Methods for creating a zinc-metal oxide layer in metal components for corrosion resistance

A method for creating a finished metal product having a corrosion resistant layer, comprising:

• adding zinc into a pre-existing portion of a metal body of a semi-finished metal product, wherein the pre-existing portion extends from and beneath a pre-existing outer metal surface of the metal body, and wherein the pre-existing outer metal surface will be exposed during use of a finished metal product produced from the semi-finished metal product;
• forming the semi-finished metal product into a predetermined shape of the finished metal product after said adding;
• and
• heat-treating the semi-finished metal product after said forming to form a zinc-metal oxide layer within the portion of the metal body.

A method for creating a metal product having a corrosion resistant layer, comprising:

• incorporating zinc into a portion of a metal body of a metal object, wherein, prior to said incorporating, the portion has an outer surface that will be exposed during use of a corresponding finished metal product;
• processing the metal object into a finished metal product;
• and
• forming a corrosion resistant layer integral to the portion, wherein the corrosion resistant layer extends from the outer surface of the portion into the body of the corresponding finished metal product.