Method for hot-dip galvanizing components

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing an iron or steel component, in particular in order to produce a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing method, to a corresponding system, to a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component which can be obtained in this manner, and to the applications of such a hot-dip galvanizing method.

Description

[0001] Process for hot-dip galvanizing components

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of galvanizing iron-based or iron-containing components, in particular steel-based or steel-containing components (steel components), preferably for the automotive or motor vehicle industry, the construction industry, the field of general mechanical engineering, the electrical industry and other technical fields of application, by means of hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing).

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a plant for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, and furthermore to the products obtainable by the method according to the invention or in the plant according to the invention (ie hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components) and the corresponding uses, in particular of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0004] Metallic components of any kind made of ferrous material, especially steel components, often require effective corrosion protection due to their application. Steel components for motor vehicles (such as cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, etc.), but also for other technical sectors (e.g., the construction industry, mechanical engineering, the electrical industry, etc.), require effective corrosion protection that can withstand long-term stress.

[0005] In this context, it is known to protect steel-based components against corrosion by means of galvanizing (galvanizing). During galvanizing, the steel is coated with a generally thin layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. Various galvanizing processes can be used to galvanize steel components, i.e., to coat them with a metallic zinc coating. These include, in particular, hot-dip galvanizing (also known as hot-dip galvanizing), spray galvanizing (flame spraying with zinc wire), diffusion galvanizing (Sherard galvanizing), electrolytic galvanizing, non-electrolytic galvanizing using zinc flake coatings, and mechanical galvanizing.There are significant differences between the aforementioned galvanizing processes, particularly with regard to the process implementation, but also with regard to the nature and properties of the resulting zinc layers or coatings. Arguably the most important process for corrosion protection of steel using metallic zinc coatings is hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing). This involves immersing steel continuously (e.g., strip and wire) or piece by piece (e.g., components) into a heated vat of molten zinc at temperatures of approximately 400°C to 600°C (melting point of zinc: 419.5°C; zinc alloys can have a higher or lower melting point), so that a resistant alloy layer of iron and zinc forms on the steel surface, with a very firmly adhering pure zinc layer forming on top.

[0006] Hot-dip galvanizing has been a recognized and proven method for protecting parts and components made of ferrous materials, especially steel, from corrosion for many decades. As previously described, the typically pre-cleaned or pre-treated component is immersed in a hot, liquid zinc bath, where it reacts with the molten zinc and, as a result, forms a relatively thin zinc layer that is metallurgically bonded to the base material.

[0007] In hot-dip galvanizing, a distinction is made between discontinuous batch galvanizing (see, for example, DIN EN ISO 1461 and DIN 50997) and continuous strip and wire galvanizing (see, for example, DIN EN 10143 and DIN EN 10346). Both batch galvanizing and strip and wire galvanizing are standardized processes. Continuously galvanized steel strip and continuously galvanized wire are each a preliminary or intermediate product (semi-finished product) that is further processed after galvanizing, particularly by forming, punching, cutting, etc., whereas components to be protected by batch galvanizing are usually first completely or at least partially manufactured and only then hot-dip galvanized (which provides comprehensive protection against corrosion).Batch galvanizing and strip / wire galvanizing differ depending on the application conditions in terms of the phase structure and the thickness of the resulting zinc coatings, which can result in different protection durations - also depending on the zinc layer. The zinc layer thickness of strip-galvanized sheets is typically in the range of 10 to 35 micrometers, whereas the zinc layer thickness of batch-galvanized steel parts is usually in the range of 50 to 200 micrometers or even more. Hot-dip galvanizing provides both active and passive corrosion protection. Passive protection is provided by the barrier effect of the zinc coating. Active corrosion protection is due to the cathodic effect of the zinc coating. Compared to more noble metals in the electrochemical series, such as iron, zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, protecting the underlying iron from corrosion until it is completely corroded.

[0008] In batch galvanizing according to DIN EN ISO 1461, the hot-dip galvanizing of mostly larger steel components and structures takes place. Steel-based blanks or (semi-)finished workpieces (components) are immersed in the molten zinc bath after pretreatment. Immersion allows for easy access to interior surfaces, weld seams, and hard-to-reach areas of the workpieces or components to be galvanized.

[0009] Conventional hot-dip galvanizing, particularly dip galvanizing, is based primarily on dipping iron or steel components into a zinc bath, forming a zinc coating on the surface of the components. To ensure the adhesion, integrity, and uniformity of the zinc coating, careful surface pretreatment and, if necessary, preparation of the components to be galvanized is generally required. This typically includes degreasing followed by rinsing, subsequent acid pickling followed by rinsing, and finally fluxing followed by drying.

[0010] For reasons of process economy and cost-effectiveness, during batch galvanizing of identical or similar components (e.g., series production of automotive components), these are typically combined or grouped for the entire process (in particular by means of a common product carrier, e.g., a crossbeam or frame, or a common holding or fastening device for a large number of these identical or similar components). For this purpose, a plurality of components are attached to the product carrier using holding devices, such as slings, tie wires, or the like. The components are then fed in grouped form via the product carrier to the individual treatment steps or stages of hot-dip galvanizing. The typical process sequence for conventional batch galvanizing using hot-dip galvanizing is usually as follows:

[0011] First, the surfaces of the components in question are degreased to remove grease and oil residues. Typically, aqueous alkaline or acidic degreasing agents can be used as degreasing agents. After cleaning in the degreasing bath, a rinsing process follows, typically by immersion in a water bath, to prevent degreasing agents from being carried over into the subsequent pickling process step with the galvanized material. This is particularly important when switching from alkaline degreasing to acidic pickling.

[0012] This is followed by a pickling treatment, which primarily serves to remove inherent contaminants, such as rust and scale, from the steel surface. Pickling is typically carried out in diluted hydrochloric acid, with the duration of the pickling process depending, among other things, on the state of contamination (e.g., degree of rust) of the galvanized material and the acid concentration and temperature of the pickling bath. To prevent or minimize the carryover of acid and / or salt residues with the galvanized material, a rinsing process (rinsing step) usually follows the pickling treatment.

[0013] This is followed by the so-called fluxing (also known as flux treatment), in which the previously degreased and pickled steel surface is treated with a so-called flux, which typically consists of an aqueous solution of inorganic chlorides, most commonly a mixture of zinc chloride (ZnCl) and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). On the one hand, the purpose of the flux is to provide a final, intensive, ultra-fine cleaning of the steel surface before the steel surface reacts with the molten zinc, to dissolve the oxide film on the zinc surface, and to prevent further oxidation of the steel surface until the galvanizing process. On the other hand, the flux is intended to increase the wettability between the steel surface and the molten zinc.After flux treatment, drying usually follows to create a solid flux film on the steel surface and remove adhering water, thus avoiding subsequent undesirable reactions (particularly the formation of water vapor) in the molten zinc bath. The components pretreated in the aforementioned manner are then hot-dip galvanized by immersion in the molten zinc. When hot-dip galvanizing with pure zinc, the zinc content of the melt is at least 98.0 wt.% according to DIN EN ISO 1461. After immersion of the galvanized material in the molten zinc (or zinc alloy), it remains in the molten zinc bath for a sufficient period of time, in particular until the galvanized material has assumed its temperature and is coated with a layer of zinc.Typically, the surface of the molten zinc is cleaned, particularly of oxides, zinc ash, flux residues, and the like, before the galvanized part is withdrawn from the molten zinc. The component hot-dip galvanized in this way is then subjected to a cooling process (e.g., in air or in a water bath). Finally, any retaining devices for the component, such as slings, tie wires, or the like, are removed.

[0014] Following the galvanizing process, the galvanized components typically undergo post-processing. This involves removing, as far as necessary, excess zinc bath residues, particularly drips from the zinc solidifying on the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component.

[0015] One criterion for the quality of hot-dip galvanizing is the thickness of the zinc coating in pm (micrometers). The DIN EN ISO 1461 standard specifies the minimum coating thicknesses required for batch galvanizing, depending on the material thickness. In practice, the coating thicknesses are significantly higher than the minimum coating thicknesses specified in DIN EN ISO 1461. Generally, zinc coatings produced by batch galvanizing have a thickness in the range of 50 to 200 micrometers and even more.

[0016] During the galvanizing process, a coating of iron / zinc alloy layers of varying composition forms on the steel part as a result of the mutual diffusion of the liquid zinc with the steel surface. When the hot-dip galvanized articles are removed, a layer of zinc – also known as the pure zinc layer – remains adhered to the uppermost alloy layer, which corresponds in composition to the molten zinc. Due to the high temperatures during hot-dip dipping, a relatively brittle layer based on an alloy (solid solution) between iron and zinc initially forms on the steel surface, followed by the pure zinc layer. While the relatively brittle iron / zinc alloy layer improves the adhesion to the base material, it complicates the formability of the galvanized steel. This results in the formation of relatively thick overall layers.While this allows for a very long duration of corrosion protection, the risk of the layer flaking under mechanical stress, especially local impacts, increases with increasing zinc layer thickness, thus compromising the corrosion protection effect. Furthermore, the resulting zinc layer is not ductile, limiting the possibilities for further processing, especially while maintaining the corrosion protection effect.

[0017] To counteract the previously described problem of the rapidly growing, brittle, and thick iron / zinc alloy layer, and to enable thinner layer thicknesses while simultaneously providing high corrosion protection during galvanizing, it is known from the prior art to add additional aluminum to the zinc melt or liquid zinc bath. For example, adding 5 wt.% aluminum to a liquid zinc melt produces a zinc / aluminum alloy with a lower melting point than pure zinc. By using a zinc / aluminum melt (Zn / Al melt) orA liquid zinc / aluminium bath (Zn / Al bath) allows, on the one hand, significantly lower layer thicknesses for reliable corrosion protection to be achieved (generally below 50 micrometres); on the other hand, the formation of the brittle iron / zinc alloy layer is avoided, since the aluminium - without being bound by a specific theory - first forms a barrier layer on the steel surface of the component in question, onto which the actual zinc layer is then deposited.

[0018] Components hot-dip galvanized with a zinc / aluminum melt can therefore be easily formed, yet still exhibit improved corrosion protection properties—despite the significantly lower layer thickness compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing with a virtually aluminum-free zinc melt. A zinc / aluminum alloy used in the hot-dip galvanizing bath exhibits improved fluidity properties compared to pure zinc. Furthermore, zinc coatings produced by hot-dip galvanizing using such zinc / aluminum alloys exhibit greater corrosion resistance (two to six times better than that of pure zinc), a better appearance, improved formability, and better paintability than zinc coatings formed from pure zinc. Furthermore, this technology can also be used to produce lead-free zinc coatings.

[0019] Such a hot-dip galvanizing process using a zinc / aluminum melt or a zinc / aluminum hot-dip galvanizing bath is known, for example, from WO 2002 / 042512 A1 and the relevant publication equivalents to this patent family (e.g., EP 1 352 100 B1, DE 601 24 767 T2, and US 2003 / 0219543 A1). Suitable fluxes for hot-dip galvanizing using zinc / aluminum melt baths are also disclosed therein, since flux compositions for zinc / aluminum hot-dip galvanizing baths must be different from those for conventional hot-dip galvanizing with pure zinc.The process disclosed therein enables corrosion protection coatings to be produced with very low layer thicknesses (generally well below 50 micrometers and typically in the range of 2 to 20 micrometers) and with very low weight at a high cost-effectiveness, which is why the process described therein is used commercially under the name microZINQ® process.

[0020] With regard to the formation of the zinc layer and its properties, it has been shown that these can be significantly influenced by alloying elements in the zinc melt. Aluminum is one of the most important elements here: It has been shown that with an aluminum content of just 100 ppm (weight-based) in the zinc melt, the appearance of the resulting zinc layer can be improved, making it brighter and shinier. This effect increases steadily with increasing aluminum content in the zinc melt up to 1,000 ppm (weight-based). Furthermore, it has been shown that - as already described - from an aluminum content in the zinc melt of 0.12 wt.-%, an intermetallic Fe / Al phase forms between the iron material and the zinc layer, which inhibits the otherwise typical diffusion processes between iron and zinc melt, thus significantly reducing the growth of the Zn / Fe phases. As a result, significantly thinner zinc layers result from this aluminum content in the zinc melt. Finally, it has been shown that, in general, the corrosion protection effect of the resulting zinc layer increases with increasing aluminum content in the zinc melt; this is based on the fact that the Zn / Al compounds form significantly more stable covering layers more quickly.

[0021] Well-known examples of the commercial use of aluminum-containing zinc melts are the so-called Galfan® process and the aforementioned microZINQ® process, with an aluminum content in the zinc melt typically ranging from 4.2 wt.% to 6.2 wt.%. The advantage of this alloy is, among other things, that around the average value of 5 wt.%, a eutectic composition of the Zn / Al system with a melting point of 382 °C is present, which enables a reduction in the operating temperature in the galvanizing process.

[0022] A particular disadvantage of using aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melts (Zn / Al melts) is that the formation of deliberately thicker or individually adjustable zinc layers is not possible using conventional processes. This is because once the maximum layer thickness of the aluminum-alloyed galvanizing layer has been reached using conventional processes, even a longer residence time in the zinc / aluminum melt does not lead to a further increase in the zinc layer thickness, as the formation of the Fe / Al phase, acting as a barrier layer, blocks the kinetics of zinc layer growth, which in turn limits layer growth and prevents a maximum layer thickness from being exceeded.

[0023] This maximum layer thickness is disadvantageous, for example, during the cold forming of a hot-dip galvanized component, as the corrosion protection performance at the forming points can be significantly reduced due to the relatively thin layer thickness. Therefore, a thicker zinc layer is necessary for high corrosion protection performance after forming. Furthermore, a thicker zinc layer may also be necessary for applications requiring long-term corrosion protection under high loads. However, the use of the pure zinc layers described above does not represent a good alternative, even if the layer thickness is adjustable and not limited, since such a zinc layer, as previously explained, is brittle and therefore essentially non-formable, especially not without significantly reducing the corrosion protection performance.

[0024] The previously described prior art therefore lacks a way to provide a hot-dip galvanized layer that is simultaneously ductile and whose layer thickness is adjustable, thus providing an overall increased corrosion protection performance. In particular, the prior art lacks a hot-dip galvanized layer that is formable or cold-formable, in particular bendable by 90°, essentially without loss or reduction of corrosion protection performance.

