Ten Steely Facts You Might Not Know About Steel

You don’t have to look very far to come across steel. It’s used in a wide variety of industries from manufacturing and construction to design. In fact even the computer I’m writing this post on contains around 25% steel. To celebrate this much loved material and to have a bit of fun, here are ten steely facts that you can use to impress (or bore) your friends.

Fact 1 – One of the main uses for steel is household appliances. According to sources, the average household appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher, or fridge contains around 65% steel.

Fact 2 – Steel has varying degrees of strength according to how it’s made, but just recently an American company has manufactured a grade of steel that is deemed to be 1000 times stronger than cast iron.

Fact 3 – In 2015 the combined weight of the world’s manufactured steel was equivalent to 160,000 Eiffel Towers

Fact 4 – The earliest known examples of crude steel were found in weapons dating back to 1800 BC

Fact 5 – Stainless steel is known for it’s anti-corrosive properties. To have the right to be called stainless steel the finished product needs to contain at least 10.5% chromium. It reacts with the air to form a protective barrier on the surface of the metal

Fact 6 – Stainless steel isn’t actually stain proof. While it won’t corrode in normal atmospheric conditions, it will tarnish in aggressive conditions such as extreme weather. In reality, stainless steel ‘stains less’ than other metals rather than not staining at all.

Fact 7 – The amount of steel used in the world today is equivalent to around 226kgs per person

Fact 8 – Steel is the third largest industry in the world today after oil and gas and has an annual turnover of a little over one trillion dollars

Fact 9 – For every ton of steel recycled, 1400lbs of coal, 120 lbs of limestone and 2500 lbs of iron ore are conserved.

Fact 10 – Steel was first used in skyscraper construction back in 1885 – The Home Insurance Building in Chicago was the first modern day skyscraper and the first to contain a steel structure. Sadly it was demolished in 1931 to make way for the Field Building a more modern, taller skyscraper.

At Metro Steel we’re passionate about steel and the steel fabrication process. At our Deception Bay facility we continue to manufacture steel products, materials, and equipment parts for our customers. If you have a particular project in mind and need fabrication hep, then we know just the people who can assist. For a free, no-obligation quote contact us on 07 3204 1000 and talk to our friendly, experienced team.