Interesting Metal Facts

When it comes to metals there are a variety of aspects to look at, whether you are determining the strength and durability of metal, the strongest metal, weakest metal, or rarest metal it is important to look at a variety of aspects that determine the specific type, uniqueness, and how the metal was created. In this blog, we will discuss the various types of metals in regards to strength tests, along with some of the strongest and rarest metals known to man.

The Strongest Metals

Steel and alloys top the list for overall strength. Steels, alloys of iron, and other metals are much harder than one type of metal alone. Alloys are combinations of metals that produce an even stronger material. The following are the strongest metals in the world:

  • Carbon Steels
  • Maraging Steels
  • Stainless Steel
  • Alloyed cobalt and tungsten.
  • Superalloys such as (austenite, nickel, and chromium)

The Rarest Metals

In short, Rare earth elements and precious metals are labeled as rare metals when they exhibit desirable engineering properties or are useful in the alloying process, but the limited availability of said material can impact material cost and restricts usage as a whole. These elements can be found within the Earth’s crust or from asteroids or meteors. Just because en element is rare to Earth does not mean it cannot be found abundantly throughout space!

  • Rhodium
  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Ruthenium
  • Iridium
  • Osmium
  • Palladium
  • Rhenium
  • Silver
  • Indium

Types Of Metal Strength Tests

There are often several aspects that should be considered when selecting a material for a particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to corrosion resistance, wear and tear, but also the general strength of a specific material as this can determine what is used on an upcoming project, task, or job.

Compressive Strength
A material’s capacity to withstand compaction or size reduction, or how much resistance it has to be squeezed together.

Tensile Strength
How strongly a material resists tension or a measure of how much strength it takes to stretch it or pull it apart.

Yield Strength
How well a material resists deformation or how much strength it takes to bend it.

Impact Strength
A material’s ability to resist sudden force or impact without breaking or shattering.

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