What is the Strongest Metal in The World?

Strongest Metal

What is the Strongest Metal in The World?

In this guide, you will learn two things about the strength of metals.

One, factors to look for in metal strength. Secondly, the guide compares metals’ yield strength and tensile strength.

But fast, let’s have a quick overview:

Factors Determining Strength of Metals

Metal Properties
Metal Properties

Usually, we evaluate metals’ strength based on 4 main attributes:

Tensile Strength of Metals

When you subject metal to a stretching force, it exhibits some resistance before any changes occur. A phenomenon called tensile strength.

Ideally, it refers to a point metal transitions from temporary to permanent deformation. With the knowledge of metal’s tensile strength, you can predict:

  • Metal’s ductile failure – usually, this occurs after subjecting the metal to tensional forces exceeding the yield point. Thereby, resulting in permanent deformation.
  • Brittle failure – it is a critical point for determining the tensile strength
Carbon Steel Pipes
Carbon Steel Pipes

The SI unit for metal tensile strength is:

  • Pascal (Pa)
  • Mega Pascal (MPa)
  • Giga Pascal (GPa)
  • Pounds per square inch (PSI)

Tungsten tensile strength is about 500,000psi. This is actually the highest for a metal in pure form. It can maintain strength at extremely high temperatures.

Tungsten Metal
Tungsten Metal

Yield Strength

It is force a metal should withstand just before deformation starts.

Usually, you can use yield strength to estimate possible elastic limits for metals. Remember, before a metal reaches the yielding point after removing a force or load, it will retain its original shape.

Therefore, when examining a metal, the yield strength denotes the upper limit. You will use this data to estimate the optimal force or load a metal can handle.

In today’s metal industry, carbon steel remains a metal alloy with the highest yield strength. The yield strength is about 260 MPa.

Stainless Steel Bars
Stainless Steel Bars

Compressive Strength

As you compress metal, the metal may resist forces deforming its structure. The maximum force it can withstand is compressive strength.

Of all metals available in the market, high carbon steel has the highest compressive strength.

Remember, the metal compressive strength varies depending:

  • Heat treatment
  • Chemical composition
  • Other special processing and treatment
Forces on Metal Testing
Forces on Metal Testing

A compressive force refers to the exact instance where deformation starts.

Impact Strength

It is the metals capability to withstand or resist abrupt force. The ability to resist force is the impact strength.

The change in the metal structure can either be cracking, or fracturing. Factors determining impact strength are:

  • Yield strength
  • Distribution forces
  • Volume
  • Elasticity

Comparing Metal Strength

 

Ideally, all metals exist in two main forms:

  • Pure metal – it is metal without impurities or other elements.
  • Alloy metal – here, you add other elements to pure metal. Usually, the main reason is to improve the chemical, physical and mechanical properties.
Pure Metal and Alloy
Pure Metal and Alloy

Therefore, while comparing metal strength, it is important to acknowledge whether you are using pure metal or an alloy metal.

Usually, the tensile strength, yield strength, comprehensive strength, and impact strength tend to fluctuate in metals. Therefore, at times arranging metals from strongest to weakest or vice versa can be challenging.

It can be easier if you focus on a single parameter say tensile strength or yield strength. With that background information, let’s compare the yield strength and tensile strengths of the strongest metals on earth:

Note: The figures below are estimates (Let your metal manufacturer provide verifiable data on various materials before purchase)

1. Steel Alloy

Steel Alloy Strengths
Steel Alloy Strengths

Steel is one of the strongest metal alloys. Both the yield strength and tensile strength vary depending on the grade.

Currently, steel alloys are the most commonly used materials globally. Normally, the steel chemical composition varies depending on the grade.

The elements may include, carbon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, columbium, manganese, and copper, amongst others.

Some popular steel alloys include:

·         High Carbon Steel

These steels have a high quantity of carbon alongside other elements such as manganese (1.2%) and silicon (0.4%). Usually, the composition may also include other elements such as nickel, chromium, etc.

The strength characteristics of high carbon steel are:

  • Yield strength – 490 to 584 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 635 to 965 MPa

More resources:

Steel – Source: Wikipedia

High carbon steel – source: AZO materials

·         Low Carbon Steel

It is also called plain carbon steel. Usually, the quantity of carbon ranges between 0.05% and 0.25%. Ideally, low carbon steel has good toughness and strength.

When it comes to strength, here are the key variables:

  • Yield strength – 330 to 370 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 440 to 450 MPa

More resources:

Low Carbon Steel – Source: AZO Materials

Low Carbon Steel Properties – Source: Science Direct

·         Maraging Steel

Maraging steel has superior strength toughness and strength. Even at high strength levels, these steel alloys do not lose their ductility. As for the carbon content, the quantity is relatively low.

  • Yield strength – 655 to 1400 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 965 to 1723 MPa

The main applications include rocket motor cages, aircraft landing gear, etc.

More resources:

Maraging Steel – Source: AZO Materials

Maraging Steel Properties & Applications – Source: Science Direct

·         Stainless Steel

Stainless steel comes in many families including austenitic steels, duplex steels, Ferritic steels, martensitic steel, and precipitation-hardening steels.

