People have found new and improved ways to use different metals since the Bronze Age. Metals have been critical in human progress from the Industrial Age through today and support many applications that humans rely on for survival. Some metals used in commercial applications, including steel, aluminum, and iron.
Take a look at the top five metals used in commercial applications today.
1. Steel
Steel is one of Metals Used in Commercial Applications. It is an iron alloy with 1% carbon, and it is free of any impurities and residue that are commonly contained in iron. Steel is preferable for a lot of applications because it isn’t as heavy or susceptible to corrosion. Steel has a high ratio of strength to weight and comes in more than 3500 grades. There are different types, including alloy steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, while carbon steel is used to make tools, mechanical elements, and structural building materials.
2. Iron
Iron makes up 5% of the crust of the Earth and is readily available. It is usually alloyed with other elements to make steel, but it is often used for pots, pans, and other cooking materials. It has a porous surface, and when you use hot oil, it prevents sticking. In addition, iron has a very high melting point, which makes it an ideal choice for soil anchors. Wood stoves are often cast in iron, as are other materials that are subjected to extreme heat. Iron is heavy, so people use it to make bases and frames for machinery as well. Iron can be shaped into different forms if it is properly heated, so manufacturers make carpentry tools and instruments with it.
3. Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most popular metals for a number of reasons. It is lightweight yet extremely durable, and it resists corrosion. People started making aluminum back in the 19th century by deriving it from bauxite. It is popular because it has excellent machinability and doesn’t magnetize. In addition, it offers electrical conductivity. Aluminum is a common non-ferrous metal, is malleable, and can form alloys with other metals. Another feature that makes it popular is that it has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It doesn’t rust, and it is used for manufacturing everything from cars to household appliances to airplanes.
4. Bronze
Another popular metal is bronze, which is made by alloying copper with tin. Bronze was the first alloy made by humans, and it has its own time period named after it: the Bronze Age. Bronze doesn’t bend or crack, and it resists corrosion. It is also great for thermal and electrical conductivity, so it is used to make church bells, ship parts, and electrical connectors. It is also used to make coins, furniture trim, and sculptures, as well as tools such as hammers, mallets, and axes. It is not magnetic and can be used around flammable objects safely.
5. Zinc
Another metal that is commonly used is zinc, which has a low melting point and is easy to recycle because it melts easily. Products made of zinc are strong, but it is most commonly used to coat or protect other metals. It can coat galvanized steel to prevent rusting. It is most frequently used in different industries, including marine, medical, automotive, and electrical industries. Materials made from zinc have a thin layer called the patina, which covers the material and protects it from air and water. It is a durable metal that can be used for construction, as it is self-repairing and offers a great deal of protection.
