stock forms and types of metal

• 3 categories of metals:

  • Ferrous – contain iron, are magnetic and can rust
  • Non-ferrous – does not contain iron, non magnetic, do not rust
  • Alloys – a combination of two or more metals or two or more elements (one of which must be a metal)
• what form is metal mined in

  ore from the ground
• how is alumunium ore extracted(bauxite)

  electrolysis
• how is iron ore extracted

  heat and carbon
• what are the three types of ferrous metals

  • Low carbon steel
  • Medium carbon steel
  • Cast iron
• properties of low carbon steel and uses

  • Low carbon steel is malleable, ductile and relatively inexpensive compared to other metals
  • Applications include nuts, bolts and automotive parts
• properties of medium carbon steel and its uses

  • less ductile than low carbon steel,It is hard, malleable, tough with good tensile strength#
  • springs, gears,rail tracks and machine parts
• properties and uses of grey cast iron

  • distributes heat evenly and withstands even compression, resisting deformation, brittle, low impact resistance
  • radiators, cookware and stoves
• properties and uses of white cast iron

  • excellent resistance to abrasion, hard and brittle but has a greater tensile strength
  • extrusion nozzles, dies, stone crushersand industrial rollers
• what are the 6 non ferrous metals

  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Titanium
  • Tin
• properties and use of alumuminum

  • soft, malleable and has a natural oxide layer which helps prevent corrosion
  • window frames, phone casings, aeroplane parts and bicycles
• properties and uses of copper

  • malleable and extremely ductile ,It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat 
  • electrical wire, motors, hot water pipes and pans
• properties and uses of zinc

  • ductile and easily worked , excellent corrosion resitance, usually alloyed
  • galvanising, roofing material and batteries 
• properties and uses of silver

  • It is the best electric and thermal conductor, It is extremely ductile 
  • Applications include electronics, mirrors and jewellery
• properties and uses of gold

  • least reactive metals, It is one of the most ductile and malleable metals, It does not tarnish
  • jewellery, electronics, ornamentation and dentistry
• properties and uses of tin

  • It is soft and malleable, It has good corrosion resistance
  • ‘tin plate’coating and solder for electronics
• properties and uses of titanium

  • low density, durable metal with a high melting point, It is highly resistant to corrosion and has an excellent strength to weight ratio
  • golf clubs, pacemakers, jewelleryand aviation components
• what are the 3 ferrous alloys

  • Stainless steel
  • Die steel
  • High speed steel
• properties and uses of stainless steel

  • very hard with good impact resistance, It has very good corrosion resistance
  • medical and catering equipment and construction
• properties and uses of die steel

  • good dimensional stability, It is hard and has a natural oxide layer which helps prevent corrosion
  • dies for die casting, wire drawing and tooling
• properties and uses for high speed steel


  extremely hard and toughand holds an edge well, withstands much higher temperatures than other carbon steels

  • drill bits, tool blades, milling cutters and kitchen knives
• what are the 4 non ferrous alloys

  • Bronze
  • Brass
  • Duralumin
  • Pewter
• propertie and use of bronze

  • resistant to corrosion
  • Bronze is quite brittle 
  • statues, medals and coins
• properties and uses of brass

  • low melting point (approx. 900°C)
  • It is a low friction, self lubricating metal
  • It is relatively corrosion resistant
  • Brass is a good conductor of heat and electricity 
  • valves, taps, ornaments and musical instruments 
• properties and uses of pewter

  • very low melting point, soft and malleable
  • jugs
• properties and uses of duralumin

  • ductile, malleable, can be hardened and has an excellent strength to weight ratio
  • aircraft parts, surgical instruments, telescopic tent and walking poles, automotive and military engineering
• what are the 5 types of stock forms

  • Sheet, plate, bar, tube and structural profiles