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Zinc Fume

Zinc fumes form when zinc evaporates at welding temperatures (boiling point 907 °C). The white zinc oxide smoke is harmful to health and causes porosity in the weld.

Zinc evaporates during welding much earlier than the steel melts. The vapor oxidizes in the air to white, toxic smoke, which can trigger zinc fever and tears open the weld pool – resulting in a porous, spattered seam. Therefore, grind off the zinc layer in the weld area thoroughly beforehand and ensure proper extraction or draft. After welding, reapply corrosion protection at that spot, otherwise the component will rust away.

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