Metals

• What are non-ferrous metals?

  Metals that do not contain iron
• What are the characteristics of non-ferrous metals?

  They are not magnetic and will not rust
• Name some examples of non-ferrous metals and their uses.

  • Aluminium: Pots, pans, cars, cans
  • Copper: Plumbing supplies and cables
  • Tin: Protective coating
  • Titanium: Hip replacements, golf clubs, aircraft
  • Gold: Jewellery, electronic components
  • Silver: Jewellery, cutlery, plating other metals
• What are the performance characteristics of metals and alloys?

  They can take on various coatings, are generally good conductors, and can be recycled
• What are the stock forms of metals?

  Sheets, plates, bars, tubes, and structural angular shapes
• What are alloys?

  Mixtures of two or more metals to obtain the best properties of both
• Name some examples of alloys and their uses.

  • Brass: Musical instruments, plumbing
  • Stainless Steel: Cutlery, medical tools
  • High Speed Steel: Tool blades, drill bits
  • Bronze: Statues, coins, bearings
  • Pewter: Jewellery, goblets, decorative items
• What are ferrous metals?

  Metals that contain iron
• What are the characteristics of ferrous metals?

  They are magnetic and will rust
• Name some examples of ferrous metals and their uses.

  • Low Carbon Steel: Construction, screws, cars
  • High Carbon Steel: Tools, blades, knives
  • Cast Iron: Pots, pans, vices
  • Medium Carbon Steel: Springs, gardening tools
• How are metals processed from ores?

  They go through an extraction process in a blast furnace
• What is the most common ore for aluminium?

  Bauxite
• What is the process of extracting metals from ores?

  1. Ore is mined from the ground
  2. Ore is separated in a blast furnace
  3. Waste material is extracted
  4. Hot air and waste gases are removed
  5. Molten metal is collected
• What is the maximum temperature in a blast furnace?

  17,000°C
• What happens to iron metals in a blast furnace?

  They become liquid and descend through the furnace
• How is aluminium extracted from bauxite?

  Through an electrolytic process after washing and refining
• What are the different stock forms of metals?

  • Sheets
  • Plates
  • Bars (flat, round, square, etc.)
  • Tubes (round, square, rectangular, hexagonal)
  • Structural Angles (H beam, I beam, tee, channel, angle)
• What are the performance characteristics of metals and alloys?

  • Can take on a variety of coatings and finishes
  • Generally good conductors (heat and electrical)
  • Non-renewable resource
  • Range of metals suitable for various uses
  • Can be recycled
  • Can be joined and shaped using various processes