Today’s manufacturing companies are adept at converting raw materials into usable products. However, these companies need sufficient knowledge and expertise in order to maximize their use of available materials.

Although modern products contain a wide variety of materials, some types are used more often than others. Here are the most common types of metal used in manufacturing.

Steel

Steel radically changed the construction industry, and it can be found in many everyday consumer products. Since the process of making steel was perfected in 1855, it’s been employed to great effect in manufacturing everything from buildings, vehicles, and tools to appliances and furniture.

Steel is most appreciated by manufacturers for its durability and low cost. This metal is often used to make reinforced concrete, an essential building material for critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. Simply put, modern living would be impossible without steel.

Iron

The discovery of iron is believed to have changed history. More than 5,000 years ago, civilizations were just starting out, and it was the use of iron that helped early humans leap forward. While copper and bronze were already used to make coins, weapons of war, and jewelry, iron offered better durability that would be essential for developing modern industrial processes.

Iron is a crucial component in steel manufacturing and the development of alloys. It can be combined with metals such as nickel and chromium to enhance the properties of the end product. Although iron is still sometimes used in civil engineering, its brittleness and tendency to rust have seen it largely replaced by modern alloys.

Aluminum

People have used aluminum in one form or another for thousands of years, including applications ranging from medicine to warfare. Although this metal is rare and difficult to find in its original state, a refining process was developed in 1886 that opened the doors for broader uses.

The most common applications for aluminum in manufacturing are in the construction and electronics industries. Because it’s lightweight and corrosion resistant, aluminum is often used in aerospace. It’s also easy to recycle, which helps businesses create sustainable supply chains.

The Future of Metal

While steel is one of the most widely used metals today, history shows that all it takes is a new, more efficient refining process for older alloys to be replaced by new ones.

As companies across the industry continue to innovate, it becomes easier to see how the use of various metals may change. In fact, the most common types of metal used in manufacturing may soon be replaced by next-generation materials such as carbon fiber and flax.

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