metals stock forms

metals are found within the earths crust, often reached with oxygen to form and ore. the most common ore is aluminium ore known as bauxite. the ores can be extracted by crushing, smelting heating, using chemicals or electrolysis (an energy intensive progress). most metals can be recycled down if pure and re moulded or recast

chalcopyrite - copper ore

bauxite - aluminium ore

cassiterite - tin ore

zinc blende- zinc ore

CATEGORIES

there are four categories of metals, two natural and two alloys

ferrous - metals containing iron

non-ferrous - metals not containing iron

ferrous alloys - a mix of more than one metal where one of them is iron

non-ferrous alloys - a mix of more than one metal where none of them are iron

FERROUS METALS

iron - a basic ferrous metal

low carbon steel - 0.05-0.25% carbon, malleable, ductile, inexpensive. suitable for nuts and bolts and car parts

medium carbon steel - 0.29-0.54% carbon, less ductile than low carbon, malleable and tough, friction resistant and tough. suitable for rail tracks and large machinery parts

white cast iron - 1.8-3.6% carbon, high tensile strength, can be cast with a little shrinkage but brittle. suitable for stone crushers and mixer drum linings

grey cast iron - 2.5-4% carbon, even heat distribution, deformation resistant but brittle, oxidation resistant. suitable for cookware and stoves

NON- FERROUS METALS

aluminium - good strength to weight ratio, malleable and corrosion resistant.suitable for plane parts and drink cans

copper - very malleable and ductile, excellent thermal and electrical conductor. suitable for pipes and cooking pots

zinc - very ductile, easy to work, corrosion resistant, low melting point. suitable for galvanisation and sacrificial metal blocks on boats

silver - good thermal and electrical conductor, extremely ductile. suitable for mirrors and jewellery

gold - extremely unreactive, ductile, malleable, does not tarnish. suitable for electronics, jewellery and dentistry

titanium - low density, high melting point, corrosion resistant, good strength to weight ratio, medically safe. suitable for implants and plane parts

tin - soft, malleable, corrosion resistant. suitable for soldering

FERROUS ALLOYS

stainless steel - contains carbon chromium and nickel, impact resistant, corrosion resistant. suitable for cooking equipment and construction

die steel - contains carbon, silicon, manganese, tungsten, vanadium or molybdenum, stable, corrosion resistant. suitable for die casting, punches and dies

high speed steel - contains carbon, molybdenum and cobalt, very hard and tough, can withstand higher temperatures than other steels. suitable for drill bits, blades and knife blades

NON-FERROUS ALLOYS

brass - 65% copper, 35% zinc, low melting point, low friction and self lubricating, corrosion resistant, good conductor. suitable for ornaments and musical instruments

bronze - 90% copper 10% tin, corrosion resistant, quite brittle. suitable for coins and statues

duralumin - 90% aluminium 4% copper and some magnesium and manganese, ductile, malleable, can be hardened, good strength to weight ratio. suitable for plane parts and military parts and engineering

pewter - 95% tin 5% copper and antimony used as a hardener, low melting point, soft and malleable. suitable for flasks and trophies

STOCK FORMS

metals must be produced in set stock forms for efficiency and ease when designing, to select the right stock form you must consider the forces that will be applied. it also makes transport easier to carry planks instead of trunks and they are cheaper than specific custom pieces upon request.

sheet - sheets are around 3mm thick, they are good for machining. suitable for tin cans and car parts

plate - available in thickness higher than 3mm, ideal for laser and flame cutting. suitable for architectural features and military machines

bar - can come in flat round square, hexagonal and other forms. flat and square can be milled, welded and turned easily. round and hexagonal can be easily turned and used on lathes. suitable for gym equipment and construction

tube - can be circular or rectangular, structurally strong. suitable for plumbing and musical instruments

beams and joints - can come in multiple different shaped profiles for aesthetics and functionality strength-wise. suitable for bridges and skyscrapers. (note RSJ are rolled steel joists used in construction)