Steel is one of the most important materials in modern life. Whether used in buildings and vehicles or tools and appliances, steel’s beneficial characteristics—particularly its strength and versatility—enable many of the moving parts of the day-to-day world. But according to American Metal Supply Co., a major metal supplier serving its clients from warehouses in both Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, indicate there is more to steel than you may realize. Here, they highlight five little-known facts about steel.

5 Facts About Steel

1. Steel Has Been Produced For Nearly 4,000 Years

Steel has been found at archaeological sites in modern-day Turkey that date back to 1800 B.C. and was known to and used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. For centuries, the most renowned steel in the world, called Wootz steel, was made in South India before modern steelmaking techniques emerged in Europe in the 16^th century.

2. Steel Can Be Made Into Nearly Any Shape

Aside from its strength, steel has been most cherished for its versatility. It adapts well to cutting, molding, and welding, meaning its uses can be as varied as structural steel for bridges or stainless steel for precise medical scalpels.

3. Steel Can Handle The Recycling Process

Steel can also be recycled by a metal supplier. In fact, recycled steel is as flexible, strong, and dependable as newly alloyed steel.

4) Steel Comes In Many Varieties

Steel’s primary chemical characteristic is an alloy of iron and carbon, but variations can produce steel with other beneficial properties. Stainless steel, for instance, gains its properties from a high chromium content in the steel itself, while galvanized steel is coated with zinc to prevent corrosion.

5) Structural Steel Takes Buildings To New Heights

From bridges to buildings, the emergence of structural steel in recent centuries has enabled previously unimaginable feats of engineering. For example, buildings with traditional masonry structures were limited in height to around 12 stories by the weight of the walls. The development of steel frame construction was the crucial innovation that enabled the building of modern high-rises and skyscrapers.

For premium steel fabrication and other materials like aluminum, plastics, and fiberglass, turn to American Metal Supply Co., a leading metal supplier since 1986. Visit their brand-new website to find out more about their history or their wide range of products. Call their Cincinnati office at (513) 396-6600 or the Louisville location at (502) 634-4321.