Galvanizing is one of the most effective and economical methods for protecting bare steel from corrosive environments. Zinc is not only a barrier between steel and the environment, but also sacrifices itself to protect the steel plate below. When two different metals are in contact and coupled with water and oxygen, sacrifice or current protection occurs. Zinc preferentially corrodes iron in steel. This protection prevents corrosion of the steel in areas not covered by zinc. Therefore, the diffusion of corrosion from cutting edges, drilling holes, etc. is minimized.

Galvanized steel coil and sheet products are now being used for a wide range of electric appliances, automobiles and other industrial machinery as well as for civil engineering and architectural purposes.