The difference between malleable fittings and galvanized malleable iron fittings lies primarily in their surface treatment and the properties that result from it:
- Material Composition:
- Malleable fittings: Malleable fittings are typically made from malleable cast iron, which is a type of iron that has undergone a specific heat treatment process to improve its ductility and toughness.
- Galvanized malleable iron fittings: These fittings are made from the same malleable cast iron material as standard malleable fittings. However, they undergo an additional galvanization process to apply a protective zinc coating to the surface.
- Surface Treatment:
- Malleable fittings: Standard malleable fittings do not undergo any surface treatment beyond the manufacturing process.
- Galvanized malleable iron fittings: After the malleable fittings are manufactured, malleable fitting they are immersed in a bath of molten zinc to apply a layer of zinc coating to the surface of the fitting. This process is known as galvanization.
- Corrosion Resistance:
- Malleable fittings: Without any surface treatment, standard malleable fittings are susceptible to corrosion over time, especially when exposed to moisture or harsh environments.
- Galvanized malleable iron fittings: The zinc coating applied during the galvanization process provides enhanced corrosion resistance to the fittings, making them more suitable for use in environments where corrosion is a concern, such as outdoors or in moist conditions.
- Appearance:
- Malleable fittings: Standard malleable fittings typically have a plain, dark gray appearance.
- Galvanized malleable iron fittings: Due to the zinc coating, galvanized malleable iron fittings have a shiny, silver-gray appearance.
- Applications:
- Malleable fittings: Standard malleable fittings are commonly used in various plumbing, heating, and industrial applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary concern.
- Galvanized malleable iron fittings: Galvanized fittings are preferred for applications where corrosion resistance is essential, such as outdoor plumbing, marine environments, or systems exposed to moisture.
In summary, while both types of fittings are made from malleable cast iron, galvanized malleable iron fittings have an additional zinc coating applied to their surface, providing enhanced corrosion resistance compared to standard malleable fittings. This difference makes galvanized fittings more suitable for certain applications where corrosion protection is required.
