Allied Flo-Coat and Gatorshield tubing vs. hot-dipped Sch. 40 pipe
- Allied galvanized tubing products resist rust and corrosion at least 45% longer than hot-dipped galvanized schedule 40 pipe. (See salt spray test results).
- Hot-dipped products, like pre-galvanized products, generally have a higher lead content than Allied's products which are galvanized with "four-nine" zinc, which is 99.99% pure.
- Gatorshield tubing (50 ksi yield strength) is significantly stronger (66%) gauge for gauge, yet is at least 31% lighter (OD/OD) than galvanized schedule 40 pipe. Less weight means easier handling and installation in the field, particularly in areas where material handling equipment is unavailable or the site is inaccessible.
- Allied's in-line galvanizing process, which involves heating and quick cooling of the tube, enhances the mechanical properties of the finished product. 50/55 Gatorshield delivers a minimum 50,000 psi yield strength, and greater impact resistance than hot-dipped schedule 40 pipe.
- 50/55 Gatorshield can be easily fabricated...bent, swaged, wall-to-wall flattened...without deformation of the triple layer of protection. Galvanized schedule 40 tends to flake and chip during fabrication.
- Unlike Allied's uniform exterior and interior coatings, the pipe hot-dipping process provides an inconsistent, rough surface finish that can result in poor coating coverage, as well as an inferior aesthetic appearance.
- 50/55 Gatorshield is available in a wide range of lengths to meet specific customer requirements. In contrast, galvanized Schedule 40 pipe is typically sold only in 21 or 24 foot standard lengths.
- Allied's Flo-Coat process is safer and better for the environment. Increased Federal and State EPA issues are restrictive to the hot-dipped galvanizing process. These restrictions will make hot-dip processes cost prohibitive, and may result in a decline of processors and cause availability problems.
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Allied Flo-Coat and Gatorshield tubing vs. aluminum tubing
- When compared with aluminum pipe, Gatorshield tubing exhibits an average 60% greater load-carrying capacity in tension. In the weld area, the strength differences are even greater, as aluminum loses 50% of its strength in the weld area, requiring welds to be placed in low-stress areas of a structure.
- Since Gatorshield tubing is stronger than aluminum, less material can be used. Steel's substantially lower material cost (about 50%) combined with the need for less material can create dramatic cost savings.
- Steel structures require significantly fewer welds (there is less need for structural bracing). The result is lower welding labor costs. Welding Gatorshield tubing also requires less expensive equipment and materials. And unlike aluminum, Gatorshield tubing can be easily welded in the field.
- Allied's ductile steel tubing withstands the bending and forming work required for custom awning designs, playground equipment, etc. Aluminum, however, continues to age-harden while in storage, and can break during fabrication.
- Gatorshield steel tubing is easily and less expensively painted or powder-coated than aluminum, which must go through extensive cleaning and other costly pre-coating processes. Because Gatorshield's third coat has the same paint chemistry and surface consistency as expensive primers, finish adhesion is excellent.
- Allied's zinc products exhibit a bright, smooth finish that retains its attractive appearance for an extended period. Aluminum turns a dark, dull gray as it ages.
- Using steel reduces theft and vandalism...the scrap value of aluminum is more that 10 times that of steel.
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