HIST OR Y OF GAL V ANIZING Hotdip galv anized steel has been effectively used for more than 150 years T he v alue of hotdip galv anizing stems from the relative corrosion resistance of zinc which under most service conditions is consider ably better than iron and steel In addition to forming a physical barrier against corrosion zinc applied as a hotdip galv anized coating cathodically protects exposed steel Furthermore galv anizing for protection of iron and steel is favoured because of its low cost the ease of application and the extended maintenance free service it provides 9