Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Examining the Importance of Metal for Industrial Societies



There is probably no material that has shaped the progression of mankind more than metal. Several different types of metals exist in the environment. With the exception of metals such as gold, most metals have to be extracted from rock ore. Rock ore is a volume of rock containing minerals. Metal is so important in the history of mankind because of its influence on industry. During ancient times, locations rich in ores tended to make the people living in that area richer and more powerful. Before the dawning of the Iron Age, societies with access to copper and tin could sell the minerals to others who wished to produce bronze. During this time Bronze was used to make jewelry, tools and weapons. Groups of people who were able to extract minerals from rock ore and produce bronze, tended to have better artifacts and tools. More importantly, these same societies tended to make better weapons. Since might consistently makes right when considering history, the cultures with the weapons were able to keep the power and control.

Clearly, being able to find and possess rock ore and, eventually, metal was important. After extraction, however, one must have the knowledge of metalworking. Metalworking is the title given to any art form, craft, hobby or trade that involves working with metal. Metal is pretty useless in its natural state. Someone must know how to change the form of metal in order to make it into something useful. Many people throughout history and in modern times have made a career out of molding and shaping metal. These professions were extremely valued during ancient times. Today, although we tend to take for granted all of the hard work, energy and skill it takes to shape the tools, accessories and household items we deem indispensable, we definitely would notice if metalworkers did not exist.

With the consistent worldly demand for metal, and the broad variety of professions specializing in the bending, shaping and molding of metal, it only makes since that there are several techniques for bending metal. Anyone who has held a screw driver or used a frying pan knows that metal is hard. In actuality, different metals have different levels of ductility. Ductility refers to a metals ability to bend without fracturing. Metals can crack and break under stress. Every metal differs in its ability to withstand stress. For that reason, several different techniques have developed over the years to improve the humankind's metal forming ability.

One modern technique used to shape metal is called roll forming. Roll forming is typically used to shape sheet metal. Roll forming machinery consists of several sets of consecutive rolls. Each set of rolls is called a stand. As the metal passes through each stand it is bent slightly. Each stand incrementally contributes to the bending of the metal until the desired shape is achieved. A roll forming machine will shape a piece of metal into a specified cross-section profile. A variety of cross-section profiles can be obtained through roll forming. The process of roll forming allows modern industrial metalworkers to shape several pieces of metal in a short amount of time. Such efficiency helps to mass produce products and meet societies demand for metal at a fast rate. Although the methods for shaping and forming metal have changed with technology over the years, the demand for and value of metal has remained consistent.

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