Metals play a crucial role in manufacturing. But did you know that they have many more uses than just making cars and airplanes?
Metals are important in manufacturing. They’re an essential element as they’re used to make all kinds of things: cars and other vehicles, planes, trains, bridges, metal mesh screens—you name it. They’re lustrous elements that are good heat and electricity conductors. They’re mostly malleable, ductile, and generally denser than the other substances.
There are a lot of different kinds of metal, and they all have different properties. Some are stronger than others, some are more flexible, and others conduct electricity better. Each metal has its own uses, so it’s important to know the difference between them.
Here’s a rundown of the most common industrial uses of metals:
1. Aluminum
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, and it’s also an essential element for human health. It has many industrial uses, particularly in aerospace, automotive, construction, and even architecture (to give buildings their distinctive look).
Almost everybody on this planet has used aluminum at one point or another. This is because of its versatility and desirable properties. It’s found in abundance across the world and has an ideal heat capacity and tensile strength, which makes it an integral part of the infrastructure in most sectors. It’s used to make powerlines, high-rise buildings, window frames, electronics, and many household appliances.
2. Copper
Copper is one of the most commonly used metals in the world. It’s used in power lines, plumbing, and electrical wiring. It also has many other industrial uses, including jewelry, coins, and art.
Copper is an essential element for many living organisms. It’s one of only a few minerals that plants and animals require to survive. In humans, copper helps form red blood cells and collagen, which are found in connective tissues like skin and bone. It’s therefore used in the pharmaceutical industry.
3. Iron
Iron is arguably the most abundant element on Earth, forming much of Earth’s outer and inner core. It’s being used since ancient history, although copper alloys are believed to have been used earlier.
Pure iron is soft at room temperature but extremely strong when heated. A bar of pure iron hammered flat can be torn into two pieces by hand.
Iron is, therefore, a low-density metal, making it useful in construction and engineering. It’s the most widely used material for building cars, trucks, and other vehicles because of its strength and low cost.
4. Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with small amounts of other elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. It has high strength and toughness, making it suitable for construction applications such as buildings, bridges, and vehicles.
Steel is also used in the production of machinery and equipment where its strength and ductility are key properties that make it easy to machine using a variety of tools.
Steel is also widely used in the construction industry where it can be formed into beams, columns, and other structural components. It’s also used in building applications such as pipes and fittings, doors, and window frames.
5. Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It’s typically used for musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, and many other products. Brass has a dull gold color and is soft enough to bend into various shapes. It’s an excellent material for making pipes because it doesn’t corrode easily like iron or steel. The construction industry uses brass pipes to avoid problems with clogged drains caused by rust build-up in the joints of other metals.
6. Titanium
Titanium is a metal commonly used in aircraft and aerospace industries. It’s an extremely strong, lightweight metal that’s resistant to corrosion. It can also be found in golf clubs, bicycle frames, and tennis rackets.
It’s also used in many dental implants and surgical instruments. This metal is strong and doesn’t rust or corrode easily, making it an ideal choice for these applications.
7. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy that contains chromium and carbon. It’s one of the strongest metals available for use in engineering applications. The addition of chromium makes this alloy resistant to corrosion, rusting, and other damage caused by chemicals or water.
Because stainless steel is a highly resistant metal, it has been used in manufacturing cutlery, kitchenware, and surgical instruments for decades. It’s also used to construct ships, bridges, and buildings. Stainless steel can be found everywhere, from automobiles to household appliances.
Conclusion
Metals are an integral part of modern life, and they continue to play an important role in manufacturing. Whether you work with metals yourself or simply use them as a consumer, it’s important that you understand what makes them valuable and versatile.