Since their inception during the Industrial Revolution, safes have continuously evolved in design and materials. While their basic cube-like shape has remained consistent, advancements have been made in linings, locking mechanisms, and more. Early safes were crafted from cast iron, which, though durable, has been largely replaced by steel in modern manufacturing. Steel offers superior strength and resistance to rust, making it the preferred material for safe construction.
Steel's advantages extend beyond durability, as it can be formulated with special alloys to enhance fire resistance and overall security. The metallurgy involved in creating these materials is intricate, with manufacturers tweaking compositions to withstand extreme temperatures and physical attacks.
A typical safe consists of an outer "skin" for visible protection and an inner hard plate to safeguard the mechanism. The outer layer is often made of a milder metal to absorb shocks without cracking, while fire safes may include insulation layers with materials like vermiculite mica and gypsum to protect contents from heat.
For more advanced safes, such as vaults, additional layers like glass may be incorporated into the walls to trigger alarms if tampered with forcefully.
Surprisingly, there's also a market for plastic safes, particularly suited for small items due to their lightweight and water-resistant nature. These safes can be customized in various colors and are made from hard plastics designed to be shockproof, corrosion-resistant, and even feature anti-bacterial coatings for hygiene.
