Ever since the Bronze Age, people have continued to find new ways to use metals. Metals have been significant in the human experience, and they are used for many survival techniques that people have. Metals are used for cooking, buildings, tools, and more, and the world would be very different without them. Some of the most popular metals are steel, aluminium, and iron. Metal can be moulded into sheet metal, rods, and other shapes for its intended use. Take a look at the top five metals used in commercial applications.
- Aluminium
Aluminium is one of the most popular metals used today. Aluminium was first made in the 19th century and was derived from bauxite. Since then, its popularity has grown because of its many advantages. It is lighter than other metals but still durable and is resistant to corrosion and rust, which makes it useful for items that are exposed to the weather. Aluminium is also popular because it is malleable, easy to machine, and nonmagnetic. It is also widely used because it has electrical conductivity. Aluminium is non-ferrous and easily works with other metals to create alloys. It is used in many applications, including airplanes, vehicles, and appliances.
- Steel
Steel is one of the most commonly used metals. It is an iron alloy and contains 1% carbon. Steel doesn’t contain any impurities or residue and isn’t as heavy or corrosive as iron. One of the reasons that it is popular is that it has a high ratio of strength to weight. Steel is made in more than 3500 grades, and there are different types available, such as stainless steel and galvanized steel, that can be used to make sheet metal. Carbon steel and alloy steel are suitable for many other applications. For example, carbon steel is used for structural building materials, tools, and more.
- Iron
Iron is readily available because it makes up 5% of the crust of the Earth. People use iron to make cooking materials because it has a porous surface that prevents sticking when you use hot oil. It also has a high melting point, so wood stoves and other objects that are exposed to extremely high temperatures are often cast in iron. Iron may be used to make frames or bases for machines, as well as tools and other instruments. Iron is commonly alloyed with other elements to make steel.
- Bronze
Bronze is made when copper is alloyed with tin. In fact, bronze was the first alloy that people ever made, which is why we have the Bronze Age. Bronze is a sturdy metal that is resistant to corrosion and won’t crack or bend. It works well for applications that require electrical or thermal conductivity. It is used to make ship parts, church bells, electrical connectors, as well as sculptures and coins. You can also find hammers, axes, and mallets made of bronze. It is safe to use around flammable objects and is not magnetic.
- Zinc
Zinc is another metal that is used in commercial applications. It is easy to melt, which makes it easy to recycle. Normally, zinc is used as a coating over other metals, such as galvanized steel. It is most popular in the medical, electrical, marine, and automotive industries. Another property that zinc has is that it is self-repairing, which allows it to work well as a protective layer. Zinc is durable, and zinc materials are often covered with a thin layer that protects them from air and water. Zinc can be used in construction on its own or as a protective layer.
