Properties of ferrous metals

uses of cast iron

• Engineering vices

• Casting

• Engine blocks

• Anvils

advantages of cast iron (3 - 3.5% carbon)

• Good compressive strength

• Hard

• Relatively cheap

disadvantages of cast iron

• Brittle compared to other ferrous metals

• Difficult to machine

• Poor corrosion resistance

uses of high carbon steel

• Tools like:

  • Blades

  • Hammers

  • Chisels

pros of high carbon steel (0.8 - 1.4% carbon)

• Strong

• Hard

• Can be hardened

cons of high carbon steel

• Not as tough as lower carbon steels

• Difficult to machine

uses of low carbon steel

• Nails

• Screws

• Car bodies

advantages of low carbon steel (Less than 0.3% carbon)

• Tough

• Relatively cheap

• Stronger than most non ferrous metals

disadvantages of low carbon steel

• Lower strengths than other steels

• Can’t be hardened

uses of stainless steel

• Knives

• Forks

• Medical equipment

• Sinks

cons of stainless steel

• Difficult to machine

• Expensive

advantages of stainless steel (11.5% chromium)

• Strong

• Hard

• Good corrosion resistance