2.1 - Stock Forms and Types of metals

Ferrous

• Metals that contain iron.

• Prone to rust

• Magnetic

Non-Ferrous

• Metals that don’t contain iron.

Ferrous Alloys

• A metal with 2 or more elements that contains a ferrous metal.

Non-Ferrous Alloy

• Combination of 2 or more non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous Metals (Examples)

• Low carbon steel

• Medium carbon steel

• Cast iron

Non-Ferrous Metals (Examples)

• Aluminium 

• Copper

• Silver

• Gold

• Titanium

• Tin

Low Carbon Steel

• Malleable

• Easy to weld 

• Ductile

• Inexpensive

• Good tensile strength

Medium Carbon Steel

• Less ductile than low carbon

• Hard

• Malleable

• Tough

• Good tensile strength

Grey cast iron

• Very hard

• Brittle

• Low impact resistance

• Good resistance to oxidation

White cast iron

• Resistant to abrasion

• Brittle

• Great tensile strength

• Can be cast with Little shrinkage

Aluminium

• Excellent Strength to weight ratio

• Soft

• Malleable

• Natural Oxide Layer

Copper

• Malleable

• Ductile

• Conducts electricity & heat

Zinc

• Often Alloyed

• Ductile

• Oxide Layer

Silver

• Ductile

• High cost

• Best electric and thermal conductor

Gold

• Not very reactive

• Very ductile 

• Very malleable

• Does not tarnish

Titanium

• Low density

• Durable

• High melting point

• Resistant to corrosion

• Excellent strength to weight ratio

Tin

• Soft

• Malleable

• Good corrosion resistance

Stainless Steel

• Very hard

• Good impact resistance

Die Steel

• Good dimensional stability

• Hard

• Natural oxide layer

High speed steel

• Alloyed with one or more elements including molybdenum & cobalt.

• Hard & Tough.

• Holds an edge well.

• Withstands much higher temperatures.

Brass

• Low melting point

• Low friction

• Self lubricating metal

• Corrosion resistant

• Good conductor of heat & Electricity

Bronze

• Forms an oxide layer 

• Resistant to corrosion

• Brittle

Duralumin

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Can be hardened 

• Excellent strength to weight ratio

• Oxidises to create a protective layer 

Pewter

• Very low melting point

• Soft

• Malleable

Sheet

• Up to 3mm thick

Plate

• Greater than 3mm thick.

• Narrower than sheet.

Bar

• Flat

• Round

• Square

• Hexagonal

Tube

• Available in the same stock forms as bar.

• Tubular stock forms are structurally strong.

Structural beams & joists

• I beam

• H beam

• L beam

• T bar

• Channel