Rolled Zinc is a high-purity zinc product manufactured by rolling zinc ingots into thin sheets, coils, or strips. It offers exceptional corrosion resistance, long service life, and easy formability, making it one of the most preferred materials in architectural roofing, cladding, rainwater systems, and decorative applications.
Due to its ability to form a protective patina, rolled zinc can last 50–100 years, even in challenging weather conditions.
It is widely used in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for modern construction because of its aesthetic appearance, sustainability, and excellent durability.
Chemical Composition
Rolled zinc uses high-purity electrolytic zinc as feedstock.
| Element | Typical Content |
|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | ≥ 99.95% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 0.003% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.002% |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.002% |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Titanium / Copper (optional) | Trace (in architectural grades for strength) |
Key Mechanical Properties
Rolled zinc remains mechanically soft but shows better consistency and workability than cast zinc.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 120–180 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 40–60 MPa |
| Elongation | 20–35% |
| Hardness | ~35–45 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~108 GPa |
| Creep Resistance | Moderate (improved vs cast zinc) |
Mechanical Behavior Notes
Brittle at room temperature if unworked
Excellent ductility above 100°C
Rolled structure improves resistance to cracking during forming
Not designed for structural load-bearing
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.13 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 419.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 907°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~116 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~28% IACS |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 30.2 µm/m·°C |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) |
| Surface Appearance | Metallic silver-grey (develops patina) |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
Rolling aligns zinc grains along the rolling direction
Produces fine, elongated grains
Improves surface finish and formability
Rolled zinc is strengthened by:
Grain refinement
Directional work hardening
Trace alloying (Cu, Ti) in architectural grades
Zinc cannot be precipitation hardened or heat treated; rolling is the most effective strengthening method without alloying.
Key Characteristics
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Forms a self-healing zinc carbonate patina
Resistant to rainwater, industrial atmospheres, and UV exposure
Service life: 60–100+ years in building applications
2. Superior Formability
Can be bent, folded, seamed, and profiled
Ideal for complex architectural detailing
3. Aesthetic Aging
Develops a natural matt-grey patina
Requires no painting or coating
Visually stable over decades
4. Environmentally Sustainable
100% recyclable
Low life-cycle carbon footprint
Non-toxic runoff in rainwater systems
Refining & Processing Properties
Electrolytic zinc production
Melting and slab casting
Hot rolling
Cold rolling (for final gauge)
Annealing (stress relief)
Surface finishing
Processing Advantages
Excellent thickness control
Smooth surface finish
Uniform mechanical behavior
Low internal stresses after annealing
Fabrication Compatibility
Easy to cut, bend, fold, and seaming
Can be soldered and mechanically joined
Welding generally not recommended
Available Forms
Sheets
Coils
Strips
Pre-patinated sheets
Textured or embossed sheets
Perforated zinc sheets
Profiled roofing panels
Thickness typically ranges from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.
Applications of Rolled Zinc
1. Architectural & Construction
Roofing systems
Wall cladding & facades
Rainwater goods (gutters, downpipes)
Flashings and coping systems
2. Industrial Uses
Chemical tank linings
Acid-resistant coverings
Equipment housings
3. Decorative & Design
Interior panels
Signage
Sculptural elements
Furniture accents
4. Corrosion Protection
Sheet anodes
Protective linings in harsh environments
Advantages of Rolled Zinc
✔ Long service life with minimal maintenance
✔ Natural corrosion resistance
✔ Excellent workability
✔ Sustainable and recyclable
✔ High aesthetic value
✔ Cost-effective life-cycle performance
Limitations
❌ Low structural strength
❌ Sensitive to thermal expansion
❌ Not suitable for high-temperature service
❌ Requires allowance for movement in design
Why Choose Rolled Zinc?
Rolled zinc is chosen when durability, aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and sustainability are more important than mechanical strength.
Industries and architects choose rolled zinc because it:
Delivers decades of maintenance-free performance
Ages gracefully without coatings
Enables creative architectural design
Performs exceptionally in varied climates
Aligns with green-building standards
Rolled zinc combines high-purity metallurgy with controlled rolling processes to produce a material that excels in corrosion resistance, formability, and architectural longevity. While mechanically soft, its self-protecting patina, ease of fabrication, and sustainability make it one of the most reliable materials for long-life construction and industrial applications.