What are the strongest metals in the world that are nearly indestructible? Do these metals actually exist and can they be easily found around us? These two questions often cross the minds of those curious about the marvels of the world.
Understanding the strongest metals is also crucial for those working in construction – baut & mur. Contractors, architects, technicians, and engineers must be familiar with various metals and their characteristics. This is because one of the best construction materials is made from the world’s strongest metals.
A Brief Profile of the 7 Strongest Metals in the World
Let’s dive deeper into the types of the strongest metals present on Earth. What are they? Check out the list below.
1. Tungsten
Tungsten tops the category of the world’s strongest metals due to its high melting point of 3,422°C. This melting point is significantly higher than any other metal in the world. Tungsten can only be cut with a laser cutter, proving its exceptional durability.
This material is often used in modern military weaponry, such as missiles, tank shells, long-range guided missiles, and armor-piercing ammunition. Unfortunately, tungsten is now rare, making its price skyrocket.
2. Osmium
Osmium falls under the category of transition metals, meaning it is relatively easy to find. Its density is twice that of tin, at 22.59 g/cm³, and it has a melting point close to tungsten at 3,300°C.
Osmium is commonly used in everyday life for making magnetic compass needles, pen tips, glass, lenses, and mirrors. Like tungsten, osmium is also expensive, but its price remains stable due to its availability.
3. Titanium
Titanium is one of the lightest yet strongest metals, with a melting point of 1,670°C. It shares qualities with steel, such as resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for long-term use.
Titanium is often used in the aviation industry. Its lightweight and strong characteristics make it suitable for aircraft bodies and even spacecraft. Additionally, titanium is now used in jewelry, particularly watches.
4. Chromium
Chromium, with a high melting point of 1,907°C, ranks fourth. Although its melting point is high, pure chromium’s strength isn’t as stable as titanium. Chromium must be mixed with iron or steel to produce strong and durable construction equipment.
What makes chromium special is its shiny appearance. Household and construction items made from chromium always look glossy and rust-free. Chromium is often processed into stainless steel due to its long-lasting luster.
5. Inconel
This metal might sound unfamiliar, but Inconel is one of the world’s strongest metals. It is an alloy primarily composed of nickel, with iron and chromium as additional elements, making it a nickel-chromium-iron superalloy.
Inconel has a high tensile strength of 113,000 g/cm² and a melting point of 1,453°C. These properties make it suitable for high-temperature applications like high-speed turbines and nuclear reactors. Inconel is also used in power generation.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium is another strong metal, especially when alloyed with other materials. Its density is 1.738 g/cm³, and it has a melting point of 1,090°C.
Magnesium is stronger than titanium alloys yet lighter than aluminum. It is used in the automotive industry, particularly in car manufacturing, to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%.
7. Steel
The last but certainly not least strong metal is steel. Essentially, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that has been used for centuries. It has a high tensile strength of 5,914,354 g/cm² and excellent impact resistance. Steel has been in use since prehistoric times, specifically the Iron Age.
Today, steel is widely used in construction. One of its processed forms, light steel, is a preferred building material for constructing foundations. Despite its lighter mass, light steel is incredibly strong and durable, making it a popular choice for earthquake-resistant construction in hafas – tokohasil: Indonesia.