Forms Of Metal Supply(Interesting Facts)
Since the Bronze Age, a lot has changed. There are thousands of different types and grades of metal supply available, each designed for a specific application.
Every day, you’ll come into contact with dozens of different types of metal supplies. Here’s a helpful guide that will walk you through some of the most common metal supplies and where you can find them.
1. Steel:-
This is by far the most common metal supply in today’s world.
Steel is defined as iron (the element) mixed with carbon. This ratio is typically around 99% iron and 1% carbon, though it can vary slightly.
Interesting fact: In 2017, over 1.8 billion tons of steel were produced worldwide (half of which was produced in China). A typical African elephant weighs around 5 tons. Even if you stacked elephants one on top of the other to form a truly bizarre bridge to the moon (which is not actually possible), it would not be as heavy as the weight of steel produced each year.
2. Magnesium:-
Magnesium is a fantastic metal supply. It is roughly two-thirds the weight of aluminum and has comparable strength. As a result, it is becoming increasingly common. This is most commonly used as an alloy. That is, it is combined with other metals and elements to form a hybrid material with unique properties. This can also make it more convenient to use in manufacturing processes.
The automotive industry is one of the most common uses for magnesium. Magnesium is considered superior to aluminum in terms of high-strength weight reduction, and it is not significantly more expensive. Magnesium can be found in the wheel rims, engine blocks, and transmission cases of high-performance vehicles.
Interesting fact: Magnesium is extremely flammable and burns extremely hot. Metal chips, filings, and powder must be disposed of properly to avoid explosions.
3. Zinc:-
Because of its utility, this is an intriguing metal supply. It has a low melting point on its own, making it very easy to cast. When melted, the material flows easily and the resulting pieces are relatively strong. It’s also very simple to melt it down and recycle it. Zinc is a very common metal supply that is used to protect other metals in coatings. Galvanized steel, for example, is commonly seen, which is simply steel dipped in zinc.
Interesting fact: Every year, approximately 12 million tons of zinc are produced, with half of that amount being used for galvanizing.
4. Titanium:-
This is a fantastic modern metal supply. It was discovered in 1791, created in its pure form in 1910, and made outside of a laboratory for the first time in 1932. Titanium is actually quite common (it is the seventh most abundant metal on Earth), but it is extremely difficult to refine. This is why this metal supply is so costly.
It’s also highly recommended:
- Titanium is biocompatible, which means that it will not be rejected by your body. Titanium is commonly used in the manufacture of medical implants.
- It is extremely valuable for anything that flies.
- It is extremely corrosion-resistant.
Interesting fact: Titanium resists corrosion because it instantly reacts with oxygen, forming a really thin, hard barrier that protects the metal. When you scrape away the barrier, a new one appears. It’s almost as if its self-healing.