Meet the expert: Desmond Makepeace, Technical Executive
Your first point of contact for galvanizing advice
Since joining GA in 1998, Desmond has answered technical enquiries from a wide range of people:
- Specifiers, architects and engineers choosing the right corrosion protection and writing robust specifications
- Contractors and fabricators designing and preparing steelwork for galvanizing
- End users and asset owners seeking advice on coating performance, appearance or maintenance
His knowledge covers the full picture: the galvanizing process, design and fabrication details, coating thickness and durability, appearance, painting over galvanizing (duplex systems), and compliance with standards. He also meets major specifiers to advise on high-profile projects.
Scientific Expertise
Desmond is a metallurgist by training. He has a BEng (Hons) and a PhD in Metallurgy from the Department of Materials at the University of Leeds, where he also lectured and supervised laboratories. Before joining GA, he spent three years at British Steel Engineering Steels. There he ran works and customer trials, investigated metallurgical quality issues and supported customers with technical enquiries. This background means his advice is based on a real understanding of how steel and zinc coatings behave.
Checking quality on site
As a qualified ICorr Hot Dip Galvanizing Inspector, Desmond carries out on-site inspections to assess galvanized products against the relevant supply standard. When there’s a question about whether a coating meets the specification, he can give an independent, expert view.
Guidance and training for the industry
Desmond has reviewed and developed much of GA’s technical literature and written best-practice guidance documents for the industry. He coordinates technical research projects and has been involved in developing standards at national and European level. He also designs and runs training courses on the galvanizing process and inspection procedures. He gives technical presentations to audiences ranging from specialists to people new to galvanizing.
Have a technical question?
Talk to GA’s technical team before you finalise a specification. The advice is free and independent.
