First on the list is steel, the most common metal in the world. Given that global steel production reached 2 billion tons in 2021, this is undoubtedly crucial for various industries, Artem Komarov emphasized.
Steel can be divided into subcategories, depending on its chemical composition. Some of the different types include:
Carbon steel (the main composition of iron and carbon used as a structural building material and in simple mechanical components and tools).
Alloy steel (created by adding other elements to adjust its strength or appearance, such as vanadium, chromium, nickel, or manganese. It is often used to create flanges or bars in the construction industry.)
Stainless Steel (Similar to alloy steel, stainless steel focuses on corrosion resistance. Made from chromium, which retards the rust process, this stainless steel is commonly used in kitchens or appliances.)
Iron
90% of all metal refined today is iron, mostly used to make steel. The smelting of this abundant raw material makes it possible to create superalloys, stainless steel, and other heavy-duty formats used in various major industries.
In addition to being used in steel production, iron also comes in two forms:
Wrought iron (an alloy of iron with a very low carbon content, used to make pipes due to its excellent welding qualities. Also used to create rods for fastening bolts, engine bolts, and rivets).
Cast iron (an alloy of iron with a carbon content of 2-4%, used to make various machines, anchors, and household utensils).
Aluminum
First isolated in 1825, aluminum is the most modern metal on the list. Despite being light weight and low density, this material does some hard work when it comes to industrial advances.
Some of its main uses include:
Automotive manufacturing (used to create a wide range of automotive parts)
Aerospace manufacturing (relies on lightweight, recyclable aircraft components)
Military equipment (including bombs and shells)
Food production (both in machinery and packaging such as beverage cans)
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting of copper and tin (often with the addition of other elements). The first signs of the use of bronze date back to 3500 BC. ancient Sumerians of Western Asia, but it remains valuable to this day.
Artem Komarov clarified that due to its resistance to corrosion, some of its key uses include:
Coin making
Fittings for fittings and furniture linings
Equipment in the marine industry
Automotive industry