[0025] Particularly in connection with the galvanizing of steel strip ("strip galvanizing"), the so-called double-dip process is used in the prior art as a wet-on-wet process. The steel strip to be galvanized passes through two galvanizing baths with different compositions in direct succession. This means that the second galvanizing step immediately follows the first, with the first galvanizing layer still having (partially) liquid or not yet (at least fully) solidified phases. For this purpose, the two galvanizing baths must be located directly one after the other at the same location, since the zinc layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing bath must not yet be solidified (i.e., still be "wet") when the steel strip is introduced into the second zinc bath.In particular, the zinc layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing bath must not oxidize before the second hot-dip galvanizing process, so that a protective gas atmosphere, for example a forming gas atmosphere, is often present. Overall, such a wet-on-wet process, which is occasionally also used as a batch galvanizing process, is very energy-intensive, particularly because two galvanizing baths must be operated in combination and cannot be used independently of one another. In addition, with the wet-on-wet process, the time between the galvanizing baths is critical; in particular, this time must not vary in order to achieve consistent galvanizing quality. The temperature of the component coated with the first hot-dip galvanizing bath when immersed in the second galvanizing bath is also critical and affects the second hot-dip galvanizing process.Furthermore, when used in batch galvanizing, the layer thickness and layer structure are difficult to control. Furthermore, the surface tension of the first zinc layer, still liquid on the steel strip, must be overcome in the second hot-dip galvanizing bath. Another disadvantage is that uncontrollable diffusion processes mean that the layer structure is only partially reproducible, and optimal adhesion to the component is not always achieved, which can result in limited corrosion protection.

[0026] The problem underlying the present invention therefore consists in providing a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, as well as a corresponding plant for carrying out this method, wherein the previously described disadvantages of the prior art are to be at least largely avoided or at least mitigated.

[0027] In particular, such a process or such a system is to be provided which, compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing processes or systems, enables an individually or specifically adjustable zinc layer thickness and provides a more ductile hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0028] Furthermore, such a process or such a plant is to be provided which provides increased corrosion protection performance and increased ductility of the resulting hot-dip galvanizing layer compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing processes.

[0029] Furthermore, a process or system is to be provided which provides a hot-dip galvanized layer with improved formability, in particular cold formability, while maintaining a high level of corrosion protection.

[0030] Furthermore, an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased layer thickness is to be provided, as well as a plant and a process for producing such an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased layer thickness. Furthermore, a hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased ductility compared to a conventional batch galvanizing layer according to DIN EN ISO 1461 or a pure zinc layer is to be provided, as well as a plant and a process for producing such a hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased ductility.

[0031] The aim is also to provide such a process or such a system which enables improved process economy and / or a more efficient, in particular more flexible and / or more reliable, in particular less error-prone process flow and / or improved business compatibility and / or improved cost and resource utilization.

[0032] Finally, uncontrollable diffusion processes during the formation of the layer structure should be avoided so that a reproducible and consistent layer formation is achieved with simultaneous optimal adhesion to the component, which should be accompanied by improved corrosion protection.

[0033] To solve the problem described above, the present invention proposes—according to a first aspect of the present invention—a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component according to claim 1; further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the relevant method subclaims.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention—according to a second aspect of the present invention—relates to a plant (system) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component according to the related independent plant claim (claim 52); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the plant according to the invention are the subject of the related plant subclaims. Furthermore, the present invention—according to a third aspect of the present invention—relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component according to the related independent product claims (claims 66, 67, and 69); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the product according to the invention are the subject of the related product subclaims.

[0035] Finally, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to the uses of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the relevant independent use claims (claims 74 to 79); further, particularly special and / or advantageous embodiments of the uses according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

[0036] It goes without saying that in the following explanations, configurations, embodiments, advantages and the like which are explained below only with regard to one aspect of the invention for the purpose of avoiding repetition, naturally also apply accordingly with regard to the other aspects of the invention without this requiring separate mention.

[0037] With regard to all relative or percentage weight-related information mentioned below, in particular relative quantity or weight information, it should also be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, these must be selected by the person skilled in the art in such a way that, in total, including all components or ingredients, in particular as defined below, they always add up to 100% or 100% by weight; however, this is self-evident to the person skilled in the art.

[0038] Furthermore, the skilled person may deviate from the ranges specified below, if necessary, depending on the application or the specific case, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all values ​​or parameter specifications or the like mentioned below can generally be determined using standardized or explicitly specified determination methods or, failing that, using determination or measurement methods familiar to the skilled person in this field.

[0039] Furthermore, for the description of the present invention, the features of the present invention cited in connection with the specific configurations, embodiments, advantages, examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed in their combination. Thus, higher-level combinations of individual or multiple features cited for respective configurations, embodiments, application examples, or the like are also deemed to be disclosed.

[0040] In particular, with regard to the features characterizing the invention, all possible combinations of these features are deemed to be disclosed, whereby embodiments of comparable or corresponding preference of the various features in their combination are preferred (e.g. amounts or ranges of amounts of the relevant active ingredients and ingredients of the same preference or the like).

[0041] In particular, it also applies that for the following quantitative specifications relating to the various ingredients, in particular active ingredients, of the composition according to the invention or the like, in particular relative quantitative specifications or absolute quantitative specifications of the same preference or the same level of preference, the respective combinations relating to the various ingredients, in particular active ingredients, with corresponding preference or preference are also disclosed. Likewise, all other combinations (i.e., combinations based on different preferences or different levels of preference) are also disclosed.

[0042] Having said that, the present invention will now be explained in detail below.The subject matter of the present invention - according to a first aspect of the present invention - is thus a process for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0043] As explained below, the present invention is associated with a multitude of completely unexpected advantages, special features and surprising technical effects, the following description of which makes no claim to completeness, but illustrates the inventive nature of the present invention:

[0044] Because, as the applicant has now discovered completely surprisingly, the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, can provide a higher level of corrosion protection with the same thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer compared to a conventional zinc layer or pure zinc layer or virtually aluminum-free zinc layer.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, the term conventional zinc layer or pure zinc layer or quasi aluminum-free zinc layer refers to a zinc layer which is obtainable in a previously described conventional hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular wherein the zinc content of the melt is at least 98.0 wt.% according to DIN EN ISO 1461. In particular, a conventional zinc layer (i.e. pure zinc layer or quasi aluminum-free zinc layer) in the context of the present invention is to be distinguished from an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer. In the context of the present invention, an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc layer has, in particular, an aluminum content of at least 2 wt.% With regard to the corresponding zinc baths (i.e. pure zinc baths on the one hand and aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc baths on the other), these statements and definitions apply accordingly.

[0046] In particular, the process according to the invention, especially the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, provides an at least partially layered (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer consisting of Zn / Al / Fe phases. The thickness of this (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is adjustable, and it also exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. In addition, this (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is very bright and thus visually particularly high-quality.

[0047] Furthermore, the applicant has discovered, quite surprisingly, that by means of the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, the (total) layer thickness can be adjusted, even though an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath is used; in particular, the maximum layer thickness is not limited, as is otherwise usual when using aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc baths.

[0048] Furthermore, the process according to the invention, particularly the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, allows for better control of the formation of the aluminum-containing layer. In particular, by controlling the galvanizing time, for example, the aluminum content and distribution can be controlled, thereby allowing the properties, in particular corrosion protection, optical, and mechanical properties, to be adjusted.

[0049] Surprisingly, in the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, a hot-dip galvanizing layer containing Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, which in particular is not obtainable by known single-stage processes. In the second hot-dip galvanizing process, an aluminum-containing zinc layer is not formed on the layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, which typically consists of a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase on the base material and a pure zinc layer or pure zinc phase arranged thereover, but rather an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed which contains Zn / Al / Fe phases. The second hot-dip galvanizing process therefore not only applies another layer, but forms a completely new layer, in particular because the aluminum from the second hot-dip galvanizing bath at least partially diffuses into the already existing hot-dip galvanizing layer.Thus, other hot-dip galvanizing layers can be obtained which are not available in known one-step processes and which have properties which cannot be achieved by one-step processes.

[0050] In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is more ductile and thus less brittle than a pure zinc layer and can therefore be formed or cold-formed, for example bent by 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or significantly impaired.

[0051] Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, can be provided with at least substantially any desired layer thickness, in contrast to an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer customary in the prior art and obtainable by a single-stage hot-dip galvanizing process. The hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is thus not limited by a maximum achievable layer thickness (as is the case with an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer customary in the prior art, due to the formation of an Fe / Al barrier layer).

[0052] In particular, the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is not limited, as is the case with an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer customary in the prior art and obtainable by a single-stage hot-dip galvanizing process. Thus, in particular, hot-dip galvanizing layers with a high aluminum enrichment and a thickness of significantly more than 25 μm can also be provided. At the same time, the hot-dip galvanizing layer obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, also has the advantages of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, such as gloss, ductility, and high corrosion protection properties.In addition, the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is more economical than the aforementioned double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, which is carried out in particular in connection with strip galvanizing.

[0053] In particular, in the process according to the invention, especially the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, the galvanizing baths used can be operated separately, especially at different locations. This allows both galvanizing baths to be optimally and, above all, fully utilized.

[0054] In addition, the galvanizing baths in the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, can also be operated and used independently of one another, in particular can be used individually, thus enabling optimal and complete utilization.

[0055] The layer thicknesses and layer structures can also be better controlled by the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, than in a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process.

[0056] In particular, in connection with the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, neither the time between the hot-dip galvanizing steps or hot-dip galvanizing nor the temperature of the component is critical, in particular in contrast to a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process.

[0057] Furthermore, compared to a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, the wettability in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is improved; in particular, without wishing to be bound by this theory, the affinity between the surface of the component resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process and the second hot-dip galvanizing bath increases due to the intermediate activation treatment. Furthermore, there is no need to overcome surface tension in the second hot-dip galvanizing process because the layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process is not liquid; in a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, the surface tension of the still-liquid zinc layer from the first hot-dip galvanizing process must first be overcome.

[0058] Furthermore, in contrast to a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, in the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process carried out according to the invention, complete diffusion of the aluminum in the second hot-dip galvanizing process or through the second hot-dip galvanizing layer can be prevented by targeted process control. This is due - without wishing to be bound by this theory - to the fact that the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing in the process according to the invention is preferably no longer liquid, or only the uppermost layer is liquid and / or partially dissolved and / or activated when the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out. This makes it more difficult for the aluminum to diffuse through, resulting in a completely different layer structure than in the case of a conventional double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process.In particular, at least one at least substantially aluminum-free hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase originating from the first hot-dip galvanizing remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or beneath) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or the outer layer, whereby a particularly strong adhesion of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer to the base material is achieved.

[0059] Overall, the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is thus more economical, more flexible, and better controllable than a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process. The hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, is more ductile and less brittle than a commercial pure zinc layer, and moreover, the layer thickness is adjustable despite the use of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath. In particular, the process according to the invention, in particular the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, forms a hot-dip galvanizing layer that cannot be provided in a commercial single-stage process, combining high ductility with an adjustable or controllable layer thickness and layer structure, as well as high corrosion protection performance.In particular, the process according to the invention can enable an individually or specifically adjustable zinc layer thickness compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing processes and can provide a more ductile hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0060] In addition, the process according to the invention can provide increased corrosion protection performance and increased ductility of the resulting hot-dip galvanizing layer compared to conventional hot-dip galvanizing processes.

[0061] Furthermore, the process according to the invention can provide a hot-dip galvanizing layer with improved formability, in particular cold formability, while maintaining a high corrosion protection performance.

[0062] Furthermore, an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased layer thickness can be provided.

[0063] Furthermore, a hot-dip galvanized layer with increased ductility can be provided compared to a classic pure zinc layer.

[0064] The method according to the invention also enables improved process economy and / or a more efficient, in particular more flexible and / or more reliable, in particular less error-prone process flow and / or improved business compatibility and / or improved cost and resource utilization.

[0065] Finally, uncontrollable diffusion processes during the formation of the layer structure will be avoided, so that a reproducible and consistent layer formation with simultaneous optimal adhesion to the component is achieved, which is accompanied by improved corrosion protection.The present invention thus provides - as described above - a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0066] The zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process within the scope of the present invention is, in particular, a so-called pure zinc melt or pure zinc melt, as described above; i.e., a zinc melt consisting essentially of zinc, in particular containing at least 98 wt.% zinc. An overall relatively brittle galvanizing layer is formed, in which intermetallic iron / zinc phases are present on the iron or steel component, and on these, a pure zinc layer that essentially corresponds to the composition of the zinc melt.

[0067] In this context, it is preferred if the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") contains at least substantially no aluminum and / or is at least substantially free of aluminum.

[0068] Therefore, especially during the first hot-dip galvanizing, no so-called aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt is used. This eliminates the need for particularly intensive micro-cleaning prior to the first hot-dip galvanizing. When using an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, the iron or steel surface to be galvanized is significantly more difficult to wet with the hot, liquid Zn / Al melt, resulting in a significantly more sensitive and difficult-to-manage reaction compared to using a so-called pure zinc melt, necessitating special pretreatment and cleaning prior to hot-dip galvanizing. Furthermore, the use of a pure zinc melt or a virtually aluminum-free zinc melt prevents the formation of an Fe / Al phase that acts as a barrier layer, blocking the kinetics of zinc layer growth, thus ensuring unlimiting layer growth.

[0069] Furthermore, within the scope of the process according to the invention, it is preferred if the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 1,000 ppm, in particular at most 900 ppm, preferably at most 800 ppm, of aluminum. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred if the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 0.1 wt.%, in particular at most 0.09 wt.%, preferably at most 0.08 wt.%, of aluminum.

[0070] With such small amounts of aluminum, the specific difficulties listed above and the associated requirements of an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt do not typically arise.

[0071] Furthermore, it is preferred if, in the context of the process according to the invention, the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%.

[0072] Unlike the first hot-dip galvanizing, the second hot-dip galvanizing of the process according to the invention specifically uses an aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt").

[0073] In particular, and without wishing to be limited to this theory, the aluminum-alloyed or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") diffuses into the first hot-dip galvanizing layer during the second hot-dip galvanizing process, and a completely new layer is formed; that is, within the scope of the process according to the invention, not only are two hot-dip galvanizing layers with different compositions formed one above the other. As already explained above, after carrying out the process according to the invention, in particular a special multi-layer orA multi-phase layer structure is provided, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer, and wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has, on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer, a hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Fe phases, which optionally contains aluminum. Furthermore, the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer has, in particular, an aluminum concentration gradient.

