Machines, parts, and other equipment in the industrial field are made up of metal alloys. To withstand constant wear and tear, these metals must be tough, durable, strong, and flexible. Learn more about the most popular metal alloys for industrial applications.
Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum is a very versatile metal that’s both lightweight and flexible. It also has high corrosion resistance, making it useful for long-lasting applications. There are many different types of aluminum alloys, and each type has different uses. For instance, there are many uses for silicon aluminum bronze, such as landing gear parts, valves, hooks, and cams.
Copper Alloys
If you require a flexible metal with high corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, copper is one of your best choices. Some of the most common copper alloys that you’ll find in industrial applications are brass and bronze. When you mix copper with zinc, you create brass, but if you mix copper with tin, you create bronze. Brass is often used for valves, locks, and gears, while bronze is often found in transmission bearings for vehicles.
Steel Alloys
Steel alloys are certainly on the list of the most popular metal alloys for industrial applications. Stainless steel and carbon steel are two of the most well-known steel alloys. Carbon steel is especially unique since you can adjust its strength based on the amount of carbon that you include in the mixture. Stainless steel is known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and impressive durability. Some common uses for steel alloys are valves, pumps, and pipes. It’s also a popular material to use for buildings, towers, and bridges.
Iron Alloys
Iron alloys are known for their strength, high corrosion resistance, and welding ability. In fact, people sometimes swap steel alloys with iron alloys in certain situations. This metal alloy has a multitude of uses, including machine tools, gates, crankshafts, and certain furniture items such as tables or chairs.
