Metals

• What are the properties of ferrous metals?

  • Contain iron
  • Rust easily
  • Magnetic
  • Examples: iron and steel
• What are the properties of non-ferrous metals?

  • Do not contain iron
  • Do not rust
  • Not magnetic
  • Examples: copper and aluminium
• What are the properties of alloys?


  • Mixture of more than one metal
  • Examples: bronze and brass
• What are the properties of smart metals?

  • React to certain stimuli
  • Change shape and revert back
  • Example: shape-memory alloys (SMAs)
• What is a characteristic of cast iron?

  It is cheap to produce and easy to cast
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of cast iron?

  It has high compressive strength but low tensile strength and is brittle
• What are common uses for cast iron?

  Pans, brake discs, and large castings
• What is a characteristic of mild steel?

  It has high strength and is malleable
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of mild steel?

  It is easily machined but requires a coolant to prevent chip welding
• What are common uses for mild steel?

  Structural sections, meshes, and forgings
• What is a characteristic of medium carbon steel?

  It can be hardened by heating
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of medium carbon steel?

  It machines to a quality surface finish but is more expensive than mild steel
• What are common uses for medium carbon steel?

  Gears, drop hammer dies, and wood saws
• What is a characteristic of high carbon steel?

  It is very wear resistant and harder than medium carbon steel
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of high carbon steel?

  It can be heat treated but is less ductile and tough
• What are common uses for high carbon steel?

  Files, metalwork tools, and chisels
• What is a characteristic of stainless steel?

  It is resistant to corrosion and tough
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of stainless steel?

  It is strong and wear resistant but expensive and hard to work
• What are common uses for stainless steel?

  Cutlery, kitchenware, and surgical equipment
• What is a characteristic of high speed steel?

  It is extremely hard and can withstand high temperatures
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of high speed steel?

  It is easy to machine when annealed but more expensive than high carbon steel
• What are common uses for high speed steel?

  Metal cutting and power tool cutters
• What is a characteristic of high tensile steel?

  It has excellent strength and is really tough
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of high tensile steel?

  It is abrasion resistant but expensive
• What are common uses for high tensile steel?

  Gears and engine components
• What is a characteristic of aluminium?

  It is lightweight and ductile
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of aluminium?

  It is a good conductor of heat and electricity but soft and more expensive than steel
• What are common uses for aluminium?

  Kitchen equipment, window frames, and cooking pans
• What is a characteristic of copper?

  It is malleable and ductile
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of copper?

  It is a good conductor of heat and electricity but brittle and can bend easily
• What are common uses for copper?

  Electrical cables and conductors, and water pipes
• What is a characteristic of pewter?

  It is a lead-free alloy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of pewter?

  It can be cast easily but is very soft and not hardwearing
• What are common uses for pewter?

  Jewellery and drinking tankards
• What is a characteristic of silver?

  It is one of the precious metals
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of silver?

  It is soft and very ductile but can tarnish and is expensive
• What are common uses for silver?

  Jewellery, decorative tableware, and electrical engineering
• What are the properties of bronze?

  • Mix of copper (90-95%) and tin (5-10%)
  • Harder/tougher than brass
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Easily machined and malleable
  • Soft, can scratch easily
• What are the properties of brass?

  • Mix of copper (65%) and zinc (35%)
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Harder than copper
  • Malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity
  • Can scratch easily
• What are the properties of duralumin?

  • Mix of aluminium (94-98%) and copper (2-6%)
  • Stronger than pure aluminum
  • Lightweight and malleable
  • Machines well but can bend easily