[0074] The base material referred to above and below is the material from which the iron or steel component itself consists or is formed or from which it is based; the base material is therefore, in particular, iron, iron-based material, or steel.

[0075] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is therefore particularly provided that the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, of aluminum.

[0076] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous in this context if the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 10 wt.%, in particular at most 8 wt.%, preferably at most 6 wt.%, of aluminum.

[0077] Within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred if the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, based on the zinc melt. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, based on the zinc melt, and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the zinc melt.

[0078] It can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.09 wt.% and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can be provided that the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range of 0 wt.% to 0.08 wt.% and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range of 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

[0080] Consequently, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is particularly provided that the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") is a pure zinc melt, a conventional zinc melt, or a virtually aluminum-free zinc melt, and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn / Al melt") contains aluminum and is therefore not a pure zinc melt, a conventional zinc melt, or a virtually aluminum-free zinc melt. Thus, two different zinc melts are preferably used, which differ in particular in the amount of aluminum they contain. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a process for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component,in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process as described above, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%,in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

[0081] In the context of the present invention, it may be advantageous if the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains magnesium.

[0082] The aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process can contain a maximum of 10 wt.%, in particular a maximum of 3 wt.%, preferably a maximum of 2 wt.%, of magnesium, based on the zinc melt. In particular, according to the present invention, the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process can contain magnesium in amounts ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, based on the zinc melt.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing may contain, based on the zinc melt, 5 wt.% aluminum and 2 wt.% magnesium, in particular 5 wt.% aluminum and 3 wt.% magnesium.

[0084] By combining aluminum and magnesium in the second hot-dip galvanizing layer, the optical and mechanical properties, especially gloss and ductility, as well as corrosion protection properties can be particularly well controlled and adjusted.

[0085] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), according to a particular embodiment, based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, and optionally at least one further metal, in particular in amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg) and combinations thereof, and the remaining portion of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt is formed by zinc, wherein all of the aforementioned quantities are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results.According to a further particular embodiment, the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing can have the following composition, wherein all quantities stated below are based on the zinc melt ("Zn melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:.

[0086] (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 92 to 100% by weight, in particular in the range from 80 to 99.999% by weight, preferably in the range from 85 to 99.995% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 90 to 99.99% by weight,

[0087] (ii) optionally aluminum (AI), in particular in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%,

[0088] (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg) and combinations thereof.

[0089] The use of a zinc melt in the first hot-dip galvanizing with the composition described above leads to particularly good galvanizing results and the resulting hot-dip galvanizing layer is particularly well suited to be further processed in the subsequent second hot-dip galvanizing.

[0090] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, according to a particular embodiment, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, optionally magnesium, in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, and optionally at least one further metal, in particular in amounts of up to 10 wt.%.-% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof, and the remaining portion of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt is formed by zinc, wherein all of the above-mentioned quantities are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results.

[0091] According to a further particular embodiment, the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process can have the following composition, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:

[0092] (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 75 to 99% by weight, in particular in the range from 80 to 98% by weight, preferably in the range from 85 to 97% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 90 to 96% by weight,

[0093] (ii) optionally aluminum (AI), in particular in amounts in the range from 1 wt% to 25 wt%, in particular in the range from 2 wt% to 10 wt%, preferably in the range from 3 wt% to 8 wt%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt% to 6 wt%,

[0094] (iii) optionally magnesium (Mg), in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%;

[0095] (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof.

[0096] The use of a zinc melt with the composition described above is particularly suitable for the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular to form an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases.

[0097] Within the scope of the present invention, it may be advantageous if the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range of 330°C to 750°C, in particular in the range of 340°C to 650°C, preferably in the range of 430°C to 600°C, particularly preferably in the range of 435°C to 455°C. When using a so-called pure zinc melt, the thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed depends on the duration or time period of the hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular on the immersion time of the component to be galvanized in the zinc melt. The zinc layer to be achieved in the first hot-dip galvanizing process can thus be individually adapted, in particular by adjusting the immersion time. Since the total layer thickness of the total hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after the second hot-dip galvanizing is also influenced by the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.Depending on this, the total layer thickness of the entire hot-dip galvanizing layer can be adjusted by adjusting the immersion time in the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0098] In the context of the method according to the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous if the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range from 0.1 to 90 minutes, in particular in the range from 0.75 to 60 minutes, preferably in the range from 1 to 45 minutes, particularly preferably in the range from 1.25 to 30 minutes.

[0099] In particular, it is advantageous if the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a time period which is sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a time period of at least 0.1 minutes, in particular at least 0.75 minutes, preferably at least 1 minute, particularly preferably at least 1.25 minutes. During this minimum galvanizing time, a hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed which already provides good corrosion protection in itself (i.e. even without a subsequent second hot-dip galvanizing) and which has a sufficient thickness to form the special multi-layer or multi-phase structure according to the invention in the subsequent second hot-dip galvanizing according to the invention.It may also be advantageous if, within the scope of the method according to the invention, the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular immersed and agitated therein, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 90 minutes, in particular at most 60 minutes, preferably at most 45 minutes, particularly preferably at most 30 minutes. The zinc layers formed during the aforementioned galvanizing period can be further processed in the second hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention such that an overall ductile hot-dip galvanizing layer with high corrosion protection performance is formed, which in particular also provides high corrosion protection performance after forming, for example, after bending by 90°.The zinc layers of the first hot-dip galvanizing process formed during the aforementioned galvanizing period also provide good corrosion protection; in particular, this hot-dip galvanizing layer protects the component from corrosion before the second hot-dip galvanizing process takes place.

[0100] In connection with the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, it has proven particularly useful within the scope of the present invention if the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C.

[0101] According to the present invention, it can be provided that the iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range of 0.0001 to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 0.001 to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 30 minutes, particularly preferably in the range of 4 to 8 minutes.Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can also be provided that the iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular is immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at least 0.0001 minutes, in particular at least 0.001 minutes, preferably at least 0.5 minutes, particularly preferably at least 4 minutes.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can also be provided that the iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 60 minutes, in particular at most 45 minutes, preferably at most 30 minutes, particularly preferably at most 8 minutes.

[0103] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process as described above, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt,wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range of 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range of 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range of 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range of 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 410 °C to 425 °C.

[0104] In the context of the process according to the invention, the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is typically lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0105] In other words, the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is selected in particular in such a way and / or with the proviso that it is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt").

[0106] In particular, it can be provided that the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is at least 10 °C lower, in particular at least 25 °C lower, preferably at least 40 °C lower, than the temperature of the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt").

[0107] If the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, the zinc layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process is not completely melted, so that the Zn / Fe phase formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process is at least partially retained on the base material, thereby achieving particularly good adhesion of the entire hot-dip galvanizing layer to the iron or steel component and providing particularly high corrosion protection. According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) of an iron or steel component,in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process as described above, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%,in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing Zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") is selected in such a way and / or with the proviso thatthat it is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt"); in particular, the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is at least 10 °C lower, in particular at least 25 °C lower, preferably at least 40 °C lower, than the temperature of the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt"). According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the first hot-dip galvanizing process is carried out in particular such that at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase ("Zn / Fe phase") is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component. In other words, it can be provided that the first hot-dip galvanizing process is carried out with the proviso thatthat at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with zinc / iron phase ("Zn / Fe phase") is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0108] In this context, the base material is the material of the iron or steel component to be galvanized; i.e., the base material is typically iron or steel. The hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on this base material within the scope of the inventive process. The specific structure of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component resulting from the inventive process is shown in Fig. 1.

[0109] The retention of at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Fe phase on the base material is particularly advantageous since there is a particularly strong adhesion between the at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Fe phase and the base material.

[0110] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, according to a particular embodiment, the layer thickness in the first hot-dip galvanizing can be controlled over the duration of the galvanizing.

[0111] In particular, within the scope of the method according to the invention,

[0112] Layer thickness of the resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing

[0113] Hot-dip galvanizing layer can be controlled by the duration of the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0114] The possibility of controlling the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing over the duration of the first hot-dip galvanizing is particularly advantageous, since the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing also has a direct influence on the total layer thickness resulting after the second hot-dip galvanizing. Consequently, the total layer thickness of the entire hot-dip galvanizing layer can also be controlled by the duration of the first hot-dip galvanizing. According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process.in particular a process as described above, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range of 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%,wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process has a temperature in the range from 330°C to 750°C, in particular in the range from 340°C to 650°C, preferably in the range from 430°C to 600°C, particularly preferably in the range from 435°C to 455°C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C,wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is controlled by the duration of the first hot-dip galvanizing. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that a multi-layer or multi-phase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0115] According to a further preferred embodiment, the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer. In other words, the second hot-dip galvanizing is preferably carried out with the proviso that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer.

[0116] Without wishing to be limited to this theory, the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process is permeated with the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt from the second hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular the aluminum contained therein. In particular, the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, in particular the aluminum contained therein, diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process, forming an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases.

[0117] According to a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out such that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") at least partially diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing. In other words, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is preferred if the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") at least partially diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.According to a further preferred embodiment, the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may contain aluminum, is present and / or remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer. In other words, it is particularly preferred according to the invention if the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may contain aluminum, is present and / or remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer.

[0118] Carrying out the second hot-dip galvanizing in such a way that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase remains on the base material, in particular wherein this hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase was formed on the base material in the first hot-dip galvanizing, has the advantage that there is a particularly high adhesion with the base material or between the hot-dip galvanizing layer as a whole on the iron or steel component.

[0119] In this context, the retention of at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with zinc / iron phase on the base material can be achieved in particular by - without wishing to be limited to this theory and measure - the time of the second hot-dip galvanizing is limited and further by the temperature of the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing being lower than the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing, as explained above.

[0120] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or in such a way that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed. The aluminum concentration gradient - without wishing to be limited to this theory - results in particular from the increased affinity of the aluminum to the iron of the iron or steel component. Due to this affinity, the aluminum of the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing used in the second hot-dip galvanizing diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing. In a particular embodiment, however, it should be noted that the second hot-dip galvanizing must not last so long or for a period of time during which the aluminum completely diffuses through and permeates and even replaces the entire hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0121] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process as described above, wherein firstly the iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt,a second hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C,particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C; wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer, and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer, a hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum,is present and / or remains, and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or in such a way that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed.,

[0122] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing can be at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0123] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing step can be at most 650 pm, in particular at most 600 pm, preferably at most 550 pm, particularly preferably at most 500 pm. Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing step is in the range from 30 pm to 650 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 600 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 550 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 500 pm.

[0124] These layer thicknesses of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing coat already provide a high level of corrosion protection, which is sufficient for applications of such galvanized components in environments with moderate corrosion exposure. Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanizing layer is thick enough to allow the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt to diffuse into the second hot-dip galvanizing coat, as described above. In particular, it is possible for a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase ("Zn / Fe phase") to remain on the base material (i.e., the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing coat is thick enough to allow the aluminum to diffuse through without the entire hot-dip galvanizing coat being directly permeated or even replaced by aluminum).

[0125] According to a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing can be at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0126] According to a further particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing can be at most 500 pm, in particular at most 450 pm, preferably at most 400 pm, particularly preferably at most 300 pm.

[0127] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm. According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the two-stage process according to the invention can be at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0128] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the two-stage process according to the invention can be at most 500 pm, in particular at most 450 pm, preferably at most 400 pm, particularly preferably at most 300 pm.

[0129] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the two-stage process according to the invention is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

[0130] In the context of the present invention, it has proven particularly advantageous if the first and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the two-stage process according to the invention is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

[0131] A (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the process according to the invention with the previously specified total layer thickness provides both high corrosion protection properties and is simultaneously ductile. In particular, a corresponding hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can be formed, in particular bent by 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or without them being significantly or significantly reduced. In particular, a hot-dip galvanized component that has been galvanized according to the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention also has high corrosion protection properties after forming or cold forming (e.g., 90° bending). According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component.in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process as described above, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%,in particular in the range of 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range of 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range of 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range of 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range of 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range of 330°C to 750°C, in particular in the range of 340°C to 650°C, preferably in the range of 430°C to 600°C, particularly preferably in the range of 435°C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C,in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C, wherein the first and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the process is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is preferred if, after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is allowed to rest, in particular stored and / or transported and / or used, preferably under oxidative conditions and / or exposure to ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere,in particular for a period of at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours.

[0132] By bringing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing process into contact with oxidative conditions, in particular with the ambient air or the ambient atmosphere, the surface of the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process is oxidized. This creates a natural covering layer, which consists in particular of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc bicarbonate, zinc carbonate, and combinations thereof, and has a higher melting point than the hot-dip galvanizing layer itself.

[0133] Furthermore, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is also preferred if at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours, lie between the first hot-dip galvanizing and the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere.

[0134] The applicant has discovered that a time of 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours, under oxidative conditions is usually sufficient for the previously described oxidation layer or natural covering layer to form on the hot-dip galvanized layer. The formation of the oxidation layer further improves the corrosion protection properties, preventing the iron or steel component from corroding between the hot-dip galvanized layers.

[0135] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, an oxidation layer is formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing. Furthermore, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is allowed to rest, in particular stored and / or transported and / or used, preferably under oxidative conditions and / or with exposure to ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere, in such a way and / or with the proviso that an oxidation layer is formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0136] In this context, the oxidation layer comprises oxygen-containing zinc compounds, in particular selected from the group of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc hydrogen carbonate, zinc carbonate and combinations thereof.

[0137] In connection with the process according to the invention, it is particularly preferred if the process is not carried out as a wet-on-wet process.

[0138] In a so-called wet-on-wet process, or a double-dip process performed as a wet-on-wet process, the component is immersed directly from one bath into the next, as previously described, without being allowed to rest or exposed to oxidative conditions. A reducing protective gas atmosphere, such as forming gas, is typically present. The wet-on-wet process is intended to prevent the formation of the previously described oxidation layer or natural covering layer.

[0139] As previously stated, a so-called wet-on-wet double-dip process is particularly uneconomical and energy-intensive. Furthermore, the layer thickness and layer structure are difficult to control.

