Several steel beams stacked on top of one another are visible on a concrete surface.

A Guide To Popular Metal Uses

Metals are some of the most crucial elements that are used in a variety of applications. If you can name a metal on the periodic table, there’s a good chance that it gets used for some of the most important structures in our lives. From building beams to wiring material, there seems to be no end to the uses that metal can have. With so many different metals, it can be tricky to determine which one works best for your application. We’ve assembled a guide to popular metal uses for some of the most used ones out there!

Copper

Copper is one of the oldest used metals in history, and for good reason: it’s one of the most flexible metals out there in terms of where it can be used! It’s most noteworthy for its stellar electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. This makes it usable for:

  • Electrical Wiring
  • Plumbing Pipes
  • Roofing
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Spark Plugs

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant metal on Earth, and also one of the most used! It has good heat resistance and tensile strength, which allows it to be used across a variety of industries.

  • Power lines
  • Rails for buildings
  • Household appliances
  • Airplanes
  • Electronics

Iron

The reason that you don’t hear as much about iron is because it’s a key ingredient in a lot of the metal alloys we use. It’s how we have metal alloys like carbon steel and stainless steel! It’s unique ability to be used in a lot of alloys makes it useful for a lot of sturdier applications.

  • Beams for high-rise buildings
  • Car parts
  • Electrical equipment
  • Hammers and shovels
  • Some home appliances (Irons, refrigerators, etc.)

Titanium

Titanium is another popular metal that often gets used in alloys. It’s incredibly strong on it’s own – even as strong as steel! This base strength makes it useful for applications where strength is of the utmost importance.

  • Prosthetics
  • Surgical tools
  • Spacecrafts and aircrafts
  • Watches

Zinc

Zinc is an important metal due to the fact that it can stop other metals from rusting through galvanization. The most popular use of it is to make galvanized steel, which is useful for a variety of products.

  • Die-castings
  • Household fixtures
  • Other metal alloys

Metalworking Services At Markham Metals

Regardless of what use you have for your metal, Markham Metals has the tools you need to shape your metal for any application. If you can name a metalworking technique, there’s a pretty good chance that we use it! For all of your metalworking needs, contact Markham Metals today for a free quote.

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