For the hot-dip galvanized products such as strip and sheet, standardized designations have been introduced in Europe to clearly define the different alloy compositions. These standard markings allow for precise identification of material properties and facilitate the selection of the appropriate material for specific applications.

The most common designations include various combinations of zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), which are added to the base material in varying proportions. The range spans from pure zinc (Z) to alloyed variants such as Galvannealed (ZF), to advanced blends like ZM, which stands for a combination of zinc, aluminum, and magnesium. Each of these compositions offers specific advantages in terms of corrosion resistance, strength, and workability.

This standardized labeling ensures that both users and manufacturers can rely on a transparent and reliable basis for selecting hot-dip galvanized strips and sheets.

In this version, the so-called “common flower” is created by an unaffected solidification of the zinc coating. Depending on the galvanizing conditions, either no zinc flowers or zinc crystals with varying gloss and size may appear. However, this does not affect the quality of the coating. If a particularly pronounced zinc flower is desired, it should be explicitly specified during the inquiry and ordering process.

The “small flower” is created by deliberately influencing the solidification process. This results in a surface with smaller zinc flowers, which in some cases are so tiny that they are barely noticeable to the naked eye. This finish is chosen when the typical zinc flower does not meet the aesthetic requirements for the surface.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
Z100	7	5-12	7,1
Z140	10	7-15	7,1
Z200	14	10-20	7,1
Z225	16	11-22	7,1
Z275	20	13-27	7,1
Z350	25	17-33	7,1
Z450	32	22-42	7,1
Z600	42	29-55	7,1

This coating is created through a special heat treatment in which iron diffuses into the zinc layer, forming a zinc-iron alloy. The result is a uniform, matte gray surface characterized by its rough texture and good adhesion for further coatings. The zinc-iron alloy also provides enhanced corrosion protection and is commonly used in areas where subsequent painting or other surface treatments are required.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
ZF100	7	5-12	7,1
ZF120	8	6-13	7,1

This finish is characterized by a metallic shine, which results from an unaffected solidification of the zinc-aluminum coating. Depending on the manufacturing conditions, crystals of varying sizes and gloss levels form during this process. However, these visual differences do not affect the quality of the coating. The zinc-aluminum coating provides effective corrosion protection and is particularly suitable for applications where both aesthetic and functional properties are required.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
ZA095	7	5-12	6,6
ZA130	10	7-15	6,6
ZA185	14	10-20	6,6
ZA200	15	11-21	6,6
ZA225	20	15-27	6,6
ZA300	23	17-31	6,6

This finish is created through the uninfluenced solidification of the zinc-magnesium coating and can display a varying appearance from matte to metallic gloss. Depending on the manufacturing conditions, different surface structures can form, which in some cases may show a slight tendency to darken. However, these visual changes do not affect the functionality or corrosion protection of the coating, which is further enhanced by the addition of magnesium and aluminum.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
ZM060	4,5	4-8	6,2-6,6
ZM070	5,5	4-8	6,2-6,6
ZM080	6	4-10	6,2-6,6
ZM090	7	5-10	6,2-6,6
ZM100	8	5-11	6,2-6,6
ZM120	9	6-14	6,2-6,6
ZM130	10	7-15	6,2-6,6
ZM140	11	8-16	6,2-6,6
ZM150	11,5	8-17	6,2-6,6
ZM160	12	8-17	6,2-6,6
ZM175	13	9-18	6,2-6,6
ZM190	15	10-20
ZM200	15	10-20	6,2-6,6
ZM250	19	13-25	6,2-6,6
ZM300	23	17-30	6,2-6,6
ZM310	24	18-31	6,2-6,6
ZM350	27	19-33	6,2-6,6
ZM430	35	26-46	6,2-6,6

Products with an aluminum-zinc coating are delivered in the “typical flower” finish, which is characterized by a metallic gloss. This surface structure is formed by the uninfluenced growth of aluminum-zinc crystals under normal solidification conditions. The “typical flower” gives the coating a uniform, visually appealing surface without compromising the material’s protective function or durability. The high aluminum content also ensures excellent corrosion resistance.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
AZ100	13	9-19	3,8
AZ150	20	15-27	3,8
AZ185	25	19-33	3,8

In the case of the aluminum-silicon coating execution, a pronounced Al-Fe-Si alloy layer forms on the base material, in contrast to other hot-dip galvanized products. This layer must be taken into account during further processing, as it has specific properties that can affect the processing. If a maximum value for the mass of this alloy layer is required, special agreements must be made at the time of inquiry and order to ensure that the requirements are met.

Characteristic overlay factor	Typical value in µm	Range	Density in g/cm³
AS060	10	7-15	3,0
AS080	14	10-20	3,0
AS100	17	12-23	3,0
AS120	20	15-27	3,0
AS150	25	19-33	3,0

According to DIN EN 10346, three surface types are distinguished for hot-dip galvanized products, each meeting different requirements for appearance and further processing.

This standard defines the surface quality and provides clear guidance for selecting the material based on application and aesthetic requirements.

The DIN EN 10346 standard offers various surface treatment options for hot-dip galvanized products, which can be agreed upon depending on the application and protection requirements. The possible treatments include:

Surface protection	Abbreviation
Chemically passivated: This treatment protects the surface from moisture and reduces the risk of corrosion product formation during transportation and storage. Local discolorations are permitted and do not affect the quality.	C
Oiled: By applying a neutral, non-drying oil layer to both sides, corrosion is prevented under normal storage and transportation conditions for up to three months. The oil layer can be removed with appropriate solvents.	O
Chemically passivated and oiled: This combination provides enhanced corrosion protection and combines the benefits of both treatments.	CO
Phosphated: Phosphating improves adhesion for subsequent coatings and provides corrosion protection during transportation and storage. When combined with oil (PO), it can also enhance formability.	P
Phosphated and oiled: This combination improves both adhesion for subsequent coatings and the formability of the material, while also providing enhanced corrosion protection during transport and storage.	PO
Sealed (S): A transparent organic coating is applied, providing enhanced corrosion protection and protecting the surface from fingerprints. This seal can be applied on one side or both sides and serves as a primer for subsequent coatings.	S
Upon request, an untreated (U) surface can also be delivered, with the corrosion risk being borne by the customer. The choice of the appropriate surface treatment should be agreed upon between the manufacturer and the customer during the inquiry and order process.	U