[0140] Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention – in contrast to a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process – in the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process carried out according to the invention, in particular, there is no complete diffusion of the aluminum in the second hot-dip galvanizing process. This is due – without wishing to be bound by this theory – among other things to the fact that the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is preferably no longer liquid in the process according to the invention, or else only the uppermost layer is liquid and / or partially dissolved and / or activated when the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out. This makes it more difficult for the aluminum to diffuse through, resulting in a completely different layer structure than in the case of a conventional double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process.In particular, an at least substantially aluminum-free hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe layer originating from the first hot-dip galvanizing remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or beneath) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or the outer layer, whereby a particularly strong adhesion or adhesive strength of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer on the base material is achieved.

[0141] Furthermore, it can also be provided within the scope of the present invention if the second hot-dip galvanizing is not carried out immediately after the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular not without the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing being exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere.

[0142] It may also be preferred within the scope of the present invention if the second hot-dip galvanizing is not carried out immediately after the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular not without an oxidation layer being formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0143] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out after the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing has solidified and / or cooled and / or at least partially oxidized and / or exposed to ambient air.

[0144] In the method according to the invention, it can also be provided, in particular, that the second hot-dip galvanizing process is carried out on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process and that has solidified and / or cooled and / or is at least partially oxidized and / or exposed to ambient air. It is particularly advantageous if the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process is already solidified or cooled during the second hot-dip galvanizing process, since the surface tension of the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process does not need to be overcome.

[0145] According to the invention, the process sequence should therefore be designed such that sufficient time elapses between hot-dip galvanizing coats so that the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing coat solidifies or cools down. Furthermore, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing coat should be exposed to oxidative conditions such that the hot-dip galvanizing layer is at least partially oxidized.

[0146] According to the invention, it can be provided that the first hot-dip galvanizing and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out spatially separated from one another.

[0147] It is possible for the respective hot-dip galvanizing facilities or baths in which the first and second hot-dip galvanizing processes are carried out to be located at different locations or at the same location. However, the hot-dip galvanizing facilities or baths should not be arranged or carried out in immediate succession, and in particular not without, as previously stated, the iron or steel component being allowed to rest after the first hot-dip galvanizing process and exposed to oxidative conditions.

[0148] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that a cooling treatment takes place after the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0149] In other words, it can be provided that the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing process is subjected to a cooling treatment. The optional cooling treatment can be carried out, for example, by means of air and / or in the presence of air, preferably down to ambient temperature. Cooling makes handling, for example further treatment as listed below, as well as allowing to rest, in particular storage and / or transport and / or use, easier. Furthermore, the cooling treatment solidifies the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed. As previously explained, it is advantageous in the second hot-dip galvanizing process if the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process is no longer liquid or has solidified.

[0150] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that a post-processing treatment takes place after the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0151] In other words, it may be provided that the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a post-processing treatment.

[0152] Possible post-treatments include, for example, removing excess zinc bath residues, especially so-called drips from the zinc solidifying on the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as passivating or sealing the surface. Post-treatment particularly improves the quality of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0153] According to the invention, it may be preferred if an activation treatment is carried out after the first hot-dip galvanizing. In particular, the activation treatment is carried out before the second hot-dip galvanizing.

[0154] In particular, it has proven to be advantageous according to the invention if the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to an activation treatment.

[0155] Through an activation treatment, the oxidation layer or natural covering layer formed under oxidative conditions can be removed again, making the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed during the first hot-dip galvanizing process accessible and activating it for the second hot-dip galvanizing process. This allows for a quick and reliable second hot-dip galvanizing process. The activation treatment can, in particular, comprise at least one chemical and, if necessary, (additionally) one mechanical treatment.

[0156] In this context, the chemical treatment may include at least a pickling treatment and / or flux treatment.

[0157] It may be provided that the chemical treatment is carried out using an aqueous saline solution, in particular with a pH value of less than 5.

[0158] In particular, the chemical treatment can be carried out for a period of time in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0159] In the event that several chemical treatments are carried out, the chemical treatment can be carried out in each case or in each bath for a period of time in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0160] This period of time usually leads to a detachment or dissolution of the oxidation layer and a sufficient activation of the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0161] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, an activation treatment is carried out after the first hot-dip galvanizing or the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to an activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment comprises at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment.

[0162] In particular, the activation treatment takes place after the first hot-dip galvanizing and immediately before the second hot-dip galvanizing. The additional mechanical treatment can, in particular, roughen the surface of the oxidation layer, so that the subsequent chemical treatment, in particular flux treatment and / or pickling treatment, is particularly effective. In particular, the corresponding flux treatment agent or pickling treatment agent has a particularly high number of attack points on the surface, so that the removal of the oxidation layer can occur quickly and completely.

[0163] Typically, the chemical treatment can be carried out by fluxing in a flux composition in a flux bath.

[0164] The flux composition of the activation treatment can be different or the same as the flux composition of the flux treatment explained below before the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0165] Typically, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may comprise an aqueous and / or alcoholic, in particular aqueous, liquid phase, wherein the liquid phase of the flux bath contains the flux composition, in particular in dissolved or dispersed form, preferably in dissolved form.

[0166] In particular, the flux composition of the chemical treatment can comprise salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the salts are selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of zinc chloride (ZnCl?), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), alkali and / or alkaline earth chlorides, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl?), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof.

[0167] In this context, it can be provided that the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises as ingredients zinc chloride (ZnCl?) and optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as optionally wetting agents and optionally at least one further salt different from the aforementioned compounds, selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl2), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof.Within the scope of the invention, it has proven useful if the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the flux composition comprises at least zinc chloride (ZnCl?) and at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl).

[0168] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flux composition of the chemical treatment may be free of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). In particular, the flux composition of the chemical treatment may contain at least substantially no ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) according to a particular embodiment.

[0169] In particular, the flux bath of the chemical treatment can have a salt content of at least 50 wt.%, in particular of at least 60 wt.%, preferably of at least 70 wt.%, particularly preferably of at least 80 wt.%.

[0170] In addition, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may have a salt content in the range of 100 g / l to 800 g / l, in particular in the range of 140 g / l to 720 g / l, preferably in the range of 170 g / l to 670 g / l, particularly preferably in the range of 200 g / l to 600 g / l.

[0171] Typically, the flux bath of the chemical treatment may have a salt content of at most 99 wt.%, in particular of at most 95 wt.%, preferably of at most 93 wt.%, particularly preferably of at most 90 wt.%.

[0172] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the flux bath for the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 50 wt.% to 99 wt.%, in particular in the range of 60 wt.% to 95 wt.%, preferably in the range of 70 wt.% to 93 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 80 wt.% to 90 wt.%. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flux composition for the chemical treatment can comprise the following ingredients, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux composition and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:

[0173] (i) zinc chloride (ZnCl?), in particular in amounts in the range of 50 to 95 wt.%, in particular in the range of 55 to 90 wt.%, preferably in the range of 60 to 85 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 65 to 82.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 70 to 82 wt.%,

[0174] (ii) ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), in particular in amounts in the range of 5 to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range of 6 to 40 wt.%, preferably in the range of 7 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 25 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 wt.%,

[0175] (iii) sodium chloride (NaCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 4 to 8 wt.%, and

[0176] (iv) potassium chloride (KCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 12.5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 6 wt%.

[0177] According to a further embodiment, the chemical treatment can be carried out by means of pickling treatment.

[0178] In particular, the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment can be carried out with a hydrochloric acid-containing (HCl-containing) and / or hydrochloric acid-based (HCl-based) pickling treatment agent, in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent has a pH value of less than 5.

[0179] In particular, within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment can be carried out with an acidic pickling treatment agent, in particular with a pickling treatment agent with a pH value of less than 5. It can also be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains iron, in particular in the form of divalent and / or trivalent iron ions. In other words, for example, Fe 2+ - and / or Fe 3+ -ions, with particular emphasis on trivalent iron ions (Fe 3+-ions) enhance the pickling effect.

[0180] Furthermore, it can be provided that the pickling treatment agent contains at least one additive, in particular at least one pickling additive, in particular selected from the group of corrosion inhibitors, pickling cleaners, pickling accelerators and pickling enhancers and combinations thereof.

[0181] In this context, additives can be used to optimize the pickling effect. Possible pickling additives include inhibitors to prevent excessive attack and / or to protect the base material, or pickling enhancers to increase the attack. Commercial products are available, for example, from STOCKMEIER Holding GmbH, including Lerapas® BP, Leraclen® Beet Degreaser, or Leraclen® 1227.

[0182] According to a further particular embodiment, the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment may contain at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant.

[0183] In particular, the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment can contain the at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant in amounts of 0.0001 to 15 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.001 to 10 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 8 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 6 wt.%, very particularly preferably in amounts of 0.05 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the flux bath.

[0184] According to yet another embodiment, the chemical treatment can be carried out by means of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment. The combination of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment leads to a particularly efficient and essentially complete removal of the oxidation layer and thus to a particularly uniform second hot-dip galvanizing.

[0185] It has proven to be effective if the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment and the flux treatment of the chemical treatment are each carried out for a period of time in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

[0186] In this context, in particular, the pickling treatment can be carried out first, followed by the flux treatment, with a rinsing process taking place after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

[0187] Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the chemical treatment, in particular the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment, takes place at an elevated temperature.

[0188] In particular, the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 20 °C to 100 °C, in particular in the range of 25 °C to 80 °C.

[0189] As previously stated, mechanical treatment can optionally be carried out in addition to the chemical treatment as part of the activation treatment.

[0190] According to a particular embodiment, the mechanical treatment may comprise an abrasive treatment.

[0191] Possible abrasive treatments include blasting the component or performing the chemical treatment with a flow. As previously stated, the method according to the invention particularly provides for at least one chemical treatment.

[0192] According to a particular embodiment, the iron or steel component obtained after the activation treatment can be subjected to a drying treatment. Carrying out a drying treatment after the activation treatment, and especially immediately before the second hot-dip galvanizing, has the advantage that no liquid is entrained into the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath.

[0193] The drying treatment can be carried out at a temperature in the range of 30 °C to 400 °C, in particular in the range of 35 °C to 375 °C, preferably in the range of 40 °C to 350 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 50 °C to 325 °C.

[0194] In this context, it has proven useful if the drying treatment is carried out for a period of time in the range from 0.1 seconds to 60 minutes, in particular in the range from 1 second to 45 minutes, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 35 minutes, particularly preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 30 minutes, even more preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 15 minutes.

[0195] The drying treatment can be carried out in the presence of and / or by means of air.

[0196] In this context, the drying treatment typically takes place in at least one drying device, in particular in at least one oven.

[0197] According to a particular embodiment, a cooling treatment may also be carried out after the second hot-dip galvanizing. In other words, the iron or steel component obtained after the second hot-dip galvanizing may be subjected to a cooling treatment.

[0198] It may also be provided that a post-processing treatment is carried out after the second hot-dip galvanizing. In other words, the iron or steel component obtained after the second hot-dip galvanizing can be subjected to a post-processing treatment.

[0199] In connection with the post-processing treatment after the second hot-dip galvanizing, this can also include - analogous to the post-processing treatment after the first hot-dip galvanizing - the removal of excess zinc bath residues, in particular so-called drips from the zinc solidifying on the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as the passivation or sealing of the surface. The post-processing treatment after the first hot-dip galvanizing and the post-processing treatment after the second hot-dip galvanizing are independent of one another; in particular, only one post-processing treatment can be carried out, and the steps or measures carried out can be the same or different. The post-processing treatment can improve the overall quality of the entire hot-dip galvanized layer, in particular the optical and mechanical properties as well as the corrosion protection properties.

[0200] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the iron or steel component is subjected to the following process steps in the following order before the first hot-dip galvanizing: a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then

[0201] (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0202] (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then

[0203] (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0204] (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then

[0205] (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in process step (e).

[0206] In this context, the flux in process step (e) can comprise the following ingredients: (I) zinc chloride (ZnCl), (II) optionally ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), (III) optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth metal salt, in particular sodium chloride and / or potassium chloride, preferably sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and (IV) optionally at least one further metal salt, in particular selected from the group of chlorides, preferably chlorides of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag) and combinations thereof, in particular selected from the group of NiCl, COCl, MnCl, PbCl, SnCl, Bids, SbCh, AlCl3 and AgCl and combinations thereof.

[0207] The flux used in process step (e) can be the same as or different from the flux used before the second hot-dip galvanizing or in the activation treatment. In particular, two separate flux baths are used. It should also be noted that different zinc baths (i.e., with different compositions) are used for the first hot-dip galvanizing and the second hot-dip galvanizing, with the flux composition being adapted to the composition of the zinc bath following the flux treatment. For example, as previously explained, when using a zinc melt containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy, more intensive cleaning is necessary to achieve an optimal galvanizing result.A pure zinc melt, as used particularly in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, is less sensitive and thus high-quality, particularly consistent and defect-free, galvanizing is possible even without particularly intensive fine cleaning.

[0208] According to a preferred embodiment, the flux in process step (e) may comprise the following ingredients, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results:

[0209] (I) zinc chloride (ZnCl?), in particular in amounts ranging from 50 to 95% by weight,

[0210] (II) optionally ammonium chloride (NH4CI), in particular in amounts ranging from 7 to 50% by weight,

[0211] (III) optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth metal salt, in particular sodium chloride and / or potassium chloride, preferably sodium chloride and potassium chloride, in particular in amounts in the range of 2 to 20 wt.%,

[0212] (IV) optionally at least one metal salt from the group consisting of NiCl2, COCl2, MnCl2, PbCl2, SnCl2, BiCl2, SbCl2, AlCl3, and AgCl, in particular in amounts ranging from 0.1 to 10 wt.%. According to a particular embodiment, it can be provided that the flux bath in process step (e) is adjusted to a defined or predetermined, in particular acidic, pH, in particular in the pH range from 0 to 6.9, preferably in the pH range from 0.5 to 6.5, preferably in the pH range from 1 to 5.5, particularly preferably in the pH range from 1.5 to 5, very particularly preferably in the pH range from 2 to 4.5, even more preferably in the pH range from 2 to 4.

[0213] According to a particular embodiment, it can also be provided that the flux bath is adjusted to a defined or predetermined, in particular acidic, pH value in process step (e), wherein the pH value is adjusted by means of a preferably inorganic acid in combination with a preferably inorganic basic compound, in particular ammonia (NH3).

