues like layout also impact product results and storage, so you can benefit from... free layout design that we have set aside for you.
