Continuing on a previous article, we’ve found 7 more fascinating facts about sheet metal, for your entertainment.

Metal was once essential for survival

Bronze, gold, iron, copper, silver, lead, and mercury were the only known metals until the Middle Ages. The blacksmith, of course, played a vital role during medieval times, as he was responsible for turning materials into items that many people required to survive.

USA is a major recycler

Around 69 per cent of all steel, amounting to more than 80 million tons, is recycled annually in the USA. Steel is the most recycled material in the world – even more than all other materials combined. Steel retains a high recycling rate, and in 2014, this was around 86 percent. The metallurgical properties of steel mean it can be recycled with no drop in performance.

Steel for skyscrapers

Steel began to be used for skyscrapers in the 1880s. Most skyscrapers have a steel frame that allows them to be built higher than typical load-bearing walls of concrete. The world’s first skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago. It was built from 1884 to 1885. While its height is not considered impressive currently, it made quite an impact back then.

The Eiffel Tower is taller in summer than winter

In France, the Eiffel Tower stands six inches taller during the summer. Many are curious, but the explanation is simple. Steel and iron expand when heated and with rising summer temperatures, this is easily explained.

Industries have always relied on steel

To this day, steel is an important material. Euromac punching machines, for the sheet metal and fabrication industries, are available from traders such as http://www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac/punching-machines/.

Brexit uncertainty

According to https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-47045188/brexit-tariffs-on-cars-would-hit-the-steel-industry, Brexit tariffs on cars could hit the steel industry, one of the worrying issues arising out of the EU exit.

Antibacterial properties

Another interesting fact is that brass doorknobs are antibacterial. The surfaces of brass, copper and bronze are antimicrobial. They have an ability to kill off harmful microbes quickly, often within two hours or less.

Explosion welding can work when other welds cannot

This type of welding can produce a bond between two metals that cannot be welded by conventional means. The process plasticises the surfaces of both metals, causing them to come into contact sufficiently to create a weld. Large areas can be bonded quickly.