ArcelorMittal’s Magnelis^® coating – perfect for tubular applications

Unlike post-galvanisation, Magnelis^® is already applied to the substrate when the steel is delivered to the tube manufacturer. “The biggest advantage of Magnelis^® is that you can create a product and then cut or drill it, and there is no need for additional corrosion protection thanks to the coating’s self-healing properties,” says Jan-Olof Övergård, CEO of Swedish fencing manufacturer and long-term ArcelorMittal Tubular customer Halsängs Stängsel. “And you don’t need to send the product out to be hot-dip galvanised after forming. This saves at least two trips and further contributes to the reputation of Magnelis^® as an environmentally friendly coating.”

“Post galvanisation, particularly of thin gauges, long and straight parts, or high strength steels (HSS) is a difficult process,” says Jérôme Guth from the ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products Marketing team. “And it is time-consuming which adds to the customer’s supply chain and costs. By contrast, steels coated with Magnelis^® can be formed and assembled without the need for additional corrosion protection. The final product can also be arc welded or post-painted if required.”

“It’s hard to make an argument why Magnelis^® should not be specified,” notes Jan-Olof Övergård. “Our customers are demanding more environmentally friendly products and Magnelis^® is a perfect fit. It uses less zinc than galvanisation, and the zinc remains on the application – it doesn’t wash off into the soil or drains where it can have a negative impact on the environment. We believe in this product so much that we use the brand name in our own promotional material.”

“Magnelis^® represents a new era of corrosion protection for highly durable tubular applications,” notes Jean-Philippe Haye, chief marketing officer for precision tubes at ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Europe. “Our customers now have access to one of the most advanced coatings on the market today.”

Magnelis^® offers far better corrosion resistance than a pure-zinc coating of the same thickness. “Even on deformed steel shapes such as bent tubes, Magnelis^® creates a dense layer of protection,” says Jérôme Guth. “When combined with an adequate high frequency weld reprotection process, this gives the tube the same protection as a flat surface.”

It’s also easy to combine flat and tubular products if they share a Magnelis^® coating as Jean-Philippe Haye explains: “Photovoltaic (PV) systems are a perfect example of an application which combines tubular and flat steel products. By using Magnelis^® to protect both, you are ensuring the overall integrity of the PV system and maximising its lifespan.”