Pre-coated metal refers to products coated with organic coatings on metal materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc alloys. Pre-coated steel is a type of pre-coated metal, specifically referring to steel substrates coated with colored coatings. Both types of pre-coated metals enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance, decorative properties, and weather resistance through a protective coating. Wanzhi Group‘s popular products include pre-coated galvanized, pre-coated galvalume, and pre-coated aluminum.
Core Differences
| Dimension | Pre-coated Metal | Pre-coated Steel |
| Definition | Refers to all pre-coated metal products | Specifically refers to pre-coated steel products |
| Substrate Range | Steel, aluminum, copper, zinc alloys, etc. | Only steel (galvanized sheet, galvalume sheet, etc.) |
| Coating Process | Compatible with a wider range of surface treatments (e.g., anodizing) | Focused on organic coatings (PE/PVDF, etc.) |
Essential Differences in Substrates
Pre-coated Steel
Substrate Types
- Cold-rolled Steel (CR)
- Hot-dip Galvanized Steel (GI, Z30-Z350)
- Alu-zinc Coated Steel (GL, AZ100-AZ180)
Representative Grades:
- HX380LAD+Z / S550GD+Z
- ASTM A792 Grade 80
- SGCC-SD
- DX51D+Z / DX52D+Z
Pre-coated Metal
Substrates:
- Aluminum: 5052/3003 aluminum alloy, etc.
- Copper: C1100 copper plate, etc.
- Titanium: Gr1 titanium alloy, etc.
- Steel: Cold-rolled/hot-rolled steel, coated steel, etc.
Coating Process Comparison
Pre-coated metal (non-steel substrates) offers a wide variety of coatings, with the coating type and process selected based on the substrate material. Pre-coated steel, on the other hand, offers a relatively limited range of coating options.
Coating Types of Pre-coated Metal
| Coating Type | Composition | Process Features |
| Organic Coating | Polyester (PE), Fluorocarbon (PVDF), Silicon-modified Polyester (SMP) | Roller coating + baking curing |
| Inorganic Coating | Ceramic, Enamel, Glass glaze | Spraying + high-temperature sintering |
| Metal Coating | Aluminum, Zinc, Stainless steel | Electroplating, hot-dip plating, vacuum coating |
Coating Types of Pre-coated Steel
| Coating Type | Composition | Process Features |
| Organic Coating | Polyester, Polyamide, Epoxy, Fluorocarbon | Roller coating + baking curing |
| Inorganic-Organic Composite Coating | Chromate passivation layer + Organic coating | Chemical conversion treatment + roller coating |
| Functional Coating | Self-cleaning, Antibacterial | Nanocoating technology + roller coating |
Applications
Pre-coated metals based on non-steel substrates such as aluminum, copper, and titanium are relatively expensive. They are often used in applications requiring lightweight, decorative, and high-temperature resistance, such as building curtain walls, appliance housings, cookware, bathroom fixtures, corrosion-resistant packaging, and electronic components. Pre-coated steel is also suitable for applications requiring a combination of high strength and corrosion resistance, large-scale low-cost applications, and complex molding requirements, such as building structures, roof panels, appliance housings, and filing cabinets.
Pre-coated Metal (Non-Steel Substrates) Applications
| Substrate | Application Scenario | Core Requirement |
| Aluminum | Curtain walls/ Aircraft interiors | Ultra-lightweight |
| Copper | Ancient building roofs/ Art installations | Antique green patina protective layer |
| Titanium | Chemical reactor linings | Acid and alkali resistant coating |
Pre-coated Steel Applications
| Industry | Component | Core Requirement |
| Building Enclosure | Roof/ Wall | Corrosion resistance, structural support |
| Home Appliance Manufacturing | Refrigerator/ Air conditioner casing | Heat resistance, weather resistance, corrosion resistance |
| Automotive Parts | Fuel tank/ Seat frame | Corrosion resistance, heat resistance, gasoline resistance |
Pre-coated metal covers substrates like steel and aluminum, focusing on decorative properties and weather resistance. Pre-coated steel(PPGI PPGL) refers specifically to steel substrates, emphasizing strength and corrosion resistance. Leave a message to let us know the steel you’re interested in and get a free quote!