Using ductile metals in manufacturing and construction is common, but the purposes are different for both industries. The manufacturing industry uses highly ductile metal to make machine parts and frames. On the other hand, ductile metals are used in construction due to their ability to handle pressure without breaking and their resistance against pressure and load.
The manufacturing industry uses many highly ductile metal like copper, aluminum, steel, etc. However, the construction industry generally uses aluminum and steel. Let us explain how highly ductile metal is helping the manufacturing and construction industries.
Ductility means the ability to elongate and deform without breaking. The ductility of any material is measured at the highest point of elongation of the material, just before it breaks. The ductility, also known as tensile strength, is measured in megapascals (MPa) and pounds per square inch (psi).
Many metals are naturally ductile. A few metals are made ductile by mixing with ductile elements, and they are called alloy metals. Copper, aluminum, and gold are examples of naturally ductile metals.
Some chemical compositions can turn a low-ductility metal into a highly ductile metal. Such as, low-carbon steel turns into a highly ductile metal when mixed with chromium, nickel, and manganese.
The manufacturing industry uses ductile metals because they can be easily molded into desired shapes to use in making different parts of machines.
Better Formability
A highly ductile metal can be molded into any shape you desire. This feature helps in making complex geometric shapes without cutting, breaking, or welding. That is why the manufacturing industry uses highly ductile metal to build small to large machinery parts and frameworks.
Less Material Waste
A highly ductile metal needs less cutting, breaking, and welding. That is the reason the wastage of material is lower while using a ductile metal. Due to ductility, these metals can handle heat and pressure without wear and tear. This makes the parts and machines live longer.
How Do Highly Ductile Metals Improve Construction?
In the construction industry, steel and aluminum are used widely. To make it a highly ductile metal, steel is mixed with chromium, manganese, and nickel. Steels with improved ductility properties are used in making the inner structures of buildings, while ductile aluminum is used in frameworks.
Withstanding Load and Pressure
Treated steel with ductility can withstand measurable load and pressure. As we can measure the strength and ductility of the metal, we can use it in making structures with a predictable load. The more tensile strength it has, the larger a structure can be built with it.
Earthquake Resistance
A highly ductile metal can resist a natural disaster like an earthquake efficiently. The feature of ductility of the metal will allow the structure to deform without breaking under extreme stress. That is why highly ductile steel has become indispensable for medium as well as large constructions.
Increasing Overall Safety
A highly ductile metal, like steel alloy or aluminum alloy, is not only efficient in handling pressure and stress, but they are also capable of handling heat. In case of a fire breakout or any accident, the metal deforms but does not break. These metals are capable of handling all types of probable stress and load without compromising structural integrity. Thus, using highly ductile metal in construction increases the overall safety of the structure.
Great Formability
A highly ductile metal comes with great formability, which allows you to bend or mold it in any direction and shape needed. This helps users to use it to build structures without fabrication or other processing.
Metals that are a combination of strength and ductility are improving the construction and manufacturing industry every day. The usage, purpose, and metals may differ for each sector, but ductility helps them make things easier and stronger.