[0214] This embodiment, i.e., the fine adjustment of the pH of the flux bath in process step (e) using a preferably inorganic basic compound, in particular ammonia (NH3), is particularly advantageous because it counteracts undesirable hydrogen embrittlement of the component to be treated. The pH adjustment can also be carried out in the same way in the flux bath before the second hot-dip galvanizing (i.e., in the flux bath that can be used as part of the activation treatment).

[0215] Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, it can also be provided that the flux bath in process step (e) also contains at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant.

[0216] According to a particular embodiment, the method of the present invention may comprise the following method steps in the order listed below:

[0217] (a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0218] (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then

[0219] (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0220] (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then

[0221] (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in step (e); then

[0222] (g) first hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) of the iron or steel component subjected to the flux treatment in process step (e) and optionally dried in process step (f) in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing the zinc melt, preferably by dipping the iron or steel component into the zinc melt and / or into the galvanizing bath;

[0223] (h) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g); then

[0224] (i) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (h); then

[0225] (j) activation treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g) and optionally cooled in process step (h) and optionally post-processed in process step (i); then

[0226] (k) optionally, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment in process step (j); then (l) second hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) of the iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment in process step (j) and optionally dried in process step (k) in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, preferably by dipping the iron or steel component into the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt and / or into the galvanizing bath; then

[0227] (m) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (I); then

[0228] (n) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (I) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (m).

[0229] Within the scope of the process according to the invention, it is preferred if, before the activation treatment according to process step (j), the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is allowed to rest, in particular stored and / or transported and / or used, preferably under oxidative conditions and / or with exposure to ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere, in particular for a period of at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours. By bringing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing into contact with oxidative conditions, in particular with the ambient air or the ambient atmosphere, the surface of the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing is oxidized.This creates a natural covering layer, which consists in particular of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc hydrogen carbonate, zinc carbonate and combinations thereof and has a higher melting temperature than the hot-dip galvanizing layer itself.

[0230] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided, if necessary, that a pretreatment is carried out before the activation treatment, in which further cleaning steps, such as an alkaline and / or acidic treatment, are carried out. The hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component obtainable from the process according to the invention has a more ductile zinc layer, which is particularly deformable, e.g., into a 90° bend, at least substantially without impairing the corrosion protection performance.

[0231] In addition, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component obtainable from the process according to the invention, in particular with a base material thickness of at least 2 mm and a layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 30 pm, after 90° bending with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 1,250 h, preferably at least 1,500 h, particularly preferably at least 1,750 h, very particularly preferably at least 2,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, does not exhibit any red rust formation.

[0232] Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, in particular with a hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 350 g / m 2 , with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 2,000 h, preferably at least 5,000 h, particularly preferably at least 8,000 h, very particularly preferably at least 10,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, no red rust formation.

[0233] In comparison, state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components can only remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for about 800 hours without red rust formation with a hot-dip galvanized layer of even 550 g / m 2 . Thus, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components according to the invention can remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for a longer period of time without red rust formation and even with a lower layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0234] As a result, the present invention provides an efficient and economical process for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility. A further subject matter—according to a second aspect of the present invention—is a system for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably a system for carrying out a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a system for carrying out a previously described process, wherein the system comprises the following devices in the order listed below:

[0235] - a first hot-dip galvanizing device for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence

[0236] - a second hot-dip galvanizing device for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0237] According to a particular embodiment, it can be provided that a storage and / or transfer area is arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device and upstream and / or in the process sequence upstream of the second hot-dip galvanizing device, in particular wherein the storage and / or transfer area is designed for resting, in particular for storing and / or transporting and / or using, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0238] In this context, it is particularly intended that the storage and / or transfer area has oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere.

[0239] In other words, it is particularly intended that oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere are present in the storage and / or transfer area. In the system according to the invention, the iron or steel components are thus not hot-dip galvanized directly one after the other in both hot-dip galvanizing devices, but rather, after the first hot-dip galvanizing, are first brought to the storage and / or transfer area and exposed there, in particular, to oxidative conditions and / or the ambient air and / or the ambient atmosphere.

[0240] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the second hot-dip galvanizing device is not arranged immediately downstream and / or downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device in the process sequence, in particular not in such a way that the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is not exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere.

[0241] Furthermore, it can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that the second hot-dip galvanizing device is not arranged immediately downstream and / or downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device in the process sequence, in particular not without an oxidation layer being formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.

[0242] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided in particular that the first hot-dip galvanizing device and the second hot-dip galvanizing device are arranged spatially separated from one another.

[0243] In this context, "spatially separated" means, in particular, that the first hot-dip galvanizing device and the second hot-dip galvanizing device are arranged such that, in particular, the aforementioned storage and / or transfer area is arranged therebetween. The first hot-dip galvanizing device and the second hot-dip galvanizing device are thus not arranged directly or immediately behind one another, nor are they arranged adjacent to one another. In particular, the storage and / or transfer area, in which the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing process is exposed to oxidative conditions, is located therebetween.According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, a first post-treatment device can be arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence of the first hot-dip galvanizing device and upstream and / or upstream in the process sequence of the second hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0244] In particular, the first post-treatment device is also arranged upstream of and / or upstream in the process sequence to the previously described storage and / or transfer area; ie, the first post-treatment device is arranged in particular immediately downstream of and / or downstream in the process sequence to the first hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0245] In particular, the first aftertreatment device may comprise at least one cooling device.

[0246] Furthermore, the first post-treatment device may comprise at least one post-processing device.

[0247] In this context, the post-treatment device can be designed in particular to remove excess zinc bath residues, in particular so-called drip noses of the zinc solidifying at the edges as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as to passivate or seal the surface.

[0248] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate treatment device can be arranged downstream of and / or downstream in the process sequence from the first hot-dip galvanizing device, in particular downstream of and / or downstream in the process sequence from the first hot-dip galvanizing device and downstream of and / or downstream in the process sequence from the first post-treatment device. In particular, the intermediate treatment device is also arranged downstream of and / or downstream in the process sequence from the previously described storage and / or transfer area; i.e., the intermediate treatment device is arranged in particular immediately upstream of and / or upstream in the process sequence from the second hot-dip galvanizing device.

[0249] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate treatment device may comprise an activation device.

[0250] In particular, the activation device can be designed to carry out at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) one mechanical treatment, in particular wherein the chemical treatment comprises at least one pickling treatment and / or flux treatment and / or in particular wherein the mechanical treatment comprises an abrasive treatment.

[0251] Furthermore, it can be provided that the intermediate treatment device comprises a drying device.

[0252] In particular, the drying device may comprise at least one oven.

[0253] According to a further particular embodiment, the plant according to the invention can be designed such that a second post-treatment device is arranged downstream and / or downstream of the second hot-dip galvanizing device in the process sequence.

[0254] In particular, the second aftertreatment device may comprise at least one cooling device.

[0255] Furthermore, the second post-treatment device may comprise at least one post-processing device.

[0256] Analogous to the first post-treatment device, the second post-treatment device can also be designed, in particular, to remove excess zinc bath residues, in particular so-called drips of zinc solidifying at the edges, as well as oxide or ash residues adhering to the component, as well as to passivate or seal the surface. According to yet another particular embodiment, the system according to the invention can be configured such that a pre-treatment device is arranged upstream and / or upstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device in the process sequence, wherein the pre-treatment device is designed to carry out the following process steps in the sequence listed below:

[0257] (a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then

[0258] (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0259] (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then

[0260] (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then

[0261] (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then

[0262] (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in process step (e).

[0263] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided in particular that the system comprises the following devices in the following order:

[0264] (VBH) at least one pretreatment device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0265] (FZ1 ) at least one first hot-dip galvanizing device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0266] (NBH1 ) at least one first post-treatment device; arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence (ZBH) at least one intermediate treatment device; arranged downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence

[0267] (FZ2) at least one second hot-dip galvanizing device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0268] (NBH2) at least one second aftertreatment device.

[0269] Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, according to a particular embodiment, it may be provided that the system comprises the following facilities and / or baths in the following order:

[0270] (A) at least one degreasing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0271] (B) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0272] (C) at least one pickling bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0273] (D) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0274] (E) at least one flux bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0275] (F) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0276] (G) at least one galvanizing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0277] (H) where appropriate, cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0278] (I) where appropriate, post-processing equipment; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0279] (J) at least one activation device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0280] (K) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (L) galvanizing bath; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0281] (M) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0282] (N) where appropriate, at least one post-processing device.

[0283] Within the scope of the present invention, it can be provided, if necessary, that a pretreatment device is arranged upstream of the activation device, in which further cleaning steps, such as an alkaline and / or acidic treatment, take place.

[0284] According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the system may in particular comprise the following devices in the order listed below:

[0285] (VBH) at least one pretreatment device, wherein the pretreatment device

[0286] (A) at least one degreasing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0287] (B) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0288] (C) at least one pickling bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0289] (D) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0290] (E) at least one flux bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence

[0291] (F) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence (FZ1) at least one first hot-dip galvanizing device, wherein the hot-dip galvanizing device

[0292] (G) at least one galvanizing bath; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0293] (NBH1 ) at least one first aftertreatment device, wherein the first aftertreatment device

[0294] (H) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this

[0295] (I) optionally at least one post-processing device; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0296] (ZBH) at least one intermediate treatment device, wherein the intermediate treatment device comprises at least one activation device; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0297] (K) optionally comprises at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0298] (FZ2) at least one second hot-dip galvanizing device, wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing device

[0299] (L) at least one galvanizing bath; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence

[0300] (NBH2) at least one second aftertreatment device, wherein the second aftertreatment device

[0301] (M) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (N) optionally at least one post-processing device; comprises.

[0302] In the context of the present invention, it can be provided, if necessary, that a pretreatment device is arranged upstream of the activation device, in which further cleaning steps, such as an alkaline and / or acidic treatment, take place.

[0303] The system according to the invention is associated with a multitude of completely unexpected advantages, special features and surprising technical effects, the following description of which makes no claim to completeness, but illustrates the inventive nature of the present invention:

[0304] In particular, the plant according to the invention can be operated more economically than a plant designed to carry out a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, as is used in particular in connection with strip galvanizing.

[0305] In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing devices can be operated separately, especially at different locations.

[0306] In addition, the hot-dip galvanizing devices can also be operated and used independently of each other, in particular they can be used individually, which enables optimal and complete utilization of both hot-dip galvanizing devices.

[0307] For further details regarding the system according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements regarding the first aspect of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the system according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention. Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component, obtainable by a previously described method according to the invention and / or obtainable in a previously described system according to the invention.

[0308] Likewise, this aspect of the invention relates to a hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component, in particular a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component as described above, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component is obtainable by first subjecting an iron or steel component to a first hot-dip galvanizing step in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and subsequently subjecting the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing step to a second hot-dip galvanizing step in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0309] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component may have a multi-layer or multi-phase (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer applied to the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0310] In this context, the base material is the material of the iron or steel component to be galvanized; i.e., the base material is typically iron or steel. The (complete) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on this base material within the scope of the process according to the invention.

[0311] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer. According to yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum, on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer.

[0312] In particular, the at least one hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may optionally contain aluminum, is formed in that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase is formed on the base material in the first hot-dip galvanizing according to the method described above, and the second hot-dip galvanizing according to the method described above is carried out in such a way that the aluminum diffuses at least partially into the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing, but does not diffuse through it completely. In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer formed in the first hot-dip galvanizing is not replaced or displaced as such, but is only at least partially admixed with aluminum (in particular in the upper layer region of the first hot-dip galvanizing layer), so that a completely new layer is formed, wherein the hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase is at least substantially deposited on the base material orremains on the component surface and is only optionally mixed with aluminum. If the aluminum diffuses completely through the second hot-dip galvanizing layer, as typically occurs in particular in a conventional double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, there is no longer a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase on the base material, since the second hot-dip galvanizing layer or its components diffuse completely into or through the still liquid or not yet cured first hot-dip galvanizing layer in an uncontrolled manner, so that no controllability or monitoring of the resulting final layer structure is possible (in fundamental contrast to the inventive concept).

[0313] In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer adheres particularly well to the iron or steel component due to the Zn / Fe phase, which may contain aluminum. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has a multilayer or multiphase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer applied to the base material of the iron or steel component.

[0314] Consequently, according to the invention, a uniform hot-dip galvanizing layer is typically not present. In particular, multiple layers or phases are present, or a non-homogeneous overall layer structure is present, wherein these layers / phases or the non-homogeneous overall layer structure have or has different phases (in particular also with regard to an aluminum concentration gradient, as explained above). In particular, in the context of the present invention, this is to be understood as meaning that there is or is not a uniform or homogeneous composition within these layers or within the overall layer structure, but rather different regions (i.e., different phases) with different compositions, in particular different amounts of the individual components (i.e., different amounts of zinc, aluminum, and iron), are or are present.

[0315] In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer.

[0316] In addition, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component may have a hot-dip galvanized layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may contain aluminum, on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or below) the outer hot-dip galvanized layer and / or the outer layer.

[0317] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component may have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient.

[0318] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer or multiphase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer can have an aluminum concentration gradient. In this context, the term "aluminum concentration gradient" used in the invention is to be understood in particular as meaning that the aluminum concentration in the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is irregularly distributed or not uniform throughout, in particular such that a particularly high amount of aluminum is contained on the outside and, moreover, an increased amount of aluminum is also present directly or immediately on the base material. In particular, the increased amount of aluminum on the base material is attributable to - without wishing to be limited to this theory - a high affinity between the aluminum and the iron, so that part of the aluminum diffuses into the base material.In other words, the aluminum concentration is relatively low, especially in the interior or "center" of the (total) hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0319] The (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can vary in other areas:

[0320] In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness of at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm.

[0321] In addition, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness of at most 500 pm, in particular at most 450 pm, preferably at most 400 pm, particularly preferably at most 300 pm.

[0322] Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can have a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

[0323] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component can be designed to be bendable to 90°, at least substantially without impairing its corrosion protection performance. In particular, this means that the corrosion protection performance does not degrade, or at least substantially does not degrade, due to a 90° bend of the hot-dip galvanized component. In particular, the hot-dip galvanized component exhibits very high corrosion protection performance even after a 90° bend.

