There are many types of metals with various uses. Metals have multiple applications across different fields in industry and everyday life. Therefore, choosing the right metal depends on its type and unique properties.
Many elemental metals have similar characteristics and can be used for many of the same applications. However, the choice between one or another will depend on the specific field of application in certain circumstances. This guide explores different types of metals and their properties and considers how these properties affect their usage in various fields.
Metals have various characteristics, making them very useful across different industries and fields. There are currently more than 90 types of metals, here are the common types of metals and their uses in various sectors.
Iron is the most common and cheapest metal. There are three types: pig iron, cast iron, and wrought iron. Iron makes up nearly 5% of the earth's total area. Hence, it is an easily obtainable metal. However, pure iron is not a stable element because it combines with oxygen in the air to form iron oxide.
Pig iron is the primary form of iron used to manufacture various ferrous metals, including cast iron and steel.
Cast iron is made by melting pig iron with coke and limestone. Cast iron is very brittle and especially hard to weld. However, it is a widely used metal casting material in the automotive industry.
Wrought iron is tough, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. It is a highly purified metal used in metal manufacturing in many industries.
Magnesium is one of the naturally occurring metals (Mg). However, it is typically alloyed with other metals, such as aluminum. This means magnesium is combined with other metals and elements to form a mixed material with specific functions.
One of the most common applications of magnesium is in the automotive and aerospace industries. Magnesium surpasses aluminum in terms of high-strength weight reduction. Its applications include rims, engine parts, and transmission housings.
Steel is an alloy composed of iron and various chemical elements such as carbon. It is a strong metal that is hard to break. With high tensile strength and low cost, steel is one of the most commonly used materials for various products, including construction, weapons, medical implants, machinery, electrical equipment, and various instruments.
There are three types of steel: carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. These steels come in different grades.
Aluminum is a light metal that becomes hard and durable when combined with trace elements from other alloys. Aluminum's strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance make it widely used across several industries.
Additionally, aluminum does not magnetize and is easy to manufacture. It is widely used in airplane, car parts, and overhead wires. Aluminum's luster is also attractive, making it suitable for sheet metal parts manufacturing and aluminum alloy production.
Copper is a ductile, malleable, reddish-brown metal with excellent conductivity. It can be rolled, forged, cast, and drawn into wires. It is widely used in making coins, electrical wires, and kitchen utensils. Different types of copper have various uses in different industries.
Titanium is an important lightweight metal used in the production of various aircraft equipment. It is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals. This metal sample also exhibits good thermal stability, even under extremely high temperatures, making it a preferred choice in the aerospace industry. Titanium is also corrosion resistant, making it suitable for making medical equipment.
Bronze is a metal alloy composed of copper combined with tin or aluminum. Bronze is sturdy and does not rust or corrode when exposed to moisture, making it a preferred material for sculptures and turbine blades. It melts easily and can be used to make metal pipe, gears, pumps, and wires.
Brass is a zinc-copper alloy. Depending on the ratio of copper to zinc and the addition of small amounts of other elements, brass can be classified into different types. Brass is more durable than copper but has poorer electrical and thermal conductivity. Brass also has excellent resistance to air corrosion and can be easily welded. Brass is primarily used for making locks and valves.
Lead is one of the heaviest metals on earth with a relatively low melting point. It is highly malleable, soft, and easy to cut. Because of its softness, lead can be used for welding, pipe laying, and acid tanks. Lead is also used for cable coatings and bullet manufacturing.
Tungsten has the highest melting point and boiling point on earth and can withstand the harshest metal heat treatments. Therefore, when processed into tungsten carbide, it can be used to cut other metals. Among pure metals, tungsten has the highest tensile strength and can be used for metal engraving or cutting. Combining tungsten with other metals allows rocket nozzles to withstand extreme temperatures.
The widespread use of metals makes them a stable component for manufacturing most industrial parts. Here are the applications of metals in various industries.
Edible metals (sodium, manganese, and potassium) are used for various purposes in the medical field aside from being ingredients in medications. Titanium is used for medical devices such as prosthetics, while aluminum is used for implants due to its strength-to-weight ratio.
Metals are commonly used in devices, refractory products, and automobiles. They are used to manufacture cars, trains, airplanes, rockets, and more. The most commonly used metals are iron, aluminum, and steel.
Platinum, gold, and silver are precious metals with significant economic value, commonly used in jewelry and decorative items.
Metals such as steel and iron are among the most widely used materials in building structures and residential buildings. They are also used in construction applications. Pipes and roofs are made from metals like lead. Tin, zinc, copper, and aluminum can be used for roofing. Iron, known for its structural properties, is used in forms like cast iron, wrought iron, or steel.
Some metals are used in the aerospace industry due to their remarkable properties. Metals used in aerospace should exhibit qualities like radiation resistance, corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Metals used in this industry include aluminum for fuselage structures, nickel alloys combined with steel, and titanium for engine components.
Alloys containing gold, silver, and platinum are ideal materials for electronic connections due to their excellent conductivity.
