Alloys

Alloys are a mixture of at least one pure metal and another element

High speed steel

-Chromium Molybdenum

-Tungsten Vanadium

-Cobalt Carbon

Can withstand high temperatures when machining at high speed. used for cutting tools, such as drill bits, mill cutters, taps and dies.

Stainless steel

-Low carbon 0.03-0.08%

-Chromium 10.5-26%

Hard, ductile. Rust resistant, Chromium layer protects steel from corrosion. Used for cutlery, kitchen and medical equipment

Brass

-Copper 65%

-Zinc 35%

Malleable and easy to cast. Good corrosion resistance. Used for musical instruments, plumbing fitments and ornate artefacts.

Why alloys?

The alloying process combines the metals and other elements to improve working properties or aesthetics. Alloys are harder than pure metals.

Why are alloys harder than regular metals?

Alloys are harder than pure metals as they contain atoms of different sizes; distorting the arrangement of the atoms, making it hard for the layers of atom to slide over each other- creating a stronger metal.