JSW Steel Ltd has re-commissioned one of its galvanizing lines after modification to produce galvalume, a zinc-aluminium coated steel product.

The company says it is the first Indian manufacturer for this product and has commenced manufacturing galvalume under technology licensing from US-based BIEC International Inc., to produce galvalume sheets - the fastest-growing sheet steel product renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and heat reflectivity.

BIEC International Inc is the worldwide licensor of the technology and know-how associated with 55 per cent aluminum-zinc alloy coated sheet steel (better known as galvalume) and most major steel companies worldwide have become licensees of BIEC.

This licensing arrangement ensures JSW with continuous access to the latest product innovations and process refinements from BIEC.

Galvalume's superior performance has been proven theough over three decades of testing (one test ran for over 20 years) that have shown that galvalume delivers superior corrosion resistance compared to galvanized panels. In fact, galvalume's performance in the construction industry has been superior to galvanized.

A patented alloy of barrier-resistant aluminum and corrosion-fighting zinc gives galvalume its superior corrosion resistance. Most galvalume substrates feature an alloy that is 55 per cent aluminum, 43.5 per cent zinc and 1.5 per cent silicon. Tests have proven this alloy superior to the zinc-only coating used in regular galvanized sheeting.

While roofing and siding is the largest single application for galvalume sheet, it is also used for several diverse applications (automotive, appliance, etc,) where its unique blend of corrosion resistance and high heat reflectivity is beneficial for use in other non-construction applications  for making componenets for electrical applainces and automotive parts and bodies, and in  chemical plants.

Galvalume steel roofs are said to last longer, require less maintenance, and offer exceptional value. It's this combination that has made galvalume steel roofing the ideal alternative to traditional non-metallic roof systems. In fact, galvalume steel roofing now totals over 40 billion square feet worldwide, covering buildings of almost every type.

"The added advantages of this product will take the construction standards in India to a much higher level," said Jayant Acharya, senior vice president, sales and marketing. He also said "With the pre-engineered building industry coming up very fast in India, JSW Steel will benefit by its ability to cater to the growing demand of this product which is currently dependant on imports".