Metals Flashcards
Ferrous metal.
Tough and ductile, easily machined, formed, brazed or welded. oxidises if not protected.
Used for construction girders, screws, nails, nuts and bolts. Many car bodies and bike frames.
Low carbon steel
Ferrous metal.
Less ductile and harder than mild steel due to higher carbon content. Very hard wearing and keeps an edge well. Does not rust as readily.
Used for garden or workshop tools, blades, scissors, wood and metal cutting tools.
High carbon steel
Ferrous metal.
Hard but brittle in thin sections. Easily cast into complex shapes, but some types are hard to machine. Less prone to rust.
Used for kitchen pots and pans, machinery, vices, manhole covers, post boxes
Cast iron
Non - ferrous.
Lightweight, high strength to weight ratio.
Used for pots and pans, sports car body panels, bike frames, drinks cans, foil or takeaway trays.
Aluminium
Non - ferrous.
Ductile, malleable and a good electrical conductor that is easily joined by soldering.
Used for plumbing supplies, electrical cables, bespoke roofing and guttering.
Copper
Non - ferrous.
Soft, malleable and ductile; a good electrical conductor.
Used for can production
- used for plating surfaces to preserve contents, soft solder, alloyed with copper to form bronze
Tin
Non - ferrous.
Fair electrical conductivity, malleability and ductility; however, all are improved when alloyed.
Mainly used to galvanise steel to prevent rusting, easily die cast or used in alloys
Zinc
Alloy.
A heavy alloy of copper and zinc that is malleable, easy to cast and machine, and has naturally low friction.
Used for Musical instruments, bushes, plumbing fitments.
Brass
Alloy.
A ferrous alloy with chromium, nickel and manganese. Hard, very smooth but difficult to weld.
Used for Cutlery, kitchen and medical equipment.
Stainