zinc-magnesium-aluminum alloy coating

Zn-Mg-Al Alloy Coating Technology

Performance Begins
at the Material Level

Stark manufactures its PV mounting systems using zinc–magnesium–aluminum alloy coated steel, delivering corrosion resistance far exceeding conventional galvanized materials.

Engineered for acidic, alkaline, coastal, and high-humidity environments, the coating provides long-term protection under aggressive field conditions.

Material Science Behind Structural Reliability

Superior Corrosion Performance in Extreme Environments

Manufactured from zinc–magnesium–aluminum alloy coated steel, Stark Mounting systems provide enhanced corrosion resistance under demanding environmental conditions.

Performance is validated through standardized salt spray testing (ISO 9227 / ASTM B117) and cyclic corrosion testing (ISO 14993), demonstrating 5-10x higher corrosion resistance compared to conventional hot-dip galvanized steel.

Edge & Formed Area Protection

Unlike conventional zinc coatings, the alloy structure maintains protective performance at cut edges and formed areas.

  • 2–3x higher corrosion resistance on bent regions
  • Enhanced resistance under strong acidic (pH 1–2) and alkaline (pH 13–14) exposure
  • Self-healing behavior at exposed edges, reducing localized corrosion risk

These characteristics support mounting system service life exceeding 25 years in harsh environments.

Three-Component Protection Mechanism

The magnesium content accelerates the formation of a dense and stable corrosion product layer, including simonkolleite, which forms a film-like protective surface on the steel. This layer acts as a corrosion inhibitor, limiting base metal degradation during prolonged environmental exposure.

In addition, the upper coating layer can partially dissolve and migrate toward exposed cross-sectional areas, accelerating the growth of a stable corrosion product at cut edges. Even if red rust initially appears on exposed steel surfaces, the corrosion product film progressively covers the cross-section and contributes to continued corrosion protection.

This self-forming protective mechanism significantly enhances durability compared to conventional galvanized coatings, particularly in aggressive environmental conditions.

Sustainability Through Material Efficiency

The zinc–magnesium–aluminum alloy coating enables high corrosion resistance with optimized coating weight, reducing raw material consumption compared to conventional thick galvanizing layers. This optimized material efficiency contributes to a lower embodied carbon impact per unit of steel.

Applied at lower process temperatures than traditional hot-dip galvanizing, the coating supports improved energy efficiency during production, helping to reduce associated manufacturing emissions while maintaining long-term structural durability.

Extended service life reduces replacement frequency and material usage, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint across the entire project lifecycle.