What is the Strongest Metal?

Out of the 118 elements on the periodic table, around 75 to 80 are considered to be metal. So the competition for what is the strongest metal is pretty fierce. Here at Salamander Fabrications we have cut, bent, rolled, welded, and coated quite a few different types of metal in our time – including some of the strongest metals in the world.

Our metal fabrication services have provided us with opportunities to work with a variety of different metals, across a number of different projects. So we know a thing or two about metal strength and some of the strongest metals in the world. Carry on reading to find out what is the strongest metal…

Different types of metal strength

When thinking about the strongest metals in the world, there are several factors to consider, as there are several different types of strength.

Tensile strength

Tensile strength is all about tension. This refers to the amount of force needed to stretch or pull a metal apart. The higher the tensile strength, the more force required to pull it apart. 

Compressive strength

How far can a metal withstand being compressed or squeezed together? This is compressive strength. To test this, pressure is placed on the metal between the plates of a compression testing machine. A load is gradually applied until the metal breaks, reduces in size, or reaches a predetermined load value. Compressive strength is often measured using the Mohs Hardness Test. 

Yield strength

This refers to a metal’s capability to withstand bending. It tests the elastic limit of a piece of metal. This often involves gripping either side of it and applying stress to bend it. This will tell you how much stress is required until the metal will not return to its original shape when the stress is removed. 

Impact strength

Impact strength refers to a metal’s ability to withstand a blow without shattering or fracturing. 

Alloys vs natural metals

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of metal strength, there’s something else we need to highlight before we get into the strongest metal. That means discussing what is actually a ‘metal.’ There are metals and then there are metal alloys.

As we mentioned at the start, out of the 118 elements on the periodic table, around 75 to 80 are considered metal. Natural metals, also known as native metals, exist in pure, elemental form in nature. This means they are not chemically combined with any other elements. Gold, copper, silver, tin, lead, and iron are all examples of naturally occurring metals.

Metal alloys are combinations of two or more metals. The main reason for making metal alloys is to create a stronger material. Examples include steel (iron and carbon), brass (copper and zinc), and bronze (copper and tin).

Our list of the strongest metals in the world contains both metals and metal alloys. But for argument’s sake, we will just consider them all to be simply metal – as does most of the rest of the world.

Comparing the strongest metals in the world

So without further ado, and in no particular order at all, here is our list to answer the question – what is the strongest metal in the world? We thought it would be quite boring to list just the one, and in truth, it’s a close call at the top, so we’ve included a few for you to check out.

Stainless steel

Let’s start our list of the strongest metals in the world with one of the most common and perhaps unexpected – stainless steel. This is often referred to as the strongest alloy in the world and is highly resistant to rusting and corrosion. It is made from iron and carbon and is a highly versatile alloy.

You may be surprised by this, as stainless steel is almost everywhere. Bending one of your stainless steel spoons might make you think we’re talking nonsense. But this is just a very thin piece of metal that is also often coated with stainless steel, rather than being constructed entirely from it. The strength of each alloy can differ significantly too. Some grades of stainless steel offer incredible tensile strength, making it an incredibly popular choice across countless industries.

So stainless steel is very much a type of metal with great tensile strength qualities. It’s also widely used in metal fabrication services due to its popularity, durability, and availability.

Common applications include:

• Construction materials
• Medical equipment
• Automotive parts
• Kitchenware and appliances
• Aerospace components

We have even more information on stainless steel in our other blog – Stainless Steel Properties, Grades, and Applications.

Chromium

Chromium sounds expensive just from the name, but in truth, it is a relatively inexpensive metal that is abundant in the Earth’s crust. It is often referred to as the hardest metal in the world. chromium scores very high on the Moh’s Hardness Test, meaning it has incredible compressive strength. There are only two metals above chromium in this respect, and they are boron and diamond. Despite its incredible compressive strength, however, it does fail to offer a lot of tensile strength.

So whereas it cannot be easily squished or crushed, it can be torn apart a lot easier in comparison. You don’t often find a lot of things made of chromium alone either, as it is often combined with other materials to provide added strength. 

Common applications include:

• Coatings and plating for corrosion resistance
• Stainless steel production
• Automotive trim and parts
• Aerospace applications
• Industrial tools and cutting equipment

Inconel

This is one of the lesser-known metals on the list of what is the strongest metal. Inconel is a group of nickel-based superalloys. Its superpower is tensile strength and the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. It also has high corrosion and oxidation resistance and excellent mechanical properties.

Common applications include:

• Jet engines and aerospace engineering
• Marine applications
• Chemical processing plants
• High-temperature industrial applications
• Gas turbines

Titanium

Now we’re into the big players in the league of extraordinary metals! Almost everyone has heard of titanium and is pretty much aware of how strong it is. Titanium has an extremely high melting point and incredibly high strength to weight ratio. If you need maximum strength but minimum weight, this is a common choice.

Common applications include:

• Aerospace and aviation components
• Medical implants and prosthetics
• High-performance automotive parts
• Military and defense applications
• Sporting goods and high-performance equipment

Tungsten 

The last on our list of the strongest metals in the world. It’s a fight for the top spot alongside titanium. Tungsten is often referred to as the strongest natural metal in the world (different from the strongest alloy). Despite its incredible strength, with the highest tensile strength of any metal, tungsten is brittle and prone to shattering. So impact strength is not up there with its tensile qualities. This metal is often combined with steel and other metals. It also has the highest melting point of any natural metal.

• Cutting tools and industrial machinery
• Military armour and ammunition
• Electrical contacts and electrodes
• Aerospace components
• High temperature applications

Tungsten vs Titanium

Since these are the strongest metals in our discovery, it’s only fair we give them their own section and stand-off.

Tungsten

• Highest tensile strength of any natural metal, making it incredibly resistant to being pulled apart.
• Highest melting point of any metal (3,422°C), making it ideal for high temperature applications.
• Extremely dense, almost twice as heavy as lead.
• Less practical for applications requiring lightweight materials.
• Brittle in its pure form, meaning it can shatter under high impact.
• Often used in alloys with steel to improve strength and durability while reducing brittleness.

Titanium

• Excellent strength to weight ratio.
• Highly resistant to corrosion, even in extreme environments like seawater and acidic conditions.
• High melting point (1,668°C), making it useful for aerospace and high-performance applications.
• More flexible and less brittle than tungsten, meaning it can absorb impact without breaking.
• Biocompatible with the human body.

Which is the strongest?

The choice between tungsten and titanium depends on the application. 

If you need maximum tensile strength and heat resistance, tungsten is the winner. However, if you need a strong, lightweight, and impact resistant metal, titanium is the better choice. Tungsten is ideal for industrial applications like cutting tools and military uses, whereas titanium excels in aerospace, medical, and sporting applications. 

If this has been an interesting read then you may be interested in our other blog – Melting Point of Metals. This includes a chart showing the melting point of various metals and a guide on how to measure the melting point.

Find out more about working with Salamander Fabrications on your next sheet metal project…

Here at Salamander Fabrications, we use a variety of techniques to shape, design, and transform some of the strongest metals in the world. This includes laser cutting services, expert welding services, and metal folding services.

If you would like some more information or advice on what we have to offer, please feel free to contact us. You can call us on 01484 843599 or send an email to sales@salamanderfabs.com.