From the earliest tools to the most advanced current technology, metal has played a central role in the shaping of our world. There are 94 metals in the periodic table, but here are five of the most important ones.
Nickel
About 70% of all nickel goes into the production of stainless steel, to which it gives strength and resistance to corrosion. It’s also used for the shiny coatings in laboratory and chemical equipment. Specialists in sheet metal fabrication, such as https://dkmsheetmetal.co.uk/, rely on nickel in many of their products. Without nickel, the industry would be a very different proposition.
Tin
A soft, pliable metal that is crucial to the creation of alloys like bronze and pewter. If you listen closely when you bend a tin bar you might hear a “tin cry”, which is the sound of its crystal structure rearranging itself.
Titanium
An extremely strong but light metal. It is biocompatible, which means it is ideal for use in medical implants. Titanium has a self-repairing oxide layer that makes it naturally resistant to corrosion.
Magnesium
Since it is lighter than aluminium but nearly as strong, magnesium is commonly used for the manufacture of car parts like engine blocks and wheel rims. One caveat is that it is also highly flammable so must be handled carefully.
Bronze
The properties of this alloy of copper and tin include durability, resonance and aesthetic appeal. It gives its name to a defining era in human development and is still valued today in marine applications, architecture, industrial components and art.
