Properties of non ferrous metals

uses of aluminium

• Drinks can

• Wings/body panels for aircraft

cons - aluminium

• Not as strong as steels (is alloyed to be stronger)

• Costs more than carbon steels

pros of aluminium

• Better corrosion resistance than carbon steels

• Lower density than steel (lightweight)

• Recyclable

uses of copper

• Water pipes

• Electrical wires

pros of copper

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductor

  • used in pure form (not alloyed), because it would lose electrical conductivity

• Can be polished

cons - copper

• Oxidises to a green colour

uses of brass (Copper and zinc)

• Doorknobs

• Musical instruments

• Pressure valve bodies

pros of brass

• Harder than copper

• Malleable

• Corrosion resistant

• Machined to a high finish

• Ductile

cons of brass

• Difficult to cast

• soft

• expensive

uses of bronze

• Cast products like:

  • Statues

  • Sculptures

  • Ornaments

pros of bronze (copper and tin)

• Harder/tougher than brass

• Malleable

• Corrosion resistant

• Casts well

• Easily machined

uses of zinc

• Die casting

  • Car door handles

  • Camera bodies

pros - zinc

• Low melting point

• Relatively cheap (less energy required to melt it)

cons - zinc

• Brittle

• Low corrosion resistance

uses of lead

• Construction (prevents water leaks around roofs)

• Weights for diving

• Radiation shields

• Water pipes (but is harmful to humans)

cons of bronze

• soft

• weak

• expensive