[0324] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, in particular with a base material thickness of the iron or steel component of at least 2 mm and a (total) thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 30 pm, after 90° bending with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 1,250 h, preferably at least 1,500 h, particularly preferably at least 1,750 h, very particularly preferably at least 2,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

[0325] In the context of the present invention, a previously mentioned residence time in the salt spray test without red rust formation shows a high corrosion protection performance.

[0326] Red rust is primarily the corrosion products of iron and steel (iron oxides) and indicates damage to the substrate originally intended to be protected by the hot-dip galvanized layer. Red rust is therefore formed when corrosion protection is inadequate.

[0327] In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, especially with a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 350 g / m 2, with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 2,000 h, preferably at least 5,000 h, particularly preferably at least 8,000 h, very particularly preferably at least 10,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation. In comparison, hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components of the state of the art can only remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for about 800 h without red rust formation with a hot-dip galvanized layer of even 550 g / m 2 . Thus, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel components according to the invention can remain in the salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for a longer period of time without red rust formation and even with a lower layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer.

[0328] Without wishing to be limited to this theory, this improvement in corrosion protection performance is attributable to the special multi-layer or multi-phase structure of the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention, in particular to the presence of an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or outer layer, and a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may optionally contain aluminum, on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or outer layer.

[0329] The hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention is also associated with a multitude of completely unexpected advantages, special features and surprising technical effects, the following description of which makes no claim to completeness, but illustrates the inventive nature of the present invention:

[0330] Because, as the applicant has now discovered completely unexpectedly, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component has a higher level of corrosion protection with the same thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer compared to a conventional pure zinc layer.

[0331] In particular, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention has an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer consisting of Zn / Al / Fe phases. The thickness of this hot-dip galvanizing layer is adjustable, and it also exhibits high corrosion protection properties and high ductility. In addition, this hot-dip galvanizing layer is very bright and thus visually appealing. Furthermore, the applicant has discovered, quite surprisingly, that the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention can be adjusted, even though an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc bath is used. In particular, the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer is not limited, as is the case with conventional aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layers.

[0332] The hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention has a hot-dip galvanizing layer which is not obtainable in known one-step processes and which has combinations of properties which are not achievable in one-step processes, in particular due to the at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer which consists of Zn / Al / Fe phases.

[0333] Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention has, in particular on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or beneath) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or outer layer, a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may optionally contain aluminum, which provides particularly good adhesion or high adhesive strength of the (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer to the base material or to the iron or steel component. In particular, this special hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which may optionally contain aluminum, is only present on the base material if the aluminum has not completely diffused through the hot-dip galvanizing layer.Such a special layer structure and the presence of a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase on the base material, which may optionally contain aluminum, cannot be provided in particular by a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, which is customary in the art. In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase on the base material, which may optionally contain aluminum, is typically not obtained in a double-dip process carried out as a wet-on-wet process, in particular because the aluminum is completely diffused there. In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention is more ductile than a pure zinc layer and can therefore be formed or cold-formed, for example bent through 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or significantly impaired.

[0334] Furthermore, the hot-dip galvanized layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention is less brittle than a pure zinc layer and can therefore be formed or cold-formed, for example bent by 90°, without the corrosion protection properties being lost or significantly impaired.

[0335] Furthermore, in contrast to a classic aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention can be provided with at least substantially any desired layer thickness.

[0336] In particular, the thickness of the hot-dip galvanized layer of the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the invention is not limited, as is the case with a conventional aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanized layer. Thus, hot-dip galvanized layers significantly greater than 25 μm can also be provided.

[0337] For further details regarding the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the third aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements regarding the first and second aspects of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to the third aspect of the invention. Finally, a further subject matter of the present invention—according to a fourth aspect of the present invention—is the use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0338] In particular, the subject matter of the present invention according to this aspect is the use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for providing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer with increased (total) layer thickness, wherein firstly an iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0339] Within the scope of the present invention, an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer can be provided in which the total layer thickness is not limited or restricted, and thus total layer thicknesses of significantly more than 25 μm can be provided. At the same time, however, a ductile hot-dip galvanizing layer is also provided, which provides high corrosion protection properties.

[0340] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is the use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving the ductility of a hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein an iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing step in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing step is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing step in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt. In this context, the improvement in ductility relates in particular to the comparison to a pure zinc layer ("Zn layer"), which in particular contains only very small amounts of aluminum, preferably a maximum of 2 wt.-%, particularly preferably at most 0.1 wt.% aluminum. In particular, such pure zinc coatings containing only very small amounts of aluminum are not ductile and, in particular, cannot be formed or cold-formed, for example, bent by 90°, without a significant reduction in corrosion protection performance. This is primarily due to the fact that such pure zinc coatings containing only very small amounts of aluminum are very brittle overall.

[0341] Yet another object of the present invention according to this aspect of the present invention is the use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving and / or controlling the formation of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for improving and / or controlling the (total) layer thickness and / or layer structure of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein firstly an iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt,undergoes a second hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0342] In particular, the (total) layer thickness and / or layer structure of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer can be controlled by the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process. Such control is not possible in single-stage hot-dip galvanizing processes.

[0343] Furthermore, a further subject matter of the present invention according to this aspect is the use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving the corrosion protection performance, in particular for improving the corrosion protection performance of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein firstly an iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

[0344] Furthermore, according to this aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a silicon content (Si content) of an iron or steel component in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular as in a previously described process, for controlling the (total) layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing.

[0345] In particular, with increasing silicon content of the iron or steel component, the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer can be increased and / or the hot-dip galvanizing time can be reduced.

[0346] Without wishing to be limited to this theory, the applicant has found that an increased silicon content in the base material of the iron or steel component increases the reactivity in the hot-dip galvanizing process and thus allows higher layer thicknesses to be provided with a shorter reaction time.

[0347] Surprisingly, higher silicon contents in steel, such as those used for so-called "slaking" of the steel during production, lead to increased reactivity between the zinc melt and the base material and, consequently, to strong growth of the iron / zinc alloy layer. This leads to the formation of relatively thick overall layers, especially in hot-dip galvanized layers containing aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0348] For further details on the uses according to the fourth aspect of the invention, reference can be made to the above statements with respect to the preceding aspects of the invention, which also apply correspondingly to the uses according to the fourth aspect of the invention. Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and the drawings themselves. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims and their dependencies.

[0349] It shows:

[0350] Fig. 1 shows a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to a particular embodiment of the present invention,

[0351] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a system according to the invention according to a particular embodiment of the present invention,

[0352] Fig. 3 shows the influence of the silicon content in the iron or steel component on the formation of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing, particularly with regard to the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer.

[0353] Fig. 1 shows a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component 1 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, wherein the iron or steel component 1 has a multi-layer or multi-phase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer applied to the base material of the iron or steel component 2. The multi-layer or multi-phase hot-dip galvanizing layer comprises an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer, and on the base material 2 of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or the outer layer, a hot-dip galvanizing layer 3 with a Zn / Fe phase, which may optionally contain aluminum. For further details, reference can be made to the above explanations. Fig.2 shows a plant according to a particular embodiment, wherein the devices are shown in the corresponding order or sequence of the process steps to be carried out (i.e. in the order or sequence of the process direction): The plant for hot-dip galvanizing AZ initially comprises a pretreatment device VBH, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a first hot-dip galvanizing device FZ1, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a first post-treatment device NBH1, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence an intermediate treatment device ZBH, downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a second hot-dip galvanizing device FZ2 and downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence a second post-treatment device NBH2.For further details, please refer to the above comments.

[0354] Fig. 3 shows the influence of the silicon content in the iron or steel component on the formation of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing process, particularly with regard to the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer. The x-axis (abscissa) represents the immersion time in the first hot-dip galvanizing bath in minutes, and the y-axis (ordinate) represents the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer of the first hot-dip galvanizing process in micrometers. In this context, low-silicon steel sheets (sum of silicon and phosphorus in the steel below 0.03 wt.%; shown as dots in Fig. 3) and Sandelin steel sheets (sum of silicon and phosphorus in the steel between 0.03 and 0.12 wt.%; shown as squares in Fig. 3) are galvanized in the first hot-dip galvanizing process of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention.In Sandelin steel sheets, mixed structures are formed, and intergrowth occurs within the Sandelin structure; this results in the formation of so-called pimple-shaped structures, which represent the Sandelin structure intergrowth with the iron / zinc alloy (the formation of pimple-shaped structures or mixed structures can be significantly reduced or essentially prevented by regulating the residence time in the zinc bath to less than 5 minutes and by setting the temperature of the zinc bath to less than 445 °C). For the same galvanizing time, a thicker hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on Sandelin steel sheets compared to low-silicon steel sheets (see Fig. 3). The thickness (as well as the layer structure of the hot-dip galvanizing layer) can be specifically controlled depending on the silicon content in the steel sheets. In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer grows faster with higher silicon contents.

[0355] During the first hot-dip galvanizing within the scope of the process according to the invention, correspondingly thicker hot-dip galvanizing layers are obtained for the Sandelin steel sheets (60 to 300 pm) compared to the low-silicon steel sheets (40 to 60 pm).

[0356] With low-silicon steel, the layer structure and layer thickness depend only on the residence time in the zinc melt. Consequently, the layer structure and layer thickness depend on the silicon content of the iron or steel sheet and can thus be precisely controlled. A subsequent second hot-dip galvanizing process results in correspondingly higher total hot-dip galvanized layers for Sandelin steel sheets compared to low-silicon steel sheets.

[0357] Further embodiments, modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent and achievable to a person skilled in the art upon reading the description without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0358] The present invention is illustrated by the following embodiments, which are not intended to limit the present invention in any way, but are intended to explain merely exemplary and non-limiting implementations and embodiments.

[0359] EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0360] Example 1: Two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process

[0361] Hot-dip galvanized steel sheets measuring 100 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are manufactured according to the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention.

[0362] For this purpose, the sheets are first degreased, rinsed, pickled, rinsed, treated with a flux and dried according to the usual procedure.

[0363] The first hot-dip galvanizing then takes place in a so-called pure zinc bath according to DIN EN ISO 1461 and DASt guideline 022. The residence time in this galvanizing bath is 5 minutes.

[0364] After the first hot-dip galvanizing, the resulting steel sheets are cooled and transferred to a storage area with oxidative conditions (ambient atmosphere). The components remain there for approximately 24 hours after being removed from the hot-dip galvanizing fixture (rack) used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process.

[0365] After storage, the components are then subjected to an activation treatment. This activation treatment comprises a pickling treatment with a hydrochloric acid-based pickling solution with a pH of less than 5 (followed by a neutral rinse) and a subsequent flux treatment. The flux used in the flux treatment is water-based and contains the following ingredients (weights based on dry weight): 80% zinc chloride, 15% ammonium chloride, and 5% sodium chloride. The flux bath also has a pH of less than 5.

[0366] The sheets remain for 5 minutes each in the hydrochloric acid pickling solution and subsequently in the aqueous flux bath.

[0367] After drying, the sheets undergo a second hot-dip galvanizing process. This second hot-dip galvanizing process uses a zinc melt containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which contains approximately 5% aluminum by weight. The second hot-dip galvanizing process is carried out in accordance with DIN 50997:2020-08 with a residence time of 2 minutes.

[0368] The basic process sequence of the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention is shown in Fig. 2. Microscopic analyses show that there are not two different or separate layers on top of each other, but rather that the aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt diffuses into the layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing. Overall, a multi-layer or multi-phase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer is thus present on the base material of the iron or steel component, with an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases being present as the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or outer layer, and a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase containing aluminum being present on the base material of the iron or steel component below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer or outer layer. The basic layer structure is shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0369] Example 2: Corrosion protection performance

[0370] To compare the corrosion protection performance of hot-dip galvanizing layers based on a zinc melt (Zn melt), hot-dip galvanizing layers based on an aluminum-containing or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt (Zn / Al melt) with 5 wt.% aluminum and hot-dip galvanizing layers based on the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing according to the invention, in addition to the steel sheets previously hot-dip galvanized according to the invention, steel sheets measuring 100 mm x 200 mm x 2 mm are also hot-dip galvanized in the corresponding galvanizing baths (i.e. hot-dip galvanizing only in the previously described first hot-dip galvanizing bath according to DIN EN ISO 1461 and DASt Guideline 022 [comparison], hot-dip galvanizing only in the previously described second hot-dip galvanizing bath according to DIN 50997:2020-08 [also comparison] and two-stage hot-dip galvanizing according to the invention).

[0371] All zinc sheets are then treated with a ZINQ® duropass passivation (passivation with chromium(lll)).

[0372] To verify corrosion protection performance, the steel sheets are subjected to a salt spray test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 for 1008 hours, both in straight or unprocessed form and after bending by 90° (i.e., after cold forming). The amount of white and red rust formed on the surface is then determined, with the proportion of the surface exhibiting white and red rust being indicated. Table 1: Results for the straight sheets

[0373] Table 2: Results of the 90° bent sheets

[0374] The white rust that forms is the corrosion products of the zinc (zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, and the like), which only affects the visual appearance; it is therefore not material damage, as the base material remains intact or uncorroded. The red rust that forms, on the other hand, is the corrosion products of the iron- or steel-based base material or component (namely, iron oxides), which indicates material damage; red rust therefore only forms when corrosion protection is inadequate.

[0375] As can be seen from the results in Tables 1 and 2, neither the straight nor the formed components hot-dip galvanized using the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention exhibited red rust after 1,008 hours in the salt spray test. In contrast, red rust formed on the surface of both the straight and formed components hot-dip galvanized in the Zn melt and the Zn / Al melt. Example 3: Comparison of Various Fluxes in the Activation Treatment. Furthermore, various fluxes were compared in the activation treatment of the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the present invention.

[0376] For this purpose, the previously described two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention is repeated according to Example 1, whereby different fluxes are used for the activation treatment carried out after the pickling treatment (weight data based on the dry weight of the flux):

[0377] • Flux No. 1 ("FM1"): 80 wt% ZnCl2, 15 wt% NH4Cl, 5 wt% NaCl

[0378] • Flux No. 2 ("FM2"): 60 wt% ZnCl2, 40 wt% NH4Cl Flux No. 3 ("FM3"): as FM1, but with KCl instead of NaCl

[0379] The corrosion protection performance of the corresponding 90° bent or formed (i.e., after cold forming) steel sheets is then tested in a salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 for 1008 hours. The amount of white rust and red rust formed on the surface is then determined, with the proportion of the surface showing white rust or red rust being indicated.

