Metal & Alloys

• What are the three categories of metals?

  Ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, alloys
• What are the characteristics of ferrous metals?

  • Contain iron (ferrite)
  • Magnetic
  • Rust without protective coating
  • Can be mixed with other metals to enhance properties
• Name three common types of ferrous metals.

  Mild steel, steel, cast iron
• What are the characteristics of non-ferrous metals?

  • Do not contain iron (ferrite)
  • Generally not magnetic
  • Do not rust
  • Can oxidise, changing surface color
• Name three common types of non-ferrous metals.

  Copper, gold, silver, platinum
• What are the characteristics of alloys?

  • Result from mixing two or more metals
  • At least one is a pure metal (non-ferrous)
  • Improve working properties
  • Improve aesthetics
• Name three common types of alloys.

  Brass, stainless steel, tungsten
• What are the characteristics of low carbon steel?

  • Bright grey appearance with smooth texture
  • Will oxidise (rust) if unprotected
  • Tough and ductile
  • Easily formed, welded, and brazed
• What are common uses of low carbon steel?

  Car body parts, nuts, bolts, screws
• What are the characteristics of high carbon steel?

  • Bright grey appearance with smooth texture
  • Will oxidise (rust) if unprotected
  • Harder than low carbon steel
  • Less ductile and very hard wearing
• What are common uses of high carbon steel?

  Blades, scissors, tools, drill bits
• What are the characteristics of cast iron?

  • Dull grey appearance with rough texture
  • Less prone to oxidation (rust)
  • Very hard but can be brittle
  • Can be cast into complex shapes
• What are common uses of cast iron?

  Kitchen pots, manhole covers, post boxes
• Why is low carbon steel commonly used in car body parts?

  It is tough and ductile
• How does high carbon steel differ from low carbon steel?

  High carbon steel is harder and less ductile
• What is a key difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?

  Ferrous metals contain iron, non-ferrous do not
• Aluminium

  • Light grey in appearance with a matt or polished surface finish.
  • This metal is lightweight, ductile and has a high strength to weight ratio.
  • Aluminium can be difficult to weld.
  • Common uses include drinks cans, pot and pans, bike frames, and take away trays.
• Copper


  Bright reddish-orange in appearance and can be polished to a high-quality finish. This metal, when oxidised, will turn to an attractive mottled green shade. Copper is malleable, ductile, and a good electrical conductor. Common uses include copper pipes for heating, pots and pans, electrical cable, roofing, and guttering.
• Tin

  • Silvery grey in appearance with a shiny finish.
  • This metal is often plated onto steel and is soft and malleable.
  • Tin is a good electrical conductor.
  • Common uses include tin cans, soft solder, and as an alloy with copper to create bronze.
• Zinc


  • Silvery grey in appearance with a matt finish.
  • This metal is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity.
  • Common uses include the process of galvanising to coat steel to protect it from rusting.
• Brass


  • This alloy is made up of 65% copper and 35% zinc.
  • Brass is yellow/gold in appearance and goes brown when it oxidises (rust).
  • A heavy alloy that is malleable, easy to cast, and has low friction.
  • Common uses include ornaments, musical instruments, and plumbing fittings.
• Stainless Steel


  • This alloy is made up of low carbon and chromium.
  • Stainless steel has a bright polished mirror finish and can resist rust.
  • A ferrous alloy with chromium, nickel, and manganese that is hard and smooth.
  • Common uses include kitchen sinks, cutlery, and medical equipment.
• High speed Steel


  • These alloys can include chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, cobalt, and carbon.
  • The appearance can vary depending on the mixture of alloy with steel.
  • This alloy performs well under high temperatures when used for machining.
  • Common uses include drill bits, cutting tools, mill bits, taps, and dies.