The metal manufacturing process has been fundamental in the development of human civilization , allowing the creation of tools , infrastructures and a wide variety of industrial products . From the Bronze Age to the present day, advances in technology have optimized the way in which we extract and work metals . In this Fiposa article, we will tell you about the process of obtaining metals , the phases involved in their transformation , and their importance for modern industry .
Mineral extraction
The first step in metal manufacturing is the extraction of the mineral , which is usually found in the form of compounds in nature , called ores . These minerals are extracted through different methods, such as open-pit or underground mining , depending on the location and depth of the deposit. For example, iron , a crucial component in the manufacture of steel, is found in minerals such as hematite or magnetite , while copper comes mainly from minerals such as chalcopyrite or malachite . Mining, however, does not simply consist of extracting the rock. At this stage, classification and preliminary treatment processes are also carried out to concentrate the useful mineral, removing impurities and preparing the material for the following stages. This is a crucial step to ensure that the amount of metal recovered is as high as possible.
Smelting and refining
The smelting process involves heating the mined ore in furnaces to separate the pure metal from the impurities , through chemical reactions . In the case of iron , a furnace is used where the ore is mixed with coke and limestone . At high temperatures, the coke reacts with the oxygen in the ore, producing molten iron , while the impurities form a slag that is easily removed. The metal can then undergo refining processes to improve its purity. On the other hand, the steelmaking process is based on transforming iron into a stronger and more versatile material.
This is achieved by removing impurities and adding elements such as carbon , manganese or nickel , which improve the properties of the steel.
Metal forming
Metal forming is the process of shaping purified metal into the desired end product . It includes techniques such as forging , rolling , extrusion , and wire drawing , which apply mechanical forces to modify the metal. Rolling , one of the most common methods, passes the metal between rollers to reduce its thickness, forming sheets or sheets , and its efficiency depends on whether it is cold or hot worked, which affects the properties of the material. Forging , on the other hand, involves heating and pounding metal into shape, used in the manufacture of critical parts.
Heat treatment
Heat treatment is an essential step in many metal fabrication processes, as it allows the mechanical properties of the material to be modified to suit specific needs. Some common treatments include quenching , tempering , and annealing . These processes involve heating the metal to high temperatures and then cooling it rapidly ( or slowly ), which alters its crystal structure and therefore its physical properties.
Finishing and surface treatment
Finally, before the metal is ready for use, surface finishing treatments may be applied to it. These processes include polishing , galvanizing , anodizing , or the application of protective coatings . The goal is to improve the aesthetics of the metal, protect it against corrosion , or increase its resistance to wear .
The metal manufacturing process is a complex chain that begins with ore mining , proceeds through a metal mill , and culminates in finished products ready for use in various industries . Each stage of the process, from smelting to forming and heat treatments, plays a crucial role in the final quality and properties of the metal.