[0380] Table 3: Results of 90° bent sheets with different fluxes

[0381] As can be seen from Table 3, the steel sheets each exhibit a very small amount of red rust after 1008 hours in the salt spray test. The use of flux FM1 results in a hot-dip galvanized layer with particularly high corrosion protection properties. Example 4: Influence of the silicon content in the iron or steel component

[0382] In order to determine the influence of the silicon content in the iron or steel component on the formation of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing and in particular the thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer, low-silicon steel sheets (sum of silicon and phosphorus in the steel below 0.03 wt.%) and Sandelin steel sheets (sum of silicon and phosphorus in the steel between 0.03 and 0.12 wt.%) are galvanized in the first hot-dip galvanizing of the two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process according to the invention (see previous detailed description).

[0383] In Sandelin steel sheets, mixed structures form, and the Sandelin structure is interwoven. This results in the formation of so-called pimple-shaped structures, which represent the Sandelin structure interwoven with the iron / zinc alloy. The formation of pimple-shaped structures or mixed structures can be significantly reduced or essentially prevented by regulating the residence time in the zinc bath to less than 5 minutes and by setting the temperature of the zinc bath to less than 445 °C.

[0384] Furthermore, further tests show that, with the same galvanizing time, a thicker hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on Sandelin steel sheets compared to low-silicon steel sheets. The thickness (as well as the layer structure of the hot-dip galvanizing layer) can be specifically controlled depending on the silicon content of the steel sheets (see Fig. 3). In particular, the hot-dip galvanizing layer grows faster with higher silicon content (see Fig. 3).

[0385] In the case of low-silicon steel, the layer structure and layer thickness depend only on the residence time in the zinc melt.

[0386] Consequently, the layer structure and layer thickness depend on the silicon content of the iron or steel sheet and can thus be specifically controlled.

[0387] During the first hot-dip galvanizing within the scope of the process according to the invention, correspondingly thicker hot-dip galvanizing layers are obtained for the Sandelin steel sheets (60 to 300 pm) compared to the low-silicon steel sheets (40 to 60 pm) (cf. Fig. 3).

[0388] In a subsequent second hot-dip galvanizing process, correspondingly higher total hot-dip galvanizing layers are obtained for the Sandelin steel sheets compared to the low-silicon steel sheets.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A process for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") contains at least substantially no aluminum and / or is at least substantially free of aluminum; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 1,000 ppm, in particular at most 900 ppm, preferably at most 800 ppm, of aluminum; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 0.1 wt.%, in particular at most 0.09 wt.%, preferably at most 0.08 wt.%, of aluminum; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains, based on the zinc melt, at least 2 wt.%, in particular at least 3 wt.%, preferably at least 4 wt.%, aluminum; and / or wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 10 wt.%, in particular at most 8 wt.%, preferably at most 6 wt.%, aluminum; and / or wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%.-%; and / or wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.08 wt.% and the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

5. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"),based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains, based on the zinc melt, at most 10 wt.%, in particular at most 3 wt.%, preferably at most 2 wt.%, of magnesium; and / or wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process contains, based on the zinc melt, magnesium in amounts in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%.

7. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, 5 wt.% aluminum and 2 wt.% magnesium, in particular 5 wt.% aluminum and 3 wt.% magnesium.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, and optionally at least one further metal, in particular in amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg) and combinations thereof, and the remaining portion of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt is formed by zinc, wherein all of the aforementioned quantities are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results.

9. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") has the following composition, wherein all quantities stated below are based on the zinc melt ("Zn melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results: (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 92 to 100% by weight, in particular in the range from 80 to 99.999% by weight, preferably in the range from 85 to 99.995% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 90 to 99.99% by weight, (ii) optionally aluminum (AI), in particular in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg) and combinations thereof.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, optionally magnesium, in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, and optionally at least one further metal, in particular in amounts of up to 10 wt.%.-% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof, and the remaining portion of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt is formed by zinc, wherein all of the above-mentioned quantities are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing has the following composition, wherein all the quantities stated below are based on the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results: (i) zinc (Zn), in particular in amounts in the range from 75 to 99% by weight, in particular in the range from 80 to 98% by weight, preferably in the range from 85 to 97% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 90 to 96% by weight, (ii) where appropriate, aluminium (AI), in particular in quantities in the range of 1 wt% to 25 wt%, in particular in the range of 2 wt% to 10 wt%, preferably in the range of 3 wt% to 8 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 4 wt% to 6 wt%, (iii) optionally magnesium (Mg), in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, in particular in the range from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt%, preferably in the range from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%; (iii) optionally at least one further metal, in particular in (total) amounts of up to 10 wt.% and / or in particular selected from the group of bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si) and combinations thereof.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range of 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range of 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 435 °C to 455 °C.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), in particular immersed and moved therein, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range of 0.1 to 90 minutes, in particular in the range of 0.75 to 60 minutes, preferably in the range of 1 to 45 minutes, particularly preferably in the range of 1.25 to 30 minutes; and / or wherein the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular immersed therein and moved therein, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at least 0.1 minutes, in particular at least 0.75 minutes, preferably at least 1 minute, particularly preferably at least 1.25 minutes; and / or wherein the iron or steel component is immersed in the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular immersed therein and moved therein, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 90 minutes, in particular at most 60 minutes, preferably at most 45 minutes, particularly preferably at most 30 minutes.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C.

15. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is immersed in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular immersed therein and moved, in particular for a period of time which is sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time in the range of 0.0001 to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 0.001 to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 30 minutes, particularly preferably in the range of 4 to 8 minutes;and / or wherein the iron or steel component is immersed, in particular immersed and moved, in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at least 0.0001 minutes, in particular at least 0.001 minutes, preferably at least 0.5 minutes, particularly preferably at least 4 minutes; and / or; wherein the iron or steel component is immersed, in particular immersed and moved, in the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular for a period of time sufficient to ensure effective further hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing), in particular for a period of time of at most 60 minutes, in particular at most 45 minutes, preferably at most 30 minutes, particularly preferably at most 8 minutes.

17. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt")based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts ranging from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is selected such and / or with the proviso that it is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing;in particular wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing is at least 10 °C lower, in particular at least 25 °C lower, preferably at least 40 °C lower, than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing.

19. A process for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein firstly the iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.-%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing, based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.-%, wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process and / or wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is selected such and / or with the proviso that it is lower than the temperature of the zinc melt ("Zn melt") used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process; in particular wherein the temperature of the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process is at least 10 °C lower, in particular at least 25 °C lower, preferably at least 40 °C lower, than the temperature of the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt").

20. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing is carried out such that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase ("Zn / Fe phase") is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component; and / or wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a zinc / iron phase ("Zn / Fe phase") is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component.

21. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first hot-dip galvanizing step, the layer thickness is controlled by the duration of the galvanizing step; and / or wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing step is controlled by the duration of the first hot-dip galvanizing step.

22. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"),based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.-%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C, wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is determined by the duration of the first Hot-dip galvanizing is controlled.

23. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that a multi-layer or multi-phase (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is formed on the base material of the iron or steel component; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") at least partially diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") at least partially diffuses into the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum, is present and / or remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or beneath) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer;and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum, is present and / or remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or such that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed.

24. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn / Al melt"), based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing process ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C,wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing has a temperature in the range of 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range of 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range of 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 410 °C to 425 °C; wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer with Zn / Al / Fe phases is formed, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer, and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that a hot-dip galvanizing layer with a Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum, is present and / or remains on the base material of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or the outer layer,and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out with the proviso and / or in such a way that a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with an aluminum concentration gradient is formed., 25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is at least 30 μm, in particular at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, particularly preferably at least 45 μm; and / or wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is at most 650 μm, in particular at most 600 μm, preferably at most 550 μm, particularly preferably at most 500 μm; and / or wherein the layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is in the range from 30 μm to 650 μm, in particular in the range from 35 μm to 600 μm, preferably in the range from 40 μm to 550 μm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 μm to 500 μm.

26. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing is at least 30 μm, in particular at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, particularly preferably at least 45 μm; and / or wherein the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing is at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm; and / or wherein the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the second hot-dip galvanizing is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

27. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is at least 30 pm, in particular at least 35 pm, preferably at least 40 pm, particularly preferably at least 45 pm; and / or wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm; and / or wherein the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method is in the range from 30 μm to 500 μm, in particular in the range from 35 μm to 450 μm, preferably in the range from 40 μm to 400 μm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 μm to 300 μm; and / or wherein the first and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting after carrying out the method (Total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

28. A method for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt"),based on the zinc melt, contains aluminum in amounts in the range from 0 wt.% to 0.1 wt.%, in particular in the range from 0.000001 wt.% to 0.09 wt.%, preferably in the range from 0.00001 wt.% to 0.08 wt.%, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt") used in the second hot-dip galvanizing contains, based on the zinc melt, aluminum in amounts in the range from 1 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular in the range from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably in the range from 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 4 wt.% to 6 wt.-%, wherein the zinc melt used in the first hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 650 °C, preferably in the range from 430 °C to 600 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 435 °C to 455 °C, wherein the aluminum-alloyed and / or aluminum-containing zinc melt used in the second hot-dip galvanizing ("Zn / Al melt") has a temperature in the range from 330 °C to 750 °C, in particular in the range from 340 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range from 350 °C to 450 °C, particularly preferably in the range from 410 °C to 425 °C, wherein the first and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out in such a way and / or with the proviso that the total layer thickness of the resulting from the procedure. (Total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

29. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is allowed to rest, in particular stored and / or transported and / or used, preferably under oxidative conditions and / or with exposure to ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere, in particular for a period of at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours; and / or wherein at least 10 minutes, in particular at least 60 minutes, preferably at least 24 hours, lie between the first hot-dip galvanizing and the second hot-dip galvanizing, in particular wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere.

30. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, an oxidation layer is formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein after the first hot-dip galvanizing and / or before the second hot-dip galvanizing, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is allowed to rest, in particular stored and / or transported and / or used, preferably under oxidative conditions and / or with exposure to ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere, such that and / or with the proviso that an oxidation layer is formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing; in particular wherein the oxidation layer comprises oxygen-containing zinc compounds, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide hydroxide, zinc bicarbonate, zinc carbonate, and combinations thereof.

31. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is not carried out as a wet-on-wet method; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is not carried out immediately after the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular not without the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing being exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is not carried out immediately after the first hot-dip galvanizing, in particular not without an oxidation layer being formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.

32. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out after the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing has solidified and / or cooled and / or at least partially oxidized and / or exposed to ambient air; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is carried out on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing and having solidified and / or cooled and / or at least partially oxidized and / or exposed to ambient air.

33. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing and the second hot-dip galvanizing are carried out spatially separated from one another.

34. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing is followed by a cooling treatment; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a cooling treatment; and / or wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing is followed by a post-processing treatment; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a post-processing treatment.

35. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an activation treatment is carried out after the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to an activation treatment.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the activation treatment comprises at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) one mechanical treatment.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the chemical treatment comprises at least one of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment; and / or wherein the chemical treatment is carried out using an aqueous saline solution, in particular with a pH of less than 5; and / or wherein the chemical treatment is carried out for a period in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes.

38. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an activation treatment is carried out after the first hot-dip galvanizing; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to an activation treatment, wherein the activation treatment comprises at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) a mechanical treatment; wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of flux treatment in a flux composition in a flux bath;in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment comprises an aqueous and / or alcoholic, in particular aqueous, liquid phase, wherein the liquid phase of the flux bath contains the flux composition, in particular in dissolved or dispersed form, preferably in dissolved form, and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the salts are selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of zinc chloride (ZnCl?), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), alkali and / or alkaline earth chlorides, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl?), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof; and / or; in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises as ingredients zinc chloride (ZnCl?) and optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as optionally wetting agents and optionally at least one further salt different from the aforementioned compounds, selected from the group of chlorides, preferably from the group of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), silver chloride (AgCl), lead chloride (PbCl?), nickel chloride (NiCl?), tin chloride (SnCl?), manganese chloride (MnCl?), cobalt chloride (COCl2) and combinations thereof;and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises salts and optionally wetting agents as ingredients, in particular wherein the flux composition comprises at least zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth chloride, in particular potassium chloride (KCl) and / or sodium chloride (NaCl); and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment is free of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); and / or in particular wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment contains at least substantially no ammonium chloride (NH4Cl); and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content of at least 50 wt.%, in particular of at least 60 wt.%, preferably of at least 70 wt.%, particularly preferably of at least 80 wt.%;and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content of at most 99 wt.%, in particular of at most 95 wt.%, preferably of at most 93 wt.%, particularly preferably of at most 90 wt.%; and / or in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range from 50 wt.% to 99 wt.%, in particular in the range from 60 wt.% to 95 wt.%, preferably in the range from 70 wt.% to 93 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range from 80 wt.% to 90 wt.%; and / or; in particular wherein the flux bath of the chemical treatment has a salt content in the range of 100 g / l to 800 g / l, in particular in the range of 140 g / l to 720 g / l, preferably in the range of 170 g / l to 670 g / l, particularly preferably in the range of 200 g / l to 600 g / l.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the flux composition of the chemical treatment comprises the following ingredients, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux composition and are to be selected such that a total of 100 wt.% results: (i) zinc chloride (ZnCl?), in particular in amounts in the range of 50 to 95 wt.%, in particular in the range of 55 to 90 wt.%, preferably in the range of 60 to 85 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 65 to 82.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 70 to 82 wt.%, (ii) ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), in particular in amounts in the range of 5 to 45 wt.%, in particular in the range of 6 to 40 wt.%, preferably in the range of 7 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 25 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 10 to 20 wt.%, (iii) sodium chloride (NaCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt.%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 15 wt.%, preferably in the range of 1 to 12.5 wt.%, particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 4 to 8 wt.%, and (iv) potassium chloride (KCl), in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 12.5 wt%, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 wt%, particularly preferably in the range of 0.5 to 8 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 6 wt%.

40. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of pickling treatment; in particular wherein the pickling treatment is carried out by means of a chemical treatment with a hydrochloric acid-containing (HCl-containing) and / or hydrochloric acid-based (HCl- based) pickling treatment agent, in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent has a pH of less than 5; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment is carried out with an acidic pickling treatment agent, in particular with a pickling treatment agent having a pH of less than 5, and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains iron, in particular in the form of di- and / or trivalent iron ions; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent contains at least one additive, in particular at least one pickling additive, in particular selected from the group of corrosion inhibitors, pickling cleaners, pickling accelerators and pickling enhancers and combinations thereof.

