What are Industrial Metals, and Why are they Essential in Manufacturing?

Be it as a raw material or as machinery, metal is used in almost every industry. From construction to automotive, aerospace to electronics, metals play a pivotal role. Metals that are used abundantly for manufacturing are known as industrial metals. Stainless steel, steel, aluminum, copper, etc., are a few industrial metals that are significantly contributing to shaping the modern infrastructure and the world economy.

In this blog, you will learn about the importance of these industrial metals, their applications, and why these are essential for manufacturing.

Read on!

Industrial Metals: How Are They Different?

Industrial metals are no different from other metals apart from the fact that their properties make them more suitable for manufacturing and other purposes. These metals are commonly used in producing goods due to their mechanical properties, conductivity, and resistance to wear and tear.

They are also further categorized into ferrous and non-ferrous categories. Ferrous metals have iron in them, while non-ferrous metals are used in cases where rust and corrosion are deal breakers.

Industrial Metals and Their Applications

Check out this list of industrial metals and their uses:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel’s aesthetic appearance and non-corrosive properties make it an ideal choice for many applications. It has at least 10.5% chromium and less than 1.2% carbon. Chromium and nickel give it the corrosion resistance and the shine that the metal has.

Applications of Stainless Steel

Here are common applications of stainless steel:

Medical Equipment: Medical equipment used in hospitals is made of stainless steel as it is non-corrosive, and the chances of infection are zero due to its biocompatibility and ease of sterilization.

Food Processing: Be it a residential or commercial kitchen, stainless steel is the first choice as it is easy to clean and non-reactive.

Architecture: Modern architecture uses stainless steel widely due to its strength, non-corrosiveness, and aesthetics. Even in harsh environments, stainless steel can withstand the challenges.

Steel

While stainless steel has its uses, steel is the backbone of industrial manufacturing. It is an alloy of iron & carbon, and other metals lending it different properties. Due to its versatility, durability, and strength, it is used in constructing bridges, general steel buildings, pipelines, etc.

Applications of Steel

Here are the common applications of steel:

Automotive: In the automotive industry, steel is used on a large scale. Its high tensile strength and impact resistance make it the right fit for vehicle manufacturing.

Construction: To lay down a strong foundation, steel is used in the construction of industrial facilities, residential complexes, and commercial buildings.

Heavy Machinery Manufacturing: Heavy pieces of machinery that require strength and durability rely on steel. There is a huge market for industrial machines which are manufactured with steel.

Aluminum

Aluminum is an abundant alloy known for its versatility, silvery sheen, and lightweight. The metal is available in different grades. It is used for simple kitchen utensil manufacturing to aerospace applications. Its malleability is excellent, and its electrical conductivity makes it suitable for electrical applications.

Applications of Aluminum

Here are the common applications of aluminum:

Electronics: Aluminum is used in electronic devices for heat sinks and casings due to its excellent thermal conductivity.

Aerospace: To increase fuel efficiency, the aerospace industry requires a lightweight metal; thus, aluminum is the first choice. It is transforming the way the aerospace industry operates.

Transportation: The use of aluminum has increased over the years due to fuel efficiency, not only in aerospace but in the transportation industry.

Copper

Copper is a beautiful metal and is quite known for its conductivity. In electrical wiring and electrical components, it is an indispensable choice. Its color makes it look apart and its properties make it a preferred metal for various applications.

Applications of Copper

Here are common applications of copper:

Plumbing: Copper is corrosion resistant, and thus, it is used for plumbing pipes and fittings.

Electrical Wiring: Copper’s superior conductivity makes it standard for electrical wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Why Industrial Metals Are Essential in Manufacturing?

Every industry has a different demand, and industrial metals’ ability has rendered them essential for manufacturing. The reasons for their importance are discussed below:

Structural Integrity: Gigantic buildings, mammoth bridges, heavy machinery, vehicles, etc., require the structural integrity that aluminum and steel offer.

Electrical Conductivity: Electrical safety is paramount in every dwelling and building. Even the smallest spark can have disastrous impacts. Thus, copper is indispensable due to its exceptional conductivity and safety assurance.

Corrosion Resistance: In harsh environments, be it onshore, offshore activities, chemical industry, or other areas, stainless steel stands out.

Conclusion

These industrial metals are very crucial in many industries. However, their reliability can only be assured by procuring quality metals. Thus, you must procure metals from a trusted metal supplier in Albuquerque.

New Mexico Metals LLC is a renowned metal supplier in town, and we offer varied grades of different metals. From stainless steel to copper, aluminum to bronze, we stock everything.

So, visit us and place your order today!