Metal is commonly coated with zinc (galvanized) to inhibit the formation of damaging rust. The thickness and uniformity of the coating can be the difference between a stable product and premature failure.
Cross-sectioning the part reveals the relationship between the zinc coating and the steel. Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping clearly shows this metal part maintains a tight bond with a uniform galvanized coating. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDX) enables identification of the component metals in the spectrum below.