41. Method according to one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the pickling treatment agent and / or the flux bath of the chemical treatment contains at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant; in particular wherein the pickling treatment agent and / or flux bath of the chemical treatment contains the at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant in amounts of 0.0001 to 15 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.001 to 10 wt.%, preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 8 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.01 to 6 wt.%, very particularly preferably in amounts of 0.05 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably in amounts of 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the flux bath.

42. Method according to one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the chemical treatment is carried out by means of a pickling treatment and a flux treatment; in particular wherein the pickling treatment of the chemical treatment and the flux treatment of the chemical treatment are each carried out for a period in the range of 1 second to 60 minutes, in particular in the range of 5 seconds to 45 minutes, preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 30 minutes; and / or in particular wherein the pickling treatment is carried out first and then the flux treatment, wherein after the pickling treatment and before the flux treatment a rinsing process is carried out, in particular by immersion in a water bath.

43. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the chemical treatment, in particular the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment, is carried out at elevated temperature; in particular wherein the flux treatment and / or the pickling treatment is carried out at a temperature in the range of 20°C to 100°C, in particular in the range of 25°C to 80°C.

44. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein the mechanical treatment comprises an abrasive treatment.

45. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the activation treatment is subjected to a drying treatment; in particular wherein the drying treatment is carried out at a temperature in the range from 30°C to 400°C, in particular in the range from 35°C to 375°C, preferably in the range from 40°C to 350°C, particularly preferably in the range from 50°C to 325°C; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment is carried out for a period of time in the range from 0.1 second to 60 min, in particular in the range from 1 second to 45 min, preferably in the range from 10 seconds to 35 min, particularly preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 30 min, even more preferably in the range from 20 seconds to 15 min; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment is carried out in the presence of and / or by means of air; and / or in particular wherein the drying treatment takes place in at least one drying device, in particular in at least one oven.

46. ​​A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is followed by a cooling treatment; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the second hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a cooling treatment; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing is followed by a post-processing treatment; and / or wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the second hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a post-processing treatment.

47. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the iron or steel component is subjected to the following process steps in the following order before the first hot-dip galvanizing: a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in process step (e).

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein the flux in process step (e) comprises the following ingredients: (I) zinc chloride (ZnCl), (II) optionally ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), (III) optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth metal salt, in particular sodium chloride and / or potassium chloride, preferably sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and (IV) optionally at least one further metal salt, in particular selected from the group of chlorides, preferably chlorides of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), aluminum (Al) and silver (Ag) and combinations thereof, in particular selected from the group of NiCl, COCl2, MnCl2, PbCl2, SnCl2, Bids, SbCh, AlCl3 and AgCl and combinations thereof.

49. A method according to claim 47 or claim 48, wherein the flux in process step (e) comprises the following ingredients, wherein all quantities mentioned below are based on the flux and are to be selected such that a total of 100% by weight results: (I) zinc chloride (ZnCl2), in particular in amounts ranging from 50 to 95% by weight, (II) optionally ammonium chloride (NH4CI), in particular in amounts ranging from 7 to 50% by weight, (III) optionally at least one alkali and / or alkaline earth metal salt, in particular sodium chloride and / or potassium chloride, preferably sodium chloride and potassium chloride, in particular in amounts in the range of 2 to 20 wt.%, (IV) optionally at least one metal salt from the group of NiCl2, COCl2, MnCl2, PbCl2, SnCl2, Bids, SbCh, AlCl3 and AgCl, in particular in amounts in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt.%.

50. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the flux bath in method step (e) is adjusted to a defined or predetermined, in particular acidic pH, in particular in the pH range from 0 to 6.9, preferably in the pH range from 0.5 to 6.5, preferably in the pH range from 1 to 5.5, particularly preferably in the pH range from 1.5 to 5, very particularly preferably in the pH range from 2 to 4.5, even more preferably in the pH range from 2 to 4; and / or wherein the flux bath in method step (e) is adjusted to a defined or predetermined, in particular acidic pH.a predetermined, in particular acidic, pH value is set, wherein the pH value is adjusted by means of a preferably inorganic acid in combination with a preferably inorganic basic compound, in particular ammonia (NH3); and / or wherein the flux bath in process step (e) also contains at least one wetting agent and / or surfactant, in particular at least one ionic or non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant, preferably at least one non-ionic wetting agent and / or surfactant.

51. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following method steps in the following order: (a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in step (e); then (g) first hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) of the iron or steel component subjected to the flux treatment in process step (e) and optionally dried in process step (f) in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing the zinc melt, preferably by dipping the iron or steel component into the zinc melt and / or into the galvanizing bath; then (h) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g); then (i) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (h); then (j) activation treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (g) and optionally cooled in process step (h) and optionally post-processed in process step (i); then (k) optionally, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment in process step (j); then (l) second hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) of the iron or steel component subjected to the activation treatment in process step (j) and optionally dried in process step (k) in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, preferably by dipping the iron or steel component into the aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt and / or into the galvanizing bath; then (m) where appropriate, cooling treatment of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (I); then (n) if necessary, post-processing of the iron or steel component hot-dip galvanised (hot-dip galvanised) in process step (I) and, if necessary, cooled in process step (m).

52. Plant (system) (AF) for hot-dip galvanizing (hot-dip galvanizing) an iron or steel component, in particular for producing a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component with increased corrosion protection performance and / or with increased ductility, preferably plant (system) (AF) for carrying out a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular plant (system) (AF) for carrying out a process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant comprises the following devices in the order listed below: - a first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt; arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence - a second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2) for hot-dip galvanizing the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

53. Plant according to claim 52, wherein a storage and / or transfer area is arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) and upstream and / or in the process sequence upstream of the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2), in particular wherein the storage and / or transfer area is designed for resting, in particular for storing and / or transporting and / or using, the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1); in particular, wherein the storage and / or transfer area has oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere; and / or in particular, wherein oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere are present in the storage and / or transfer area.

54. Plant according to claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2) is not arranged directly downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1), in particular not in such a way that the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing is not exposed to oxidative conditions and / or ambient air and / or ambient atmosphere; and / or wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2) is not arranged directly downstream and / or downstream in the process sequence of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1), in particular not without an oxidation layer being formed on the hot-dip galvanizing layer resulting from the first hot-dip galvanizing.

55. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) and the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2) are arranged spatially separated from one another.

56. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first post-treatment device (NBH1) is arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) and upstream and / or in the process sequence upstream of the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2); in particular wherein the first post-treatment device (NBH1) comprises at least one cooling device; and / or in particular wherein the first aftertreatment device (NBH1) comprises at least one aftertreatment device.

57. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an intermediate treatment device (ZBH) is arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1), in particular downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) and downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the first post-treatment device (NBH1).

58. Plant according to claim 56, wherein the intermediate treatment device (ZBH) comprises an activation device; in particular, wherein the activation device is designed to carry out at least one chemical and optionally (additionally) one mechanical treatment, in particular, wherein the chemical treatment comprises at least one pickling treatment and / or flux treatment and / or in particular, wherein the mechanical treatment comprises an abrasive treatment.

59. Plant according to claim 57, wherein the intermediate treatment device (ZBH) comprises a drying device; in particular, wherein the drying device comprises at least one oven.

60. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second post-treatment device (NBH2) is arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2); in particular wherein the second post-treatment device (NBH2) comprises at least one cooling device; and / or in particular wherein the second post-treatment device (NBH2) comprises at least one post-processing device.

61. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pretreatment device (VBH) is arranged upstream and / or in the process sequence upstream of the first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1), wherein the pretreatment device (VBH) is designed to carry out the following process steps in the order listed below: (a) degreasing treatment, preferably alkaline degreasing treatment, of the iron or steel component, in particular in at least one degreasing bath; then (b) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (c) pickling treatment, preferably acid pickling treatment, of the iron or steel component degreased in process step (a) and optionally rinsed in process step (b), in particular in at least one pickling bath; then (d) optionally rinsing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c), in particular in at least one rinsing bath; then (e) fluxing the iron or steel component pickled in process step (c) and optionally rinsed in process step (d) by means of a flux composition in a flux bath; then (f) where appropriate, drying treatment of the iron or steel component subjected to flux treatment in process step (e).

62. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises the following devices in the following order: (VBH) at least one pretreatment device (VBH); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (FZ1) at least one first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1); arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence (NBH1 ) at least one first aftertreatment device (NBH1 ); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (ZBH) at least one intermediate treatment device (ZBH); arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (FZ2) at least one second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2); arranged downstream and / or downstream of this in the process sequence (NBH2) at least one second aftertreatment device (NBH2).

63. A facility according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facility comprises the following facilities and / or baths in the following order: (A) at least one degreasing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (B) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (C) at least one pickling bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (D) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (E) at least one flux bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (F) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (G) at least one galvanizing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (H) where appropriate, cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (I) where appropriate, post-processing equipment; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (J) at least one activation device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (K) optionally at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (L) Galvanizing bath; located downstream and / or in the process flow (M) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (N) where appropriate, at least one post-processing device.

64. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises the following devices in the following order: (VBH) at least one pretreatment device (VBH), wherein the pretreatment device (VBH) (A) at least one degreasing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (B) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (C) at least one pickling bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (D) optionally at least one rinsing bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (E) at least one flux bath; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence (F) optionally comprises at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (FZ1) at least one first hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1), wherein the hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ1) (G) at least one galvanizing bath; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (NBH1 ) at least one first aftertreatment device (NBH1 ), wherein the first aftertreatment device (NBH1 ) (H) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (I) optionally at least one post-processing device; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (ZBH) at least one intermediate treatment device (ZBH), wherein the intermediate treatment device (ZBH) (J) at least one activation device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (K) optionally comprises at least one drying device, in particular an oven; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (FZ2) at least one second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2), wherein the second hot-dip galvanizing device (FZ2) (L) at least one galvanizing bath; comprises; arranged downstream and / or downstream of it in the process sequence (NBH2) at least one second aftertreatment device (NBH2), wherein the second aftertreatment device (NBH2) (M) optionally at least one cooling device; arranged downstream and / or in the process sequence downstream of this (N) optionally at least one post-processing device; 65. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 51.

66. Hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component (1) obtainable by a process according to one of the preceding claims and / or obtainable in a plant according to one of the preceding claims.

67. Hot-dip galvanized (hot-dip galvanized) iron or steel component (1), in particular hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to claim 66, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) is obtainable in that an iron or steel component (2) in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, has first been subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing and subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing has been subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

68. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to claim 66 or claim 67, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a multi-layer and / or multi-phase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer (5) applied to the base material of the iron or steel component (2); wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer (4) with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer; and wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has, on the base material (2) of the iron or steel component, in particular below (or beneath) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer (4) and / or the outer layer (4), a hot-dip galvanizing layer (3) with Zn / Fe phases, which optionally contains aluminum.

69. A hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component, in particular a hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a multi-layer and / or multi-phase (overall) hot-dip galvanizing layer (5) applied to the base material of the iron or steel component (2); wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has an at least partially layered hot-dip galvanizing layer (4) with Zn / Al / Fe phases, in particular as an outer hot-dip galvanizing layer and / or in particular as an outer layer; and wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has on the base material (2) of the iron or steel component, in particular below (below) the outer hot-dip galvanizing layer (4) and / or the outer layer (4), a hot-dip galvanizing layer (3) with a Zn / Fe phase, which optionally contains aluminum.

70. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (5) with an aluminum concentration gradient; and / or wherein the multi-layer and / or multi-phase (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer (5) has an aluminum concentration gradient.

71. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness of at least 30 μm, in particular at least 35 μm, preferably at least 40 μm, particularly preferably at least 45 μm; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness of at most 500 μm, in particular at most 450 μm, preferably at most 400 μm, particularly preferably at most 300 μm; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) has a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer with a (total) layer thickness in the range from 30 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 35 pm to 450 pm, preferably in the range from 40 pm to 400 pm, particularly preferably in the range from 45 pm to 300 pm.

72. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1) is designed to be bendable by 90° at least substantially without impairing the corrosion protection performance; and / or wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1), in particular with a base material thickness of the iron or steel component of at least 2 mm and a (total) thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 30 μm, exhibits at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation, after 90° bending with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 1,250 h, preferably at least 1,500 h, particularly preferably at least 1,750 h, very particularly preferably at least 2,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227.

73. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component (1), in particular with a (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer of at least 350 g / m 2 , with a residence time of at least 1,000 h, in particular at least 2,000 h, preferably at least 5,000 h, particularly preferably at least 8,000 h, very particularly preferably at least 10,000 h, in the salt spray test, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 9227, at least substantially no red rust formation, preferably no red rust formation.

74. Hot-dip galvanized iron or steel component according to one of the preceding claims, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 65.

75. Use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for providing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer with an increased (total) layer thickness, wherein an iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

76. Use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving the ductility of a hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein firstly an iron or steel component is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein subsequently the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing aluminum and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt, is subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing.

77. Use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving and / or controlling the formation of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, in particular for improving and / or controlling the (total) layer thickness and / or layer structure of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein an iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

78. Use of a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process for improving the corrosion protection performance, in particular for improving the corrosion protection performance of an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed hot-dip galvanizing layer, wherein an iron or steel component is first subjected to a first hot-dip galvanizing in a zinc melt ("Zn melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing a zinc melt, and wherein the iron or steel component obtained after the first hot-dip galvanizing is subsequently subjected to a second hot-dip galvanizing in an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt ("Zn / Al melt"), in particular in a galvanizing bath containing an aluminum-containing and / or aluminum-alloyed zinc melt.

79. Use of a silicon content (Si content) of an iron or steel component in a two-stage hot-dip galvanizing process, in particular as defined in one of claims 1 to 51, for controlling the (total) layer thickness of the hot-dip galvanizing.

80. Use according to claim 79, wherein with increasing silicon content of the iron or steel component, the (total) layer thickness of the (total) hot-dip galvanizing layer is increased and / or the hot-dip galvanizing time is reduced.

81. Use according to any one of claims 75 to 80, each characterized by one or more of the features of claims 1 to 74.

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