Galvanized steel sheet from ULAMEX is continuously hot-dip galvanized flat steel manufactured in accordance with EN 10346 — the European standard for continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products for cold forming. Our galvanized sheet programme covers thicknesses from 0.4 to 3.0 mm, widths from 1000 to 1500 mm, and zinc coatings from Z100 to Z275 in steel grades DX51D+Z through S250GD+Z. Every sheet carries a minimum zinc coating that provides 20 to 50+ years of maintenance-free corrosion protection, depending on the coating weight and exposure environment.
The Sendzimir Process: How Galvanized Sheet Is Made
Modern galvanized sheet is produced on a continuous hot-dip galvanizing line (often called a Sendzimir line after the inventor Tadeusz Sendzimir). The cold-rolled steel strip passes through a cleaning section, an annealing furnace at 700–850 °C, and then enters a molten zinc bath at approximately 460 °C. As the strip exits the bath, precision air knives control the zinc coating thickness by blowing excess molten zinc off both surfaces. The result is a uniform, tightly bonded zinc coating with a characteristic spangle pattern (zinc crystal formation visible on the surface).
The zinc coating designation indicates the total coating mass on both sides combined. For example, Z275 means 275 g/m² total (approximately 137.5 g/m² per side, or roughly 20 µm per side). This is the heaviest standard coating and provides maximum outdoor durability. Z100 (100 g/m² total, ~7 µm per side) is the minimum for indoor and mild exposure applications.
Steel Grades Explained
EN 10346 defines two families of galvanized sheet grades relevant to construction and fabrication:
| Grade | Yield Strength (min.) | Tensile Strength | Elongation (min.) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DX51D+Z | 140 MPa (typical) | 270–500 MPa | 22% | General forming, HVAC, ductwork, light profiles |
| DX52D+Z | 140 MPa (typical) | 270–420 MPa | 26% | Deep drawing, complex pressed parts |
| DX53D+Z | 140 MPa (typical) | 270–370 MPa | 30% | Extra-deep drawing applications |
| S220GD+Z | 220 MPa | 300 MPa min. | 20% | Structural purlins, rails, light framing |
| S250GD+Z | 250 MPa | 330 MPa min. | 19% | Structural decking, load-bearing profiles |
DX51D+Z is the most widely used grade and accounts for approximately 70% of all galvanized sheet consumption in Europe. It offers excellent cold formability for bending, roll forming, stamping and moderate drawing operations. For structural applications requiring defined minimum yield strength, S220GD+Z or S250GD+Z are specified.
Applications
- HVAC ductwork and ventilation systems — the single largest application for galvanized sheet in construction: rectangular and spiral ducts, plenums, dampers and fittings fabricated from 0.5–1.2 mm DX51D+Z
- Roofing and wall cladding — trapezoidal and corrugated profiles roll-formed from 0.4–0.75 mm galvanized sheet with Z275 coating for maximum weather resistance
- Steel framing and light gauge construction — C-sections, U-sections and hat profiles for drywall studs, ceiling grids and light structural framing per EN 1993-1-3
- Electrical enclosures and switchgear housings — precision-formed cabinets, junction boxes and distribution boards from 1.0–2.0 mm galvanized sheet
- Agricultural equipment and storage — grain silos, feed troughs, ventilation hoods and barn cladding
- Automotive components — body-in-white panels, chassis brackets and underbody shields (DX52D+Z / DX53D+Z for deep drawing)
- General sheet metal fabrication — brackets, covers, guards, drip trays and custom pressed parts
- White goods and appliances — washing machine housings, refrigerator panels, oven surrounds
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | EN 10346:2015 (continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products) |
| Grades stocked | DX51D+Z, DX52D+Z, S220GD+Z, S250GD+Z |
| Thicknesses | 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mm |
| Sheet widths | 1000, 1250, 1500 mm (other widths from coil slitting on request) |
| Sheet lengths | 2000, 2500, 3000 mm (custom cut-to-length available) |
| Zinc coating Z100 | 100 g/m² total (~7 µm/side) — indoor/mild exposure |
| Zinc coating Z200 | 200 g/m² total (~14 µm/side) — general outdoor |
| Zinc coating Z275 | 275 g/m² total (~20 µm/side) — severe outdoor/roofing |
| Surface finish | Normal spangle (Z), minimized spangle (M), skin-passed (S) |
| Surface treatment | Chromate-free passivation (C), oiled (O), dry (no treatment) |
| Tolerances | EN 10143 (thickness), EN 10131 (flatness and dimensions) |
Zinc Coating Selection Guide
Selecting the correct zinc coating weight is essential for achieving the required service life in the target environment. EN ISO 9223 defines atmospheric corrosivity categories:
| Coating | Total Zinc Mass | Approx. Thickness/Side | Corrosivity Category | Expected Service Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z100 | 100 g/m² | ~7 µm | C1–C2 (indoor, dry) | 30+ years |
| Z140 | 140 g/m² | ~10 µm | C2–C3 (suburban, light industrial) | 25–40 years |
| Z200 | 200 g/m² | ~14 µm | C3–C4 (urban, industrial) | 20–35 years |
| Z275 | 275 g/m² | ~20 µm | C3–C5 (coastal, aggressive) | 25–50+ years |
For applications in corrosivity category C5 (extreme industrial or marine), consider zinc-aluminium coated sheet (ZA, AZ) or zinc-magnesium coated sheet (ZM) which offer 2–4x the corrosion resistance of standard zinc at equal coating mass. Contact ULAMEX for availability.
