Agri-Tube 60TM galvanized steel tubing has been developed exclusively for the dairy industry. This extremely strong, corrosion-resistant tubing gets its superior properties from Allied's unique Flo-Coat® manufacturing process.

The Proof is in the Coating

The triple-coat corrosion protection provided by Allied's in-line manufacturing process has never been equaled. This triple layer provides a smooth, shiny product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

Artex Fabricators utilizes Agri-Tube 60TM with Allied's Gatorshield® coating. Because of the extra corrosion protection provided by the Gatorshield coating, our free stalls, gates and self-locking panels remain free from rust five to ten times longer than "generic" painted steel products.

What is Gatorshield®?

Gatorshield is Allied's patented triple layer Flo-Coat product with an even heavier zinc coating than their standard galvanized product. Gatorshield galvanized steel tubing is considered the standard of excellence in farmstead applications.

When additional rust and corrosion protection is needed - Gatorshield is "Gator Tough". In addition, our zinc interior coating provides the inside of the tube with maximum corrosion and rust protection. Inside and out - Gatorshield is the best - and has been the best product choice for over 30 years.

How Does Gatorshield Perform vs. Schedule 40 Pipe?

Agri-Tube 60 significantly outperforms galvanized schedule 40 pipe, gauge for gauge, in every way and weighs at least 31% less (OD/OD) in popular pipe sizes. Allied guarantees minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi. Typically, schedule 40 pipe has an approximate yield strength of 30,000 psi.

Load test comparison - more capacity...less deflection:

What About the Gatorshield Tube as it Relates to ASTM Standards?

Base Metal: The steel strip used in the manufacture of Mechanical tube shall conform to ASTM A-569 for 1008-1010 Carbon Steels. For 1015 through 1022 Carbon Steel the steel strip shall conform to ASTM A-568. Zinc: The zinc spelter used in the manufacture of Allied's Mechanical tube conforms to ASTM B-6 High Grade and Special High Grade Zinc. Chemical Composition: In accordance with ASTM A-500. Materials Testing: In accordance with ASTM-500 & ASTM E-8.

How does Gatorshield compare in terms of rust and corrosion protection?

About Allied Tube & Conduit…

Allied Tube & Conduit is North America's largest manufacturer of galvanized and commercial quality tubing. As a member of the Tyco International Ltd. (US US$22 billion) group of companies, Allied enjoys the financial strength and resources to serve our customers and markets as the low cost producer of welded carbon steel tubing and pipe.

As an ISO 9002 manufacturer, Allied serves the Mechanical Tubing, Electrical Conduit, Fire Protection and Fence Framework markets with North American manufacturing locations in Harvey (Chicago); Illinois; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Phoenix, Arizona; DePere (Green Bay), Wisconsin and Kokomo, Indiana.

Our signature Flo-Coat® process produces galvanized tube and pipe considered the "Industry Standard" in each of our core markets. Allied's success is due in part to the patented Flo-Coat® process that revolutionized the steel tube industry over 35 years ago. This process has been continuously improved upon, and is just as unique today.

Allied is committed to continuously improving our products and processes. Between our five manufacturing locations, we have over 50 engineers and technicians on staff. With numerous new product introductions and continuous product refinement, the technical development group is a vital part of Allied's success.

THE FLO-COAT PROCESS

Allied's patented Flo-Coat process is the superior method of galvanizing steel tubing. The process begins with flat strip steel, which is then cold-formed and either electric-resistance or induction welded. After welding, the tube receives a triple layer of protection - zinc, conversion coating, and a clear polymer topcoat - all applied in-line to assure a uniform coating. The result is a smooth, shiny end product appearance that is unmatched in terms of strength and durability.

Steel Coil: Allied uses ASTM-A500 Grade A-1008 and 1010 carbon steel; Grade B-1010 through 1022 carbon steel/15 gauge and heavier; Grade C-1015 through 1022 carbon steel/15 gauge and heavier.
Strip Cleaning: The slit coil receives a pickling treatment before it enters the roll formers.
Roll Forming: The steel strip is cold-formed into a tube, a process that adds a higher final yield strength.
Welding: An ERW process utilizing an induction welder or a high-frequency welder.
Interior Corrosion Resistant Coating: The tube is welded prior to the application of coatings; thus the weld area is as protected from corrosion as the rest of the tube body.
Tube Heating: In order for the zinc to adhere to the tubing without any additives, the tube is heated to about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit prior to entering the molten zinc pot.
Hot-Dipped Zinc Coating: Allied's zinc coating contains the lowest lead content achievable (99.99% pure zinc)
Cooling: The cold forming and quenching process allows Allied's tubing to achieve a yield strength as high as 50 ksi, larger than the typical yield strength of Sch. 40 pipe (35 ksi)
Conversion Coating: The conversion coating passivates the zinc to slow down the white rust growth process.
Clear Organic Coating: The clear third coating "seals in" the protection.
Coating Cure: The third coat is cured at this stage.
Tube Cut to Length: On-line.