Did you know that steel is one of the most recycled materials throughout the world? The American Steel and Iron Institute guesstimate that about 88% of steel, whether in the form of tools or strapping, ends up being recycled. Steel has come a long way over the years. It takes less energy to be produced, has greater strength, and is surprisingly helpful to recycle.
How Recycled Steel Is Good For the Environment And Businesses.
Of all the steel discarded over the course of a year in North America, about 69% is recycled. To forge new steel of any type, whether used for hinges or strapping, requires materials such as coal, iron ore, and limestone. When steel is recycled to be remade into new items, it also saves these other raw materials from being needed. It is conservatively estimated about 120 pounds of limestone, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 2,500 pounds of iron ore are conserved for every one ton of steel that is recycled.
Steel Is Just As Strong Today As It Was 100 Years Ago (Isn’t It?)
The steel made today is not the same as what was made 100 years ago, or even 40 years ago. In fact, the amount of steel needed to construct the Golden Gate Bridge was roughly 83,000 tons, whereas about 42,000 would conservatively be required of today’s steel. Stainless steel now is also about 30% more resist to denting, and is around 30% stronger in tests. For example, simple stainless steel hinges on a refrigerator can easily hold a 140 pounds without being compromised.
The Types of Steel And Their Applications.
Steel suppliers may offer the following:
- -Stainless steel: used for a myriad of items, from earrings to strapping.
-Carbon steel: sometimes used for kitchen knives.
-Alloy steel: can be used when building aeronautical machines.
-Spring steel: used in automotive design.
-Crucible steel: popular in sword making.
Steel is a ubiquitous building material. It comes in many types that have varied applications. As it is also easily recycled and stronger than ever, let’s hope we have the natural resources to continue making it. At least, until we discover the next great building material.
