PPGI and PPGL are two different kinds of color coated steel sheets, which are widely used in advertising, construction, transportation, home appliances, and other industries, and they are very similar. However, there are still some differences. So what is the difference between PPGI and PPGL steel sheets? And which one is more suitable for you?
1. Different base materials
PPGI stands for Pre-Painted Galvanized Steel, while PPGL stands for Pre-Painted Galvanized Aluminum Steel. As the name implies, PPGI uses galvanized sheet (galvanized layer) as the base metal. PPGL, on the other hand, uses aluminized zinc sheet as the base metal and is coated with 55% aluminum, 43.3% zinc, and 1.6% silicon. This is the main difference between PPGI and PPGL, which will further affect their properties and applications.
2. Length of service life
Both zinc and aluminum-zinc coatings are used to protect the metal from rusting to extend its service life. In the case of zinc coatings, the base metal is destroyed when the galvanized layer is completely corroded. Generally, galvanized sheets can last 10 to 15 years. In contrast, aluminum and zinc alloys form microscopic areas of particles. Zinc-rich corrodes relatively preferentially, while aluminum-rich corrodes very slowly. Therefore, aluminum-zinc coatings are more resistant to corrosion than galvanized coatings. According to the data, the service life of PPGL is 3 times that of PPGI.
3. Weight difference
For the same coating thickness, Al-Zn coatings are lighter than zinc coatings. This is because the specific gravity of aluminum is lower than that of zinc. In other words, for the same weight, Al-Zn coating covers 3% more space than Zn coating.
4. Appearance difference
The surface of the PPGL sheet is smoother than the surface of the PPGI sheet. This is because aluminum has better adhesion than zinc. For the same reason, PPGL sheets can be painted directly without pretreatment. However, galvanized sheets require pre-treatment.
5. Differences in performance
The heat resistance of the PPGL sheet is better than that of the PPGI sheet. PPGL sheet can withstand temperatures up to 315°C. In addition, PPGL sheet has better corrosion resistance than PPGI. This is because the dense layer made of aluminum prevents further corrosion of the base metal.
6. Differences in application areas
Geographically, PPGI is suitable for hot or cold places, such as Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Russia, Canada, Finland, etc., while PPGL is suitable for rainy areas, such as Singapore, Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, Brazil, etc.
So which one is more suitable for you? The best way is to talk to a professional, like Panda Steel, and we will give you the best advice based on your location, weather, usage, budget, etc. No matter what you use, PPGI or PPGL sheets, you will enjoy their durability, safety, and good looks.