Metal Strength: A Detailed Guide with Charts

Understanding metal strength is crucial in many industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction and medical devices. Metal strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand various forces without deformation or failure. Whether you're working in CNC machining, metal fabrication, or any mechanical design field, having a solid grasp of metal strength properties helps in selecting the right materials for your project. Factors such as tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength, and impact resistance all play a key role in determining a metal’s overall performance in real-world applications.

 

The strength of a metal not only impacts its durability and resistance to wear and tear but also directly influences how it can be machined, shaped, and welded. This guide will explore the different types of metal strength, the strongest metals used in industry, processes for strengthening metals, and provide practical graphs and charts for comparison. With a focus on CNC machining, we’ll also discuss how understanding metal strength can improve the precision and durability of custom CNC machining parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Properties of Metal Materials

 

 

Before diving into specific metals and their strengths, it’s essential to understand the key properties that define metal strength. These properties help determine how a metal will behave under stress, how it can be processed, and its suitability for various applications. The most important strength-related properties of metals include yield strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, and impact strength. Each of these plays a unique role in the mechanical behavior of metals under different loads and conditions.

 

 

 

Yield Strength

 

Yield strength is the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. Before reaching the yield point, the material will deform elastically, meaning it can return to its original shape when the stress is removed. Once the yield point is exceeded, the material will deform permanently. Yield strength is a critical property in structural and mechanical design, as it defines the limit at which a metal can be stressed before it starts to lose its structural integrity.

 

For example, in CNC machining, knowing the yield strength of a metal allows manufacturers to determine how much force can be applied during machining or forming processes without causing permanent deformation. Yield strength is particularly important in applications such as aerospace or automotive, where structural reliability is paramount.

 

 

 

Ultimate Tensile Strength (Tensile Strength)

 

Ultimate tensile strength, often shortened to tensile strength, is the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. Unlike yield strength, tensile strength refers to the point of fracture. This property is particularly important in materials that need to endure stretching forces, such as wires, cables, or structural beams.

Tensile strength helps in determining how strong a material is in tension, and it’s an essential factor in choosing metals for load-bearing applications. In custom CNC machining, tensile strength will guide decisions regarding material selection for parts that need to withstand tension without failure.

 

 

 

Compressive Strength

 

Compressive strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand loads that reduce its size. This is the opposite of tensile strength, which deals with stretching. Metals with high compressive strength, like steel or tungsten, are commonly used in structures like bridges, columns, and foundations where heavy loads are applied. Compressive strength is also a vital consideration in CNC machining parts, especially when designing components that will endure pressure or weight.

 

In metal CNC machining, compressive strength must be taken into account to ensure that parts like support brackets, frames, or mechanical bases don’t fail under pressure. Materials like stainless steel and titanium are often used because they offer high compressive strength.

 

 

 

Impact Strength

 

Impact strength, also known as toughness, is the ability of a metal to absorb energy and resist shock or impact without fracturing. This property is particularly important in applications where metals are subjected to sudden forces, such as in automotive crash components or heavy machinery. A metal with high impact strength can withstand sudden stress or impact, making it highly durable in demanding environments.

 

 

In CNC precision machining, understanding impact strength helps ensure that the machined components can resist cracks or breaks in dynamic or high-stress environments, such as in aerospace or military applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Do We Need to Know About Metal Strength?

 

 

Knowledge of metal strength is essential for various reasons. It ensures that materials are chosen wisely for different applications, optimizing safety, durability, and cost-efficiency. From designing complex mechanical systems to selecting the best materials for custom CNC machining parts, understanding metal strength helps to predict how materials will behave under different conditions and stressors.

 

 

 

Mechanical/Structural Design

 

In any mechanical or structural design, metal strength defines the limits of what a component can handle. A part that doesn't have the necessary strength can lead to structural failure, which could cause significant damage, financial loss, or even harm to users. For example, in a CNC machining factory, components such as brackets, gears, and frames need to meet specific strength requirements to function effectively in their intended environments.

 

By understanding the specific strength requirements of your design, you can select metals that meet those needs without being over-engineered, which could lead to unnecessary costs.

 

 

 

Material Selection

 

When working on CNC prototype machining or production, selecting the right material based on its strength properties is crucial. Each project requires materials with specific properties. For instance, a material with high tensile strength is necessary for parts subjected to stretching, while compressive strength is crucial for load-bearing structures. This informed selection of materials ensures not only the performance but also the longevity and safety of the product.

 

 

 

Durability and Safety

 

Strength directly correlates with the durability and safety of metal parts. For example, metals used in aerospace and automotive applications must endure both constant wear and extreme conditions without failure. In CNC machining services, understanding metal strength helps engineers and machinists create parts that meet the highest safety standards while maintaining functionality over time. The proper selection of strong metals reduces the risk of fatigue, wear, and eventual failure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Strongest Metals Used in Metal Fabrication

 

 

Not all metals are created equal when it comes to strength. Different metals are favored in industries that demand high-performance parts, from aerospace to military applications. Strong metals provide the backbone for durable and reliable components. Let's explore the strongest metals commonly used in CNC machining and metal fabrication.

 

 

 

1. Titanium

 

Titanium is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Despite being lighter than steel, titanium offers comparable strength, making it an excellent choice for aerospace components, medical implants, and high-performance automotive parts. CNC machining services often employ titanium for custom parts that require both strength and light weight.

 

 

 

2. Chromium

 

Chromium is highly resistant to corrosion and is often used to harden steel alloys. It is also a key component in stainless steel, providing durability and resistance to wear. Chromium’s strength makes it suitable for plating on other metals to improve their wear resistance, commonly used in automotive parts and tools.

