PPGI and PPGL sheets are two different color-coated steels, which are widely used in various industries, such as advertising, construction, transportation, home appliance industry, etc. They are very similar. But there are still some differences. So, what is the difference between PPGI and PPGL sheets?

1. Different substrates

PPGI is an abbreviation for Prepainted Galvanized Steel and PPGL is an abbreviation for Prepainted Galvanized Steel. As the name suggests, PPGI uses galvanized sheet (with a layer of zinc coating) as the base metal. PPGL, on the other hand, uses galvalume as the base material, coated with 55% aluminum, 43.3% zinc and 1.6% silicon. This is the main difference between PPGI and PPGL, which will further affect their functionality and applications.

2. Service life

As mentioned earlier, both zinc coating and Al-Zn coating are used to protect metal from rusting to prolong its service life. For GI sheets, when the zinc coating is all corroded, the base metal will be damaged. Generally speaking, galvanized sheet can be used for 10 to 15 years. Alloys of aluminum and zinc form microscopic grain domains. Zinc-rich phases corrode preferentially, while aluminum-rich phases corrode very slowly. Therefore Al-Zn coatings are more corrosion resistant than galvanized steel sheets. According to data, the service life of PPGL is 3 times longer than that of PPGI.

3. Weight difference

Under the same coating thickness, Al-Zn coating is lighter than zinc coating. This is because aluminum has a lower specific gravity than zinc. That is to say, in the case of the same weight, the Al-Zn coating can cover 3% more space than the GI sheet.

4. Appearance difference

The surface of the PPGL sheet is smoother than that of the PPGI sheet. This is because aluminum adheres better than zinc. For the same reason, PPGL sheets can be painted directly without pretreatment. However, galvanized sheets must be pretreated.

5. Different functions

The heat resistance of PPGL sheet is better than PPGL sheet PPGI sheet. PPGL sheet can withstand the temperature of 315°C. In addition, PPGL sheet has better corrosion resistance than PPGI. This is because the dense layer made of aluminum prevents further attack from the base metal.

6. Different applications

Both PPGI and PPGL sheets are widely used in siding and roofing. In contrast, PPGL has better corrosion resistance, which means it is more suitable for harsh outdoor environments. In addition, due to its good heat resistance and good surface conductivity, it is widely used in chimney pipes, ovens and lampshades, etc. However, the cut edges of PPGL are less protected. Therefore, you can use anti-rust paint or zinc-rich paint on the cutting edge.

Geographically, PPGI is suitable for hot or cold places, such as Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Russia, Canada, Finland, etc. And PPGL is suitable for rainy areas, such as Singapore, Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, Brazil, etc.

7. Spread

Due to better performance and fewer qualified manufacturers, the price of PPGL panels is 3%-11% higher than that of PPGI panels.

Which one is right for me?

Apart from the differences, PPGI and PPGL sheets are also very similar. They all have advantageous features such as excellent corrosion resistance, formability and ease of painting. Both are widely used in construction, shipbuilding, vehicle manufacturing, furniture, electrical industry, etc.

So which one is better for you? The best way is to talk to a professional who will give you the best advice based on your location, weather, intended use, budget, etc. No matter what you use, PPGI or PPGL sheets, you will enjoy their durability, safety and good looks. We will always be here for you. Please feel free to contact us!