Material Properties

Density

The mass per unit of volume

* Effects the weight of a product

Fusibility

Ability to become liquid when heated to a particular temperature (melting point)

* Able to be complex

Conductivity

Ability to conduct electrical current or heat

* Can conduct/insulated from heat/electricity

Thermal Expansion

The amount that a material expands when heated

* Able to be used in hot/cold places

Strength

Ability to withstand force without breaking or permanently deforming

* Able to support/resist weight and force

Elasticity

Ability to bend + flex when subject to force and return to original form when removed

* Sheet material can be formed into simple shapes

Plasticity

Ability to be changed (deformed) by application of an external force without breaking/fracture

* Provides comfort for the user (e.g. handles)

Malleability

Ability to be permanently changed (deformed) by application of compressive force without breaking/fracture

* Can be pressed into shape

Ductility

Ability to be permanently changed (deformed) by application of tensile force without breaking/fracture

* Can be made into wire/tubing

Hardness

Ability to resist abrasive wear, indentation and deformation

* Scratch resistant

Toughness

Ability to withstand sudden stress in forms of shocks or blows without breaking/fracture

* Impact resistant

Durability

Ability to withstand wear, tear and deterioration over time

* maintain aesthetics for a long time

Stability

Ability to resist changes in shape and size over time

* Won’t warp or bend over time