4. Conclusion

Although the hot-dip galvanizing process was discovered by the Frenchman Moulin in 1742, it is still in use today.

The use of Al-killed (rather than Si-killed) steels and high-strength steels requires constant adaptation of the process.

Applications such as walkways and bridges, with an expected lifespan of 100 years, will require strong coatings with excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance.

Other applications, for uses protected from the elements, will require thin coatings, which can be achieved with highly alloyed zinc baths (which are not currently covered by standard EN ISO 1461).

In this context, ongoing developments and process adaptations will support galvanizers, enabling them to best meet the specific requirements of the various sectors that use galvanized steel.