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Glossary
Molten Zinc
Molten zinc is zinc metal heated above its melting point so it becomes a liquid that can be poured, dipped, or otherwise applied in manufacturing. Zinc melts at about 419.5 °C (787 °F), so “molten zinc” generally means zinc held above that temperature in a controlled pot, kettle, or furnace.
In industrial/fastener contexts, molten zinc shows up most commonly in hot-dip galvanizing, where steel parts are immersed in a bath of molten zinc to form a zinc coating that protects the steel from corrosion. It’s also used in spelter (poured) sockets for wire rope terminations, where molten zinc is poured into a socket to lock the broomed wire strands in place after it solidifies.
Because molten zinc is processed at high temperature, it’s a significant burn and fire hazard, and zinc fumes can be hazardous if inhaled—so industrial practice relies on controlled equipment, ventilation, PPE, and established procedures.