As much as people like to call it the digital age, the fact is that we still live in the age of metal. Despite the invention and overuse of plastic in most industrial applications, metals still rule manufacturing industries. The entire process of transforming minerals into smooth, shiny surfaces of useful products can be quite expensive and time consuming. However, the quality and durability are not surpassed by anything else. There are many companies that offer services such as contract cutting, shearing, stamping, and OEM cutting.

The use of metals is not limited to a single industry or application area, in fact, they are used in a variety of areas, both domestic and industrial. Let’s take a look at five of the most commonly used metals and their properties.

Iron:

Iron is the most widely used metal in the world and probably one of the most abundant in the earth’s crust. It is also one of the metals found abundantly in the human body. Therefore, it also has medicinal uses. A main reason behind its wide industrial use is its use in the manufacture of steel, which is one of the strongest and most stainless materials. Iron is well known for its uniform heating property.

Aluminum:

The most abundant element in the earth’s crust is also one of the most widely used in the world. One particular reason behind this is the metal’s low density and corrosion resistance. Its uses range from everyday household use, such as cans and aluminum foil, to heavy industrial and manufacturing applications, such as the automotive and aircraft industries. It is also used in solid rocket fuel and thermite.

Copper:

Being known as one of the first metals discovered by man, copper is still among one of the most widely used metals in the world. It was also one of the first metals to be used to make tools and even coins. This is because it is ductile and easy to work with. Copper is mainly used in the form of alloys because it is too soft to be used in its pure form. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Therefore, it is mainly used in wiring and pipes.

Titanium:

Already known as the metal of the space age, titanium is expected to replace most metals used in today’s industries. However, its expensive and difficult extraction process prevents it from being used as commonly as aluminum or steel. Titanium is found to be stronger, durable and corrosion resistant compared to steel. It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all metals. All of these properties, along with its light weight, make it an ideal metal for spacecraft and military aircraft. It is usually used to make highly water resistant diving watches.

Zinc:

Unlike other metals in common use, zinc is hard and brittle. It is anti-corrosive, and therefore it is mainly used in galvanizing, for example, iron and steel coating. It is also used in batteries along with lead.