Therefore, when it comes to stainless steel strength, there is a wide variation. You can estimate depending on the stainless steel grade:

  • Yield strength – 170 to 965 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 800 MPa

More resources:

Stainless steel – Source: AZO Material

Stainless Steel Types – Source: Thomas Net

·         Tool Steel

These are steels specially formulated for making tools. It may include hand tools, cutting tools, or drills.

As result, the tool steels are strong, hard, and resistant to abrasion. They must withstand the shear forces during the machining process. The strength is:

  • Yield strength – 1400 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 5205 MPa

More resources:

Tool steel – Source: Wikipedia

Tool Steel Definition – Source: Xometry

·         Inconel

Inconel is suitable for high-temperature applications. It is a popular superalloy.

Ideally, the chemical composition blends many elements, a reason for superior strength and durability. The strength characteristics are:

  • Yield strength – 758 to 827 MPa
  • Tensile strength – 714 to 1120 MPa

More resources:

Inconel Alloys – Source: Wikipedia

Super Alloy Inconel – Source: AZO Materials

Applications

Due to its exceptional strength and mechanical properties, you can use steel in many applications such as:

  • Pipes and tubes
  • Turbine blades
  • Home appliances
  • Kitchenware
  • Building structures
  • Inconel suitable for nuclear reactors and high-pressure systems
  • Reinforcing structure
  • Radiator components, etc.

2. Tungsten

Tungsten vs Titanium
Tungsten vs Titanium

Tungsten has the highest tensile strength. Of course, it is with respect to the metal’s pure state.

At the same time, the metal is brittle. Consequently, not suitable for use in pure form.

Tungsten was discovered in 1781. Due to its exceptional strength, it is also referred to as a heavy stone.

MaterialYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Tungsten7503447

Applications

You can use Tungsten in many applications such as;

  • Drill bit manufacturing
  • Missiles
  • Bullets
  • Saw blades
  • Television tubes, etc.

More resources:

Tungsten – Source: Wikipedia

Tungsten Material – Source: RSC

3. Titanium

Titanium Sheet
Titanium Sheet

When it comes to the high strength to weight ratio, titanium is a perfect choice.

Additionally, it forms an important element in most metal alloys apart from copper and aluminum.

Titanium was discovered in 1790.

MaterialYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Titanium240 – 1260240 -1400

Applications

Some common applications are:

  • Human implants
  • Aerospace components manufacturing
  • Surgical equipment
  • Desalination plants
  • Processing hydrocarbons

More resources:

Titanium Element – Source: RSC

Titanium – Source: Wikipedia

4. Chromium

Chromium Raw Material
Chromium Raw Material

The hardest metal on earth is chromium. However, chromium is naturally brittle. Therefore, it works best as an alloying element.

Additionally, it is a key alloying element in stainless steel.

MaterialYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (Mpa)
Chromium316413

Applications

Some common applications include:

  • Plating automobiles
  • Mold manufacturing
  • Making metal ceramics
  • Works as a catalyst and alloying element

More resources:

Chromium – Source: Wikipedia

Chromium Uses, Properties & Facts – Source: Britannica

5. Osmium

Osmium
Osmium

Osmium is a tough metal. Additionally, the metal is known for its high strength.

In most cases, you cannot use osmium in its pure form

MaterialYield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Osmium10003920 – 4000

Applications

Among the most common applications include:

  • Fountain pen nibs
  • Electrical contacts
  • Needles
  • Instruments pivots, etc.

More resources:

Osmium Element Information – Source: RSC

Osmium – Source: Wikipedia

6. Vanadium

Vanadium
Vanadium

Vanadium is a transitional element. The metal is mainly an alloying element. This metal was discovered in 1801.

Even at high temperatures, vanadium will still maintain its high strength.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Vanadium776800

 

Applications

Among the key applications include:

  • Automobile parts such as pistons
  • Used in nuclear rectors
  • It can make jet engine components, axles, gears, and crankshafts, just to mention a few.

More Resources:

Vanadium Element Information – Source: RSC

Vanadium – Source: Wikipedia

7. Lutetium

 Lutetium
Lutetium

8. Aluminum Alloys

Pure aluminum has low yield and tensile strength. A reason pure aluminum (1xx series) requires alloying elements.

Some common elements in these aluminum alloys include:

  • 2xxx – main alloying element is copper
  • 3xx – main alloying elements are copper, silicon, and magnesium
  • 4xx – it has silicon as the main alloying element
  • 5xx – main alloying element is magnesium
  • 6xx – the alloy contains zinc, copper, magnesium, and silicon
  • 7xxx – it contains zinc as an important alloying element
  • 8xx – the key alloying elements are tin, nickel, and copper

Remember, each alloy has unique strength characteristics. On average, the strength information is as follows:

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Aluminum95110

 

You can use aluminum alloys to make heat exchanger systems, airplane parts, automotive components, consumer electronic parts, etc.

More resources:

Aluminum Grades – Source: Thomas Net

Aluminum Element – Source: RSC

9. Brass

Brass refers to many copper and zinc alloys. The alloys have varying strength and corrosion resistance capabilities.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Brass124 to 140388 to 469

 

Some common applications of brass include hinges, valves, plugs, sockets, bearings, etc.

