Materials & Components Flashcards
Name 3 properties of ferrous metals
- Most are magnetic
- Rust
- Contain iron
Name 2 properties of non-ferrous metals
- Doesn’t contain iron
2. Doesn’t rust but corrodes slowly
Name 3 examples of a ferrous metals
- Mild steel
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
Name 3 properties of mild steel
- Tough
- Malleable
- Magnetic
- Quite strong
Name 2 uses of mild steel
- Structural steel girders
2. Car body panels
Name 3 advantages of mild steel
- Easily to work with/join (especially for schools)
- Relatively cheap
- Widely available
- Can be recycled
Name 2 disadvantages of mild steel
- Will rust if left unprotected
2. Can’t be hardened or tempered (only case-hardened)
Name 3 properties of stainless steel
- Hard
- Tough
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Name 3 uses of stainless steel
- Cutlery
- Kitchen sinks
- Pots and pans
- Surgical instruments
Name 3 advantages of stainless steel
- Easily cleaned
- Does not need any surface finishing
- Can be recycled
- High-lustre finish
Name 2 disadvantages of stainless steel
- Dificulte to use/join in school workshop
2. Specialist welding equipment required for joining
Name 2 properties of carbon steel
- Harder than mild steel
2. Ductile
Name 3 uses of carbon steel
- Nails
- Screws
- Nuts
- General ironmongery
Name 2 advantages of carbon steel
- Can be hardened & tempered
2. Can be recycled
Name 2 disadvantages of carbon steel
- Not as easy to work
2. Rusts
Name 3 examples of non-ferrous metals
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Brass
Name 3 properties of aluminium
- Lightweight
- Soft
- Ductile
- Malleable
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Good corrosion resistance
Name 3 uses of aluminium
- Window frames
- Soft drink cans
- Kitchen foil
- Used in alloys
Name 3 advantages of aluminium
- Can be easily drawn into thin wires and sheets
- Can be recycled
- Easily cast
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
Name 3 disadvantages of aluminium
- Expensive
- Difficult to weld (specialist equipment needed)
- Not as strong as steel
Name 3 properties of copper
- Malleable
- Ductile
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Corrosion-resistant
- Relatively soft
Name 3 uses of copper
- Electric cables
- Plumbing fittings and pipes
- Hot water cylinders
Name 3 advantages of copper
- Easily drawn into thin wires
- Can be recycled
- Easily soldered
Name 2 disadvantages of copper
- Expensive
2. Will tarnish (change colour) over time
Name 2 properties of zinc
- Excellent resistance to corrosion
2. Hard
Name 2 uses of zinc
- Protective coverings for railings and dustbins
2. Negative battery terminals
Name 3 advantages of zinc
- Can be recycled
- Requires less energy to be extracted then other metals
- Durable
Name a disadvantage of zinc
Brittle
Name 3 properties of brass
- Good resistance to corrosion
- Good fluidity, casts well
- Good conductor of heat and electricity
- Quite strong
- Ductile
- Malleable
Name 2 uses of brass
- Plumbing fittings
2. Marine fittings
Name 3 advantages of brass
- Can be polished to achieve high-lustre finish
- Tougher than copper
- Can be recycled
- Easily cast and turned
Name a disadvantages of brass
Relatively expensive
What is an alloy?
Metal that’s formed by mixing 2 or more metals (and sometimes others elements) together
How is mild steel composed?
Mostly iron (99.8%) with little bit of carbon (0.2%)
How is brass composed?
Roughly 2/3s copper (65%) and 1/3 zinc (35%)
Define ductility
Ability to be drawn or stretched into thinner, smaller sections
Give an example of product that needs to made from a ductile metal
Electrical cables
Define malleability
Ability to be deformed by compression without tearing or cracking
Give an example of product that needs to made from a malleable metal
Car body panels
Define hardness
Ability to withstand abrasive wear and indentation
Give an example of product that needs to made from a hard metal
Kitchen sinks
Tools (e.g. chisels, hand saws, scribers, etc)
Define toughness
Ability to withstand sudden and shock loading without fracture
Give an example of product that needs to made from a tough metal
Nails, screws
Define elasticity
Ability to return to original shape once deforming force is removed
Give an example of product that needs to made from a elastic metal
Springs
Define the strength: tension
Ability of a material to withstand being pulled apart
Give an example of product that needs to made from a tensile strong metal
Nails, screws, nuts and bolts
Define the strength: compression
Ability of a material to withstand being squashed
Give an example of product that needs to made from a compressive strong metal
Car body panels
Define the strength: shear
Ability of a material or joint, to withstand being slid or pulled apart
Give an example of product that needs to made from a shear strong metal
Security shear nuts
What is a composite?
Combination of two or more materials bonded together
What is purpose of a composite
They combine the strengths of different materials to create an even better (useful) material
What is glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) made from?
Made from glass fibres bonded with polyester resin
Name 3 properties of carbon fibre
Light Conducts electricity High tensile strength Tough High strength-to-weight ratio
Name 3 uses of carbon fibre
- Skis
- Racket frames
- Fishing rods
- Bike frames
Name 3 advantages of carbon fibre
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- High tensile strength
- Can be woven in different patterns to create aesthetically pleasing surface patterns
- Weave of cloth can be chosen to maximise strength and stiffness of final component
Name 3 disadvantages of carbon fibre
- Very expensive
- Brittle - weak when compressed, squashed, or when experiences high shock
- Small air bubbles/imperfections = weak spots, reducing overall strength
What is carbon fibre made out of?
Carbon fibres (similar to GRP) bonded with polyester resin
Name 3 properties of GRP
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good strength-to-weigth ratio
Name 3 advantages of GRP
Can be formed into almost 3D shape
Good resistance to US light and sea salt
Low maintenance
Endless colours can be achieved
Name 3 disadvantages of GRP
Difficult to repair
Time-consuming to make
Cutting it produces fine dust that is dangerous to breathe in
Extraction required due to toxic nature of materials involved