Are you a builder or work with builders? What about manufacturing or engineering? Anyone familiar with any of these industries know the importance of steel and all the different stainless steel uses, as well as the importance of other metals and alloys. From quality steel and nickle to rolled alloys and copper and aluminum alloy, there are many needs for these materials across a variety of different industries. Just take a quick look through your house. How many different appliances and tools contain steel or other metals? It’s everywhere. Steel, nickel and nickel-containing materials are very prevalent in our lives. Nickel especially is growing in use at an estimated rate of four percent each year while stainless steel containing nickel is growing at an estimated rate of six percent.

What are these metals being used on, though? Well, typically the various alloy steels are divided into four groups, including tool and die steels, structural steels, stainless and heat-resisting steels, and magnetic alloys. For example, structural steels may include steel used in building materials, such as steel support beams and other architectural pieces necessary to construct a building or home. Stainless and heat resisting steels may be used in things such as kitchen appliances. There are a variety of stainless steel products and stainless steel uses available today.

Of all the different uses for steel and other metals, the construction industry is one of the industries most prone to using these materials. Companies and people working in the construction industry are more likely to use aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and carbon steel in their projects and manufacturing and any other metal or alloy.

Of the different metals, what is the best grade of stainless steel, though? What about the best nickel or aluminum? These are important to know, especially for anyone working in industries that use these metals on a regular basis. After all, not every type of steel is created equal. In terms of what’s the best, stainless steel 304 is the most common grade of stainless steel and is more widely used than other types of stainless steel. Aluminum alloy 2014, on the other hand, is ideal for forging alloy because it’s one of the strongest heat treatable products on the market. These types of metals are often used to create parts for planes and other structures.

What do you think? What’s the strongest or most valuable metal out there?