Metal theory

• What is the definition of metal properties?

  The properties of metal vary depending on the type of material.
• What does it mean if a metal is described as brittle?

  It cracks or breaks easily.
• What does corrosion resistant mean in terms of metal properties?

  It does not rust.
• What is ductility in metals?

  It can be stretched without breaking to make long, thin lengths.
• How is durability defined in metal properties?

  It is the resistance to wear and tear.
• What does it mean for a metal to be a thermal insulator?

  It is able to maintain temperatures.
• What is the significance of a metal being an electrical conductor?

  It is able to pass electricity current.
• What does malleable mean in terms of metal properties?

  It is soft enough to be shaped.
• What does toughness refer to in metal properties?

  It is able to withstand sudden blows without breaking.
• How is strength defined in the context of metal properties?

  It is the ability to withstand force.
• Where do metals come from?

  Metals come from rocks/minerals which are mined and processed.
• What are alloys?

  Alloys are metals that are mixed together to improve their properties.
• What are the two categories of metals?

  Ferrous and Non-Ferrous.
• What characterizes ferrous metals?

  Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic.
• What happens to iron when it reacts with oxygen and water?

  It causes materials to rust.
• How can the rusting of iron be prevented?

  By adding finishes such as paint to protect the surface.
• What defines non-ferrous metals?

  They do not contain iron and are generally not magnetic.
• Name some examples of non-ferrous metals.

  Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Zinc.
• What are some forms of metal supply?

  Wire, Sheet, Bar, Ingots, Pipe, Powder.
• What are the properties of ferrous metals?

  • Contains iron
  • Magnetic
  • Prone to rusting
  • Examples: Cast Iron, Mild Steel, Tool Steel, Stainless Steel
• What are the properties of non-ferrous metals?

  • Does not contain iron
  • Generally non-magnetic
  • Resistant to rust
  • Examples: Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Zinc
• What is the purpose of a centre punch?

  It is used to enlarge the marked hole for drilling.
• What is the function of an engineer's square?

  It is used for drawing lines across material at right angles to an edge.
• What is a scribe used for?

  It is used to mark lines on material.
• What is the purpose of a steel rule?

  It is used for measuring distances.
• What are odd-leg callipers used for?

  They are used to draw lines parallel to an edge.
• What is the function of dividers?

  They are used to mark out circles or arcs on material.
• What is a hacksaw used for?

  A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw to cut metal.
• What is a junior hacksaw?

  A smaller version of the hacksaw used for intricate details.
• What are tin snips used for?

  They are hand tools used to cut sheet metal.
• What is the purpose of a ball pein hammer?

  It is used for many tasks, such as striking punches, chisels, and rounding edges.
• What are files used for?

  They are used to remove small amounts of material.
• What is an anvil used for?

  It is used to shape metal against its hard surface.
• What is the function of a hide mallet?

  It is used to shape metal.
• What is the purpose of a hand vice?

  It is used to hold the material securely for general use.
• What is the function of an engineer's vice?

  It is used to hold the material securely whilst using tools.
• What is a machine vice used for?

  It is used to hold materials securely when drilling.
• What is the purpose of a forge?

  It is used to heat metal to an appropriate temperature to help with shaping.
• What is the function of a fluidiser?

  It is used to apply a plastic finish known as dip coating.
• What is a milling machine used for?

  It is used to remove material from a workpiece at various angles.