properties of metals

Names of the ores for…

• copper

• tin

• aluminium

• zinc

• copper - chalcopyrite

• tin - cassiterite

• aluminium - bauxite

• zinc - zinc blende

Stock forms for metals

Sheet - Thin, flat metal that can be easily cut and shaped, used in roofing, car bodies, and cladding.

Plate - Similar to sheet but much thicker, used in shipbuilding, heavy-duty machinery, and bridges.

Structural

• H beam - Large cross-section shaped like an 'H', used in construction for strong load-bearing structures.

• I beam - Similar to H beam but with thinner web and flanges, widely used in bridges and buildings.

• Tee - T-shaped cross-section, used for reinforcement and structural support.

• Channel - U-shaped cross-section, used for framing, bridges, and enclosures.

• Angle - L-shaped cross-section, used in frameworks, supports, and reinforcements.

Tube

• Round tube - Hollow cylindrical shape, used in piping, handrails, and structural frameworks.

• Square tube - Hollow square cross-section, used in construction, frames, and supports.

• Rectangular tube - Similar to square tube but with different width-to-height ratios, used in furniture, framework, and structural applications.

• Hexagonal tube - Six-sided hollow shape, less common but used in specialist engineering applications.

Bar

• Flat bar - Rectangular cross-section, used for framework, gates, and general fabrication.

• Round bar - Circular cross-section, used for axles, shafts, and reinforcement.

• Square bar - Square cross-section, used for ornamental work, frames, and supports.

• Hexagonal bar - Six-sided bar, commonly used for fasteners, bolts, and engineering components.

What is hardness?

The ability of a metal to resist indentation, wear, and abrasion (e.g. hard metals such as tool steel are used in cutting tools and machinery)

What is toughness?

The ability to absorb energy and resist fracture under impact (e.g. high-toughness metals like stainless steel are used in structural applications)

Malleability

The ability to be shaped or deformed under compressive forces without cracking. Copper and aluminium are highly malleable and used in wiring and sheet metal.

Elasticity

The ability to return to its original shape after being deformed. Spring steel is highly elastic and used in suspension systems

Tensile Strength

The ability to resist stretching forces without breaking. High-tensile steels are used in bridges, cables, and aircraft structures

Density

The mass of the metal per unit volume. Dense metals like lead are used in radiation shielding, while lighter metals like aluminium are used in aerospace

Resistance to Corrosion

The ability to withstand oxidation and environmental damage. Stainless steel and aluminium have good corrosion resistance and are used in marine and outdoor applications.

Thermal Conductivity

The ability to transfer heat efficiently. Copper and aluminium are excellent thermal conductors used in heat exchangers and cookware

Resistance to Corrosion

The ability to withstand oxidation and environmental damage. Stainless steel and aluminium have good corrosion resistance and are used in marine and outdoor applications

Electrical Conductivity

The ability to carry an electrical current. Copper and silver are highly conductive and used in electrical wiring and circuit boards

Melting Points

The temperature at which a metal changes from solid to liquid. High-melting-point metals like tungsten are used in filaments and aerospace applications

Ability to be Alloyed

The ability to mix with other metals to enhance properties

Ability to be Joined with Heat Processes

The ability to be welded, brazed, or soldered. Metals like mild steel are highly weldable and used in fabrication.

Ability to Take Applied Coatings and Finishes

The ability to be painted, anodised, or plated for improved aesthetics and protection. Galvanised steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust.

non-ferrous

CAT GSTZ

• Non-ferrous metals are more corrosion resistant than ferrous metals

• Non-ferrous metals tend to be more expensive than ferrous metals due to their rarity

• Non-ferrous metals tend to be lighter than ferrous metals

Copper

Non-ferrous - melting point 1080c, used for plumbing, electrical components, cookware, roof coverings

Advantages

• Good heat and electrical conductor

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Soft

Disadvantages

• Needs annealing when worked

• Danger of electrolysis when in contact with water

• Corrodes easily

• Expensive

Aluminium

Non-ferrous - melting point 660c, used for window frames, cooking foil, ladders, expensive bike frames

Advantages

• Lightweight

• Corrosion resistant

• Good conductor of electricity

• Malleable

• Though

Disadvantages

• Cracks under stress

• Needs annealing when worked

• Does not withstand great loads

Tin

Non-ferrous - melting point 230c, used for food cans, beer cans, whistles, tin foil and solder (rarely used pure)

Advantages

• Malleable

• Ductile

• Corrosion resistant

Disadvantages

• Hard to recycle

• Not very strong

Gold

Non-ferrous - melting point 1340c, used for jewellery and in computers

Advantages

• Highly corrosion-resistant

• Excellent electrical conductivity

• Soft and easily shaped

• Non-reactive and biocompatible

• Attractive appearance

Disadvantages

• Extremely expensive

• Soft and wears easily unless alloyed

• Heavy

Silver

Non-ferrous - melting point 960c, used for jewellery, high quality cutlery, coins, trophies and mirror

