Flo-Coat Steel

The Flo-Coat Process

Allied’s steel profiles comes from an inline hot-dip galvanizing process called Flo-Coat®. This one-of-a-kind technique runs welded tubing through molten zinc while still on-line. Flo-Coat® process is the superior method of galvanizing steel tubing. It begins with flat strip steel, which is then cold-formed and electric-resistance or induction welded. After welding, the tube receives a triple layer of protection-zinc, conversion coating, and a clear polymer top-coat – all applied in-line to assure a uniform coating. The result is a smooth, shiny end product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

Flo-Coat® tubing exhibits greater corrosion resistance because of the synergism created between the coatings; the conversion coating passivates the zinc to slow down the white rust growth process, and the clear top-coat then “seals in” the protection. The triple coat corrosion provided by Allied’s in-line manufacturing processes has never been equaled. This triple layer protection (zinc, conversion coating and clear organic polymer) provides a smooth, shiny product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

The Allied Flo-Coat® Process Inherent Advantages

• The cold-forming and quenching process creates greater yield and tensile strength than competitive product alternatives.
• The tube is welded prior to the application of coating; thus the weld area is as protected from corrosion as the rest of the tube body.
• Flo-Coat® tubing exhibits greater corrosion resistance because of the synergism created between the coatings; the conversion coating passivates the zinc to slow down the white rust growth process, and the clear top-coat then “seals in” the protection.
• The clear third coating also acts as a primer for painting or powder coating. Extensive pre-cleaning is unnecessary, and excellent adhesion is achieved, even at high baking temperatures.
• Powder coating over Allied´s galvanized substrate provides substantial corrosion resistance superiority over powder coating a raw/uncoated substrate. Powder coating over a galvanized surface provides corrosion protection 5-6 times longer than the same over raw or bare surface.
• Welding Flo-Coat® is easily done in the exact same manner as welding bare steel. Allied´s zinc coating contains the lowest lead content achievable (99.9% pure zinc, average 13 ppm), so lead oxide fumes generated during welding are kept to an absolute minimum. Hot-dip galvanized products usually contain up to .5% lead (5000 ppm).
• Allied’s galvanized products can be easily fabricated…bent, swaged, wall-to-wall flattened…without deformation of the triple layer of protection. Competitive products tend to flake and chip during fabrication.

Flo-Coat® Tubing Our signature Flo-Coat® process produces galvanized tube and pipe considered the “Industry Standard” in each of our core markets. Allied’s success is due in part to the patented Flo-Coat® process that revolutionized the steel tube industry over 35 years ago. This process has been continuously improved upon, and is just as unique today. The triple-coat corrosion protection provided by Allied’s in-line manufacturing processes has never been equaled. This triple layer protection (zinc, conversion coating and clear organic topcoat) provides a smooth, shiny product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

Our signature Flo-Coat® process produces galvanized tube and pipe considered the “Industry Standard” in each of our core markets. Allied’s success is due in part to the patented Flo-Coat® process that revolutionized the steel tube industry over 35 years ago. This process has been continuously improved upon, and is just as unique today. The triple-coat corrosion protection provided by Allied’s in-line manufacturing processes has never been equaled. This triple layer protection (zinc, conversion coating and clear organic topcoat) provides a smooth, shiny product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

Product Applications

Flo-Coat galvanized steel tubing is commonly used within the following industries:

• Awnings
• Conveyors
• Exercise Equipment
• Farmstead / Livestock Equipment
• Gates / hand rails
• Greenhouses
• Playground Equipment
• Portable Buildings
• Scaffolding & Bracing
• Snow barriers / roofing
• Shelters
• Signposts

Other Typical Applications

• Display Racks, Shelving and Store Fixtures
• Garage Door Torque Bars, Gym Sets, Sporting Goods and Exercise Equipment
• Indoor and Outdoor Furniture
• Irrigation Center Pivot Systems
• Lawn & Garden Equipment
• Material Handling Equipment: Carts, Hand Trucks and Containers

Market Adoption & Benefits to your Business

Many businesses and industries have adopted the product for the following reasons:

• Weight reduction without compromising strength /load.
• Appearance – attractive finish, aesthetically pleasing.
• Corrosion Protection – industry leading, (salt spray results)
• Irrigation Center Pivot Systems
• Eliminate Painting – product is ready-to-go upon completion of fabrication.
• Increase strength – Delivers minimum 50,000 psi yield strength, improved structure rigidity, greater impact resistance, and lower material cost than hot-dipped pipe or structural products.
• Reduce Tube Prep – Clean and protected finish, virtually ready to fabricate and optional paint reduce time and labour – improve bottom line.
• Eliminate EPA concerns – zinc is 99.99 pure, lead free, recyclable materials.
• Increase Productivity – Reduce prep, streamline workflow.
• Easy to Paint- Top coat is a primer, wipe and paint.
• Mill Cut to length – 10ft lengths or greater, reduce waste related costs
• Cleanliness – Fabricators enjoy handling material – clean, oil free, bend, drill, weld, paint and deliver to your customer.

Flo-Coat is available in these sizes