ASTM A123

A FIRM GRIP ON FABRICATION

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Madden Bolts Fabrication Standards
ICS CODE: ICS Number Code 25.220.40 (Metallic coatings)
UNSPSC Code: 30102204 (Steel plate)
UNSPSC Code: 31132100 (Steel forgings)
GALVANIZING with Madden Bolt

Madden Bolt Fabricates to ASTM A123 Standards

By aligning to ASTM A123 standards, Madden Bolt ensures that products we galvanize —including pipes and tubing, plates, bars, and strips—have a continuous, smooth, and uniform finish. We also inspect the appearance of each item’s zinc coating for any untreated areas or defects that may interfere with the intended use of the product. In addition to defining coating, thickness, finish, and appearance, ASTM A123 dictates an adherence requirement for the entire coating. The standard requires a strong level of adherence throughout the service life of the galvanized steel. Madden Bolt uses a proprietary adherence process that meshes our zinc coating with the steel product for optimal performance.

Whether Madden Bolt is galvanizing products that were created in Madden Bolt’s fabrication shop or products that were shipped to us for galvanizing, we inspect each item to ensure the integrity of its design and build before properly performing the hot-dip galvanizing process. It is our job to oversee compliance with galvanizing specifications so long as the product has been designed and fabricated in accordance with the intended specifications. Further aligning to a123, Madden Bolt will partner with the customer if additional work on the product is required to prepare it for the galvanizing process.

Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products

ICS Code: ICS Number Code 25.220.40 (Metallic coatings)

UNSPSC Code: UNSPSC Code 30102204(Steel plate); 31132100(Steel forgings)

SCOPE

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for zinc coating (galvanizing) by the hot-dip process on iron and steel products made from rolled pressed and forged shapes, castings, plates, bars, and strips.

1.2 This specification covers both unfabricated products and fabricated products, for example, assembled steel products, structural steel fabrications, large tubes already bent or welded before galvanizing, and wire work fabricated from uncoated steel wire. This specification also covers steel forgings and iron castings incorporated into pieces fabricated before galvanizing or which are too large to be centrifuged (or otherwise handled to remove excess galvanizing bath metal).

NOTE 1: This specification covers those products previously addressed in Specifications A123-78 and A386-78.

1.3 This specification does not apply to wire, pipe, tube, or steel sheet which is galvanized on specialized or continuous lines, or to steel less than 22 gage (0.0299 in.) [0.76 mm] thick.

1.4 The galvanizing of hardware items that are to be centrifuged or otherwise handled to remove excess zinc (such as bolts and similar threaded fasteners, castings and rolled, pressed and forged items) shall be in accordance with Specification A153/A153M.

1.5 Fabricated reinforcing steel bar assemblies are covered by the present specification. The batch galvanizing of separate reinforcing steel bars shall be in accordance with Specification A767/A767M and the continuous galvanizing of reinforcing bars shall be in accordance with Specification A1094/A1094M.

1.6 This specification is applicable to orders in either inch-pound units (as A123) or SI units (as A123M). Inch-pound units and SI units are not necessarily exact equivalents. Within the text of this specification and where appropriate, SI units are shown in parentheses. Each system shall be used independently of the other without combining values in any way. In the case of orders in SI units, all testing and inspection shall be done using the metric equivalent of the test or inspection method as appropriate. In the case of orders in SI units, such shall be stated to the galvanizer when the order is placed.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM A123 Glossary

Adherence: The process by which zinc sticks to the steel product; the entire coating should have a strong adherence throughout the service life of the product

Appearance: Characteristics of a steel product immediately after it has come out of the hot dip galvanizing process. The steel’s chemistry, cooling rate, and processing can result in a range of appearances including bright and shiny, spangled, matte gray, and/or a combination of these. A non-uniform appearance is also possible. However, this non-uniform appearance has no impact on the level of corrosion protection.

Assembled Steel Products: Steel products created by welding together formed and machined parts

ASTM a123: The standard specification for zinc (hot-dip galvanized) coatings on iron and steel products including plates, pipes & tubing, wires, strips & bars, and structural steel.

Finish: The condition of the zinc coating. ASTM a123 requires the finish to be smooth, uniform, and continuous to ensure long-term corrosion resistance from the product.

Structural Steel and Plate: Structural steel is a category of steel used for making construction materials in a variety of shapes. Examples of structural steel include I-beams, plates, rods, and bars.

Steel Pipes: Long, hollow tubes that are used for a variety of purposes including transporting water for plumbing systems and protecting electrical wires.

Steel Tubing: Round, square, or rectangular steel parts that are typically hollow structural sections (HSS) used in construction and engineering industries for things like welded steel frames.

Steel Wires: Wire rope or cable that is used for lifting and hoisting heavy equipment such as cranes, elevators, ships, etc.

Strips and Bars: Low carbon steel parts that are found in almost every industry. They are used for structural integrity and foundations, structure framing, and machining and CNC Fabrication.

Structural Steel Fabrications: Steel products that are formed from a multi-step process that may include cutting, bending, forming, welding, assembling, and galvanizing.

Thickness: The quality or depth of zinc that is applied to steel products after completely immersing the steel product in a kettle of molten zinc. ASTM a123 requires a minimum thickness of the zinc coating to ensure quality.

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