More resources:

Brass – Source: AZO Materials

Brass Material – Source: Wikipedia

10. Bronze

Bronze is primarily made from tin and copper, alongside other elements. The alloys come in different strengths and hardness.

Here is an overview of bronze strength:

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Bronze125 to 800350 to 635

 

You can use bronze to make mailboxes, bearings, enclosure systems, etc.

More resources:

Bronze – Source: Wikipedia

Bronze Alloy – Source: AZO Material

11. Copper

Generally, copper is malleable and ductile. But even with its soft nature, it offers reasonable strength as you can see below:

 

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Copper138220 to 390

 

For better performance, you can alloy copper with other elements to get metals such as brass and bronze.

Some common applications of copper include piping systems, heat exchanger systems, stamped electrical parts, etc.

More resources:

Copper Material – Source: AZO Material

Copper – Source: Wikipedia

12. Iron

Iron is an abundant metal forming an important alloying element in making steel. In pure form, the metal is both ductile and malleable but with reasonable strength properties:

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (Mpa)
Iron50540

 

Iron is a key element in steel.

You can use iron to manufacture magnets. Other applications include making steel, instruments, toys, etc.

More resources;

Iron Material – Source: AZO Material

Iron Element – Source: RSC

13. Magnesium

Although magnesium offers many desirable mechanical properties, both yield strength and tensile strengths are low.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Magnesium20175 to 235

 

In most industrial applications, magnesium plays an important role as alloying metal. Magnesium alloys find applications in many industries including aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.

More resources:

Magnesium properties – Source: AZO Material

Magnesium – Source: Wikipedia

14. Zinc

Generally, zinc is a strong metal with the following mechanical properties:

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Zinc90 to 200

 

Zinc is an important alloying element in brass alloys, nickel alloys, and aluminum alloys, amongst others. Additionally, you can make electrical and automobile parts.

More resources:

Zinc & Its Properties – Source: AZO Material

Zinc – Source: Wikipedia

15. Tin

Pure tin is soft. However, you can modify tin for better mechanical properties. At the same time, the material is both malleable and ductile.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Tin220

 

Tin plays an integral role in many industries including alloying other metals, soft solders, electroplating, and making containers.

More Resources:

Tin Material – Source: AZO Material

Tin – Source: Wikipedia

16. Lead

Lead is a known heavy metal known for its dense structure. However, it is malleable and soft.

At the same time, pure lead has the following strength characteristics:

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Lead5.512 to 20

 

Lead metal plays an integral role in manufacturing ammunition, batteries, radiation protection equipment, etc.

More resources:

Lead – Source: Wikipedia

Lead Metal – Source: AZO Material

17. Cobalt

Another strongest metal in the world is cobalt. Naturally, cobalt is a brittle and hard material. Some strength

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Cobalt225675 – 1250

 

Cobalt is a versatile material in making metal alloys, magnets, and a catalyst in chemical industries.

More resources:

Cobalt – Source: Wikipedia

Cobalt Properties & Applications – Source: AZO Material

18. Nickel

Nickel is ductile and hard with high tensile strength.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Nickel59345 to 1000

 

You can use nickel in batteries, platting, mobile phone parts, jewelry, medical equipment, etc.

More resources:

Nickel Properties – Source: AZO Material

Nickel – Source: Wikipedia

19. Manganese

Manganese is brittle and hard. It has reasonably good mechanical strength.

Material Yield Strength (MPa)Tensile Strength (MPa)
Manganese241496

 

Manganese plays an integral role in metal alloying while acting as an active oxidizer.

More resources:

Manganese – Source: Wikipedia

Manganese Properties – Source: AZO Material

Recap of the Strongest Metals on Earth

Mechanical Property to CompareMetal Type
Strongest metal on earth (pure form)Tungsten
Strongest alloy MetalSteel Alloy
Hardest metal on earthChromium
Strength-to-weight ratioTitanium
Hardest platinum group metalOsmium
Lightest metal on earthMagnesium

 

In addition to the natural metal strength, you can improve these properties through various treatments. Some of these metal hardening techniques include annealing, tempering, normalization, work hardening, and age hardening, just to mention a few.

Quick FAQs

Is Titanium the Strongest Metal Available?

No, steel alloys have exceptional strength. Steel is a stronger metal alloy on earth.

Which is the Strongest and Lightest Metal?

Magnesium alloy remains the strongest and most lightweight metal.

Which Metal is the Hardest?

Chromium – the reason it forms part of steel alloys.

Conclusion

Metal strength is an important mechanical property. However, in your quest to get the strongest metal, you must consider the cost implications.

At KDM, we help you choose suitable materials for all your metal fabrication requirements.

More Resources:

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Strongest and Hardest Metals – Source: OWLCation

Strong Metals in Earth – Source: Metals Cut 4U

Top 10 Strong Metals on Earth – Source: Sciencing

List of all Metals – Source: Thought. Co

Metal Mechanical Properties – Source: Machine MFG

Metal Strength Chart – Source: KDM

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