Materials

Question 1

High-Carbon Steel

Answer 1

Pros: Stronger and harder than low-carbon steel (carbon makes steel stronger)
Cons: Cannot be normally welded, susceptible to corrosion and less ductile than low-carbon steel
Uses: Springs and high-strength wires

Question 2

Low-Carbon Steel

Answer 2

Pros: Higher ductility than high-carbon steel while still being strong and can be welded
Cons: Susceptible to corrosion
Uses: Car frames

Question 3

Stainless Steel

Answer 3

Pros: Resistant to corrosion (because of chromium in alloy), high strength and more impact resistant than mild steel
Cons: Less malleable, more expensive and a little harder to machine than mild steel
Uses: Kitchen appliances, cutlery, medical instruments, marine applications

Question 4

Aluminum

Answer 4

Pros: light (approx 1/3 weight of steel), corrosion-resistance, good strength-to-weight ratio, low cost
Cons: Weaker and softer than mild steel (scratches easily)
Uses: Bike frames, aircraft components, aluminum extrusions

Question 5

Titanium

Answer 5

Pros: Light and very strong (not as strong as steel though), corrosion resistant
Cons: High cost, hard to machine (results in many broken tools)
Uses: Medical and aerospace equipment

Question 6

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Answer 6

Pros: Tough, impact resistant, low melting point (easy to injection mold), high tensile strength, chemical resistant, easy to color and finish
Cons: Prone to warping due to low melting point and poor UV resistance
Uses: Legos, printers, vacuums, toys, luggages

Question 7

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

Answer 7

Pros: Light, chemical resistance, good impact resistance (will stretch rather than break), ductile
Cons: Bad heat resistance (warps), difficult to color, low strength, low hardness, typically not injection molded (must be milled instead)