Today, manufacturers build ships out of the strongest and most durable materials. After all, ocean waves are powerful, and ships must be able to withstand the toughest waters. Check out some of the materials used in modern shipbuilding below.
Aluminum
Almost all boats have parts made from aluminum. There are many uses for aluminum in the naval craft industry, and you’ll often find it in the hull and engine components. The reason why aluminum is such a popular metal for ships is because it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. Due to these qualities, boats with aluminum can withstand rough waters and last for many years.
Steel
Steel has been one of the most popular metals for shipbuilding for over 100 years. This metal is not only strong and durable, but it’s also very affordable. Additionally, steel is recyclable, so it’s a sustainable metal to use for ship manufacturing. You’ll find steel in all kinds of boat components, from engine parts to doors.
Polyethylene
Another one of the materials used in modern shipbuilding is polyethylene. Polyethylene is a type of plastic known for its durability and versatility. Just like steel, polyethylene is also recyclable and is considered a sustainable material. The main reason why manufacturers use polyethylene is to take advantage of its high strength-to-density ratio. This means that the material has high strength with low density, making it both lightweight and durable.
Fibre-Reinforced Plastic
Fibre-reinforced plastic has quickly become one of the top materials for shipbuilding. It is strong, lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and watertight, making it a perfect material for all types of ships. Additionally, fibre-reinforced plastic is recyclable and does not have any negative effects on our ecosystem.
To recap, the materials used for shipbuilding are fibre-reinforced plastic, polyethylene, steel, and aluminum. Using these materials, manufacturers can create safe, strong, and watertight ships that last for many years. When ships are made with these metals, they’ll be able to withstand the harshest of sea conditions.