Advantages

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity

• Highly corrosion-resistant

• Soft and easily worked

• Antimicrobial properties

• Attractive appearance

Disadvantages

• Expensive

• Soft and prone to scratching

• Tarnishes over time

Titanium

Non-ferrous - melting point 1670c, used for aircraft, ship hulls and joint replacement

Advantages

• High strength-to-weight ratio

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Biocompatible (non-toxic and non-reactive in the body)

• Resistant to extreme temperatures

• Good fatigue resistance

Disadvantages

• Expensive to produce

• Difficult to machine

• Poor thermal and electrical conductivity

Zinc

Non-ferrous - melting point 420c, used to galvanise / coat screws, steel buckets, batteries

Advantages

• Corrosion resistant

• Self-healing

• Recyclable

• Durable

Disadvantages

• Low toughness

• Brittle when worked

• May corrode when in contact with water/moisture for a long time

non ferrous alloy

BBDP

Brass

Non ferrous alloy - alloy of copper and zinc melting point 1670c, used for instruments, firearms cartridges, taps (casts well)

Advantages

• Casts well

• Easy to machine

• Good conductor of heat and electricity

• Low friction coefficent

• Strong (not as strong as steel, but stronger than copper)

Disadvantages

• Susceptible to cracking when cold worked

• Needs to be constantly annealed

• Not very corrosion resistant

Bronze

Non ferrous alloy - alloy of mainly copper with tin melting point 1670c, used for ship propellers, underwater fittings, statues and medals

Advantages

• Corrosion-resistant, especially in marine environments

• Strong and durable

• Good wear resistance

• Low friction properties

• Good electrical conductivity

Disadvantages

• More expensive than brass and steel

• Can be brittle

• Heavier than aluminium and some other non-ferrous metals

Duralumin

Non ferrous alloy - alloy of mainly aluminium, copper, manganese melting point 600c, used for aircraft and vehicle parts

Advantages

• Lightweight

• Strong (similar to LCS)

• Casts well

• Tough/hard

Disadvantages

• Not corrosion resistant

• Brittle

Pewter

Non ferrous alloy - melting point 200c, used for flasks, photo frames, decorative objects and candlesticks

Advantages

• Low melting point, easy to cast

• Does not tarnish easily

• Soft and easy to shape

• Attractive silvery appearance

Disadvantages

• Very soft, can be easily scratched or dented

• Limited structural strength

• Some older pewter alloys contain lead, which is toxic

Ferrous metals

LMC SH

• As carbon content is increased, ferrous metals become more brittle and harder

• Ferrous metals contain iron which makes them magnetic

• Ferrous metals are prone to rust and corrosion due to the iron within the metals

• Ferrous metals tend to be used in construction and as tools due to their good mechanical properties

Steel properties

The higher the carbon content, the harder, tougher and less ductile

Low carbon steel (LCS)

Ferrous - uses up to 0.25% carbon melting point 1430c, used for nuts, bolts and car bodies

Advantages

• Easy to machine and weld

• Good ductility and toughness

• Low cost and widely available

• Can be case-hardened for improved wear resistance

Disadvantages

• Low tensile strength

• Prone to rusting if not protected

• Not suitable for high-stress applications

Medium Carbon Steel

Ferrous - melting point 1490c, used for springs and gardening tools

Advantages

• Harder than mild steel

• Ductile

• Strong material

• Wear resistant

Disadvantages

• Due to increased carbon content it is less ductile/malleable than mild steel

• Hard to shape/cut

Cast Iron

Ferrous - melting point 1150c, used for machinery, cooking pots, and pipes

Advantages

• Good casting properties

• High machinability

• Good wear resistance

• Corrosion resistant

Disadvantages

• Very heavy

• Brittle

• Low tensile strength

Stainless Steel (11%+ Chromium content)

Ferrous - melting point 1510c, used for cutlery, chemical processing equipment and surgical

Advantages

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Strong and durable

• Good aesthetic appearance

• Heat and chemical resistant

Disadvantages

• More expensive than carbon steels

• Lower thermal conductivity

• Difficult to machine and weld

High Speed Steel (HSS)

Ferrous - melting point 1430c , used for drill bits, lathe tools, cutting tools

Advantages

• Can withstand high temperatures

• Retains hardness when heated

• Highly wear-resistant

• Excellent cutting performance

Disadvantages

• Brittle compared to other steels

• More expensive than carbon steels

• Difficult to machine

ferrous alloy

SD

Die Steel

Ferrous alloy - melting point 1460c, used for blanking punches and dies

Advantages

• Extremely hard and durable

• High wear resistance

• Can withstand high temperatures

• Good impact resistance

• Can be hardened and tempered

Disadvantages

• Expensive compared to standard steels

• Difficult to machine

• Can be brittle if not properly heat-treated

Stainless Steel (Chromium, Nickel, Steel)

Ferrous alloy - melting point 1510c, used for kitchen utensils, medical tools and construction

Advantages

• Corrosion resistant

• Heat resistant

• Can be recycled

• Good strength to weight ratio

• Hygenic/non-toxic

Disadvantages

• Expensive

• Hard to machine