 

 

 

3. Tungsten

 

Tungsten is one of the strongest metals in terms of tensile strength. It has the highest melting point of any metal, making it ideal for high-temperature applications such as in aerospace and defense. Tungsten is difficult to machine, but its exceptional strength makes it indispensable in high-performance environments.

 

 

 

4. Steel

 

Steel, particularly high-carbon steel, is one of the most commonly used metals for industrial applications. Its combination of tensile strength, yield strength, and cost-effectiveness makes it ideal for construction, automotive, and heavy machinery applications. Steel is also a popular choice for CNC machining parts due to its versatility and machinability.

 

 

 

5. Inconel

 

Inconel is a superalloy made primarily of nickel and chromium, known for its ability to maintain strength under extreme conditions such as high heat and corrosive environments. It is often used in gas turbines, jet engines, and chemical processing equipment. CNC machining of Inconel requires precision due to its toughness, but its strength-to-weight ratio makes it highly valuable in demanding industries.

 

 

 

6. Carbon Steel

 

Carbon steel is a strong, durable material widely used in construction, automotive, and heavy machinery industries. It is known for its high tensile strength and relatively low cost, making it an economical choice for many CNC machining projects. When heat-treated, carbon steel can become even stronger, improving its wear resistance and toughness.

 

 

 

7. Stainless Steel

 

Stainless steel is favored for its corrosion resistance and strength. It’s commonly used in medical devices, food processing equipment, and construction. Stainless steel’s ability to resist wear and its aesthetic appeal make it a top choice for CNC precision machining of parts that require both strength and a clean appearance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Processes to Strengthen Metals

 

Various processes can enhance the strength of metals, allowing manufacturers to tailor materials for specific applications. From heat treatments to alloying, these techniques improve the overall performance of metals, making them more durable and resistant to wear, impact, and deformation.

 

 

 

1. Solution Strengthening and Alloying

 

Solution strengthening involves adding elements such as carbon, chromium, or nickel to a base metal to enhance its mechanical properties. Alloying is the process of combining two or more metals to create a material that inherits the strengths of each element. For example, adding chromium to steel produces stainless steel, which is both stronger and more resistant to corrosion.

 

 

 

2. Heat Treatment

 

Heat treatment is used to modify the structure of metals, improving their strength, hardness, and durability. The following are common heat treatment methods:

 

• Annealing: Softens metals to improve machinability and ductility by heating the material and slowly cooling it.
  
• Tempering: Reduces brittleness in hardened metals by heating them to a specific temperature and allowing them to cool at a controlled rate.
  
• Normalizing: Refines the grain structure of steel and improves its toughness by heating it above its critical temperature and then air-cooling it.
  
• Hardening: Increases the hardness and strength of metals through rapid cooling after being heated, often followed by tempering to reduce brittleness.

 

 

3. Strain Hardening or Cold Working

 

Strain hardening, or cold working, strengthens metals by deforming them at room temperature. This process increases the density of dislocations in the metal's structure, enhancing its hardness and tensile strength. Cold working is often used in metal fabrication for applications that require increased strength without additional heat treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Difference Between Strength and Hardness

 

 

Strength and hardness are often confused but are distinct properties. Strength refers to a material’s ability to withstand forces without breaking or deforming, while hardness is a measure of how resistant a material is to surface indentation or scratching. A metal can be very hard but not necessarily strong in tensile applications. For example, glass is very hard but brittle, whereas steel offers a balance of both hardness and strength.

 

 

 

 

 

Metal Strength Chart

 

The following chart compares the tensile strength, yield strength, and compressive strength of common metals used in CNC machining and fabrication. The values are indicative of the performance differences between materials and can guide material selection for specific applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Metal strength is a fundamental consideration in CNC machining, material selection, and engineering design. Whether you're working with titanium for aerospace components or carbon steel for industrial machinery, understanding the unique strength properties of each metal ensures that your parts meet the required performance standards. From tensile strength to impact resistance, these properties guide material choices and machining processes, ensuring optimal results in your project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VMT Machining Services

 

At VMT, we specialize in CNC precision machining and offer a wide range of metalworking services. Whether you need parts made from titanium, stainless steel, or carbon steel, our expertise in CNC machining parts and surface treatments guarantees the highest quality components. With over 15 years of experience, we offer custom CNC machining services that meet the demands of diverse industries, from aerospace to medical devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQs

 

 

Is Titanium Stronger Than Steel?

Titanium has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, making it lighter but comparably strong. However, certain steels can outperform titanium in specific strength categories.

 

 

 

What is the Difference Between Strength and Hardness of Metals?

Strength refers to a metal’s ability to withstand forces without deformation, while hardness measures resistance to surface indentation or scratching.

 

 

 

What Does Strength Mean in Metals?

Strength in metals refers to their ability to withstand stress without breaking or deforming. It includes properties like tensile strength, yield strength, and compressive strength.

 

 

 

What is the Difference Between Strength and Toughness of Metals?

Strength is the metal's ability to withstand forces, while toughness refers to the material's ability to absorb energy and resist fracture.

 

 

 

What Are the Strongest Metals?

Tungsten, titanium, and Inconel are some of the strongest metals commonly used in CNC machining and fabrication.

 

 

 

Is Metal Strong?

Yes, metals are strong materials, but their strength varies depending on type and treatment. For example, tungsten is incredibly strong, while aluminum is lightweight but less strong in comparison.

 

 

 

How is the Strength of Metals Measured?

Metal strength is measured through tests like tensile tests for tensile strength, compressive tests for compressive strength, and impact tests for toughness.

 

 

 

What is the Weakest Metal?

Lead is one of the weakest metals, known for its low strength but high malleability and density.

 

 

 

Which is Stronger, Iron or Titanium?

Titanium is stronger than iron when considering strength-to-weight ratio, but pure iron has lower tensile strength compared to alloys like steel.