Abstract
After brief comments on the world consumption of non-ferrous metals, the paper discusses individually the markets for rolled zinc, lead, titanium, magnesium, nickel, and tin. In Germany, France, and Belgium, rolled zinc is traditionally used in the building industry for roofing, but this application is declining in importance. In the UK, the USA, and Japan the major application is in batteries, and future demand depends critically on this market. The principal use for rolled lead is in roof flashings, with smaller amounts going into the construction of chemical plant. Future growth is expected in the demand for lead in architectural panels and for soundproofing. Titanium in aerospace overshadows all other applications, but it is now becoming firmly established as a constructional material in chemical plant and heat exchangers. The quantities of rolled magnesium demanded are small except in the USA, where use is made of the high strength/weight ratio in the aerospace industry. Rolled nickel is used mainly as an alloy in applications requiring resistance to corrosion, or to the effects of high-temperature environments. The principal tonnage use of rolled tin is in pewter ware, where the requirements are largely decorative. Other applications are threatened by cheaper substitutes.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.