Hot dip galvanizing is a process by which iron and steel can be treated to prevent rusting. An article with a chemically clean surface is dipped into a bath of molten zinc which reacts with the iron and forms a uniquely protective coating.

Zinc is a metal that is widely used in corrosion protection but is also recognised for its essentiality for human health and ecosystems and for its ease of recycling.

Galvanized steel is all around us and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. It is used in construction, transport, agriculture, renewable energy and everywhere that good corrosion protection and long life are essential. For example, galvanized steel lighting columns light our roads and galvanized steel structures support solar panels that provide renewable energy.

There are many other important industries that make use of galvanizing. A large proportion of galvanized steel in Europe is used in construction. However, it is a very versatile process and articles ranging in size from nuts and bolts to large structural sections can be protected.

When the galvanized coating is applied in the batch process (to EN ISO 1461), the coating is thick, tough and gives complete coverage of the steel article. This combination cannot be achieved by other zinc coatings.

There are many hundreds of batch galvanizing plants across Europe, serving their local steel fabrication and manufacturing industries. To locate a plant near you – contact an EGGA National Association.

Also in this section:
The Process
The Coating
Sustainability
Durability
Standards