Standards and Compliance
- EN 10346:2015 — Continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products for cold forming — Technical delivery conditions (primary standard)
- EN 10143 — Continuously hot-dip coated steel sheet and strip — Tolerances on dimensions and shape
- EN 10131 — Cold rolled uncoated and zinc or zinc-nickel electrolytically coated low carbon and high yield strength steel flat products for cold forming — Tolerances
- EN ISO 1461 — Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles (post-fabrication galvanizing, for reference)
- EN ISO 9223 — Corrosion of metals and alloys — Corrosivity of atmospheres — Classification
- EN 1993-1-3 — Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures — Part 1-3: Cold-formed members and sheeting
Why ULAMEX for Galvanized Sheet
- Complete thickness range 0.4–3.0 mm — from thin-gauge HVAC ductwork sheet to structural-weight plate
- All major zinc coatings (Z100, Z200, Z275) stocked for immediate dispatch
- DX51D+Z and structural grades from certified European mills with EN 10204 inspection certificate 3.1
- Cut-to-length and slitting services — custom sheet sizes and strip widths from coil stock
- Flat sheets and coil supply — individual flat sheets for fabricators or full coils for roll-forming lines
- Volume wholesale pricing — competitive project quotations for builders, HVAC contractors and fabrication shops
- EN 1090 certified supply chain — view certifications
- Pan-European delivery — from our warehouse to DE, AT, CH, Benelux, Scandinavia and UK within 3–5 working days
- Since 1988 — 37+ years of steel and aluminium distribution expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DX51D+Z and S250GD+Z galvanized sheet?
DX51D+Z is a drawing-quality grade with no specified minimum yield strength (typically 140–220 MPa). It is designed for cold forming operations such as bending, profiling and moderate drawing. S250GD+Z is a structural grade with a guaranteed minimum yield strength of 250 MPa, designed for load-bearing applications like purlins, decking and structural framing. Choose DX51D+Z for formability, S250GD+Z for strength.
Can galvanized sheet be welded?
Yes, galvanized sheet can be MIG/MAG welded, TIG welded, spot welded and laser welded. However, the zinc coating vaporizes during welding, producing zinc oxide fumes that require adequate extraction/ventilation and may cause “weld porosity” if not managed. Best practices include: (1) using silicon-bronze (CuSi3) wire for MIG brazing to minimize zinc burn-off, (2) slightly wider root gaps to allow zinc vapour escape, (3) post-weld zinc repair with cold galvanizing spray on the weld zone. For production welding, specialist welding parameters and filler metals designed for galvanized steel are available.
What zinc coating do I need for outdoor roofing?
For outdoor roofing and wall cladding, Z275 is the industry standard, providing approximately 20 µm of zinc per side and a service life of 25–50+ years depending on the atmospheric corrosivity. In coastal or industrial environments (C4–C5), consider zinc-aluminium (AZ150) or zinc-magnesium (ZM) coated sheet for enhanced durability. The sheet should be minimum 0.5 mm thick for trapezoidal profiles and 0.4 mm for corrugated profiles per EN 14782.
Is galvanized sheet the same as tin plate?
No. Galvanized sheet is coated with zinc for corrosion protection and is used in construction, HVAC and general fabrication. Tin plate (Weissblech) is coated with tin and is used exclusively for food cans and packaging. The two products serve entirely different markets and should not be confused. Galvanized sheet is not food-safe.
Request a Quote
ULAMEX is your galvanized sheet wholesale partner across Europe. From individual flat sheets to full-coil supply contracts, we deliver hot-dip galvanized steel sheet per EN 10346 with full mill certification from our stock programme. Contact us today for pricing on your required grades, thicknesses and quantities. Browse our complete galvanized steel product range including galvanized wire, band irons and construction nails.