It’s no secret that metal is used to build things and the world wouldn’t be the same without it. Sometimes people take metal for granted and don’t realize just how important it is. Below, you’ll learn seven interesting facts about commercial metal usage. This might help you to gain a greater appreciation for the metal supply and what it means to the world.
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1. Aluminium Is Commonly Used to Build Power Lines
Power lines are so important to society. You need to run power to the various places where people live, and aluminium is the most common metal that is used to do this. Aluminium works so well because it’s extremely conductive while also being lightweight. It makes it an ideal material for building power lines without spending a ton of cash.
2. Some Buildings Are Made Mostly Out of Metal
Buildings can be made using various different materials. Sometimes buildings are made mostly out of metal, though. For example, many industrial shops use buildings that are made out of metal. These types of shops include HVAC businesses, machining companies, and electrical businesses.
Many tall buildings are made using a combination of steel and concrete. Steel is commonly used to provide the framework for skyscrapers. The strength of steel makes it perfect for the job of providing the structural frame for large buildings. Other materials might also be used to make buildings, but important parts of buildings will be made using strong types of metal.
3. Metal Is Used for Food and Beverage Packaging
Another commercial use for metal involves food and beverage packaging. Metal supply companies provide materials such as aluminium to food and beverage businesses for packaging purposes. Soft drinks such as soda and beer are commonly packaged using aluminium cans. Many types of food such as tuna fish also come in metal cans.
Aluminium is the most common metal used in food and beverage packaging. Some other metals might be used as well, though. Packaging many types of food and drinks using metal is practical. People have been packaging food and drinks using metal for a long time and the practice is unlikely to stop since companies are moving away from plastic.
4. Metal Is Used to Make Signs
Most of the signs that you see on the road and on businesses are made out of metal. It’s common for these signs to be made using aluminium, but there are signs that are made using other metals, too. Road signs such as speed limit signs and street signs are imperative. It’s also important for businesses to have signs that allow potential customers to see them from the road.
5. Metal Is Used to Make Marketing Materials
Working with metal is cost-effective and you can create products using metal easily. This is why metal is such a commonly used material for marketing purposes. Companies often commission metal products for marketing purposes. This includes items such as water bottles, keychains, and writing utensils.
6. Metal Is Used for Cooling Solutions
People need to cool their homes during the summer months. Metal is used to help make this happen. Air conditioners wouldn’t work properly without aluminium tubing and pipes. It’s also true that metal is used to make heat sinks for various types of electronic devices.
Smartphones, computers, and video game consoles need cooling solutions to operate properly. Aluminium is the most commonly used material for heat sinks. It’s easy to see that metal can be used in so many ways that impact your everyday life.
7. Steel Is Used to Make Many Home Appliances
Many of your most used home appliances are made out of steel. It’s common for high-quality washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers to be made at least partially out of steel. Steel is an incredibly durable material, but it’s also fairly heavy. Steel is useful because it can stand the test of time and it’s also possible to recycle it continually.
8. Recycled Metal Has Many Uses
Recycling metal is important because it’s best to utilize these precious materials to the fullest. You may not know it, but many products use large amounts of recycled metal. Many car companies used recycled steel and other types of metal to make their automobiles. Recycled metal is also commonly used to make planes, bridges, ships, and train tracks.