Metals/Alloys

• Non Ferrous metals do not contain Iron,but they can include: Aluminium (Al), Copper (Cu), Lead(Pb), Zinc (Zn), Tin(Sn), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag)
• Aluminium is a non-ferrous, pure metal
• with alloying, it is possible to produce a material that has a better range of properties and characteristics thus making metals more suitable for specific tasks

• By alloying metals it is possible to:

  • improve working properties and improve aesthetics
  • change the melting point
  • change electrical/thermal properties
  • increase strength, hardness and ductility.
• Apart from gold, all other metals are found as ores which are produced from mining. Metals are non-renewable, so recycling them is important.
• Stainless steel is a ferrous metal
• Low/High carbon steel are both Ferrous metals
• Low carbon steel is/has: 

  • Good/ High tensile strength and compressive strength
  • Tough – can take knocks
  • Malleable - Easily bent/shaped 
  • Hard (but not as hard as other ferrous metals so won’t get scratched easily)
  • Ductile
  • Poor resistance to corrosion
•  An alloy is the combination (Mixture) of two metals to create a material with enhanced properties.
• Cast Iron is a ferrous metal
• Cast Iron is/has:

  
  

  • Hard skin
  • Brittle - Not Tough
  • Strong under compression
  • Can be cast in a mould
• Iron is a ferrous metal
• Copper is a non-ferrous metal
• Steel is a ferrous alloy
• Brass is a non-ferrous alloy
• Increased Carbon = Increased strength
• Ferrous Metals/Alloys:

  • are magnetic
  • Rust
  • are found in earth's crust (aka hematite) iron ore
  • Contain iron
• Non-Ferrous Metals/Alloys:

  • are not magnetic
  • Don't Rust
  • are found in earth's crust (ore)
  • Don't contain iron
  • Malleable
• Aluminium has/is:

  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Ductile
  • Malleable
  • Good Thermal and Electrical conductivity
  • Durability - Corrosion resistant/ Waterproof
• Difference between High Carbon Steel and Low Carbon Steel:

  
  

  High carbon steel is durable - corrosion resistant

  Low carbon steel is not durable - poor corrosion resistance
• Copper has good thermal and electrical conductivity

  
  

  USED FOR:

  Cables

  plumbing pipes
• Zinc is used for galvanisation and corrugated iron sheet roofs
• Tin is used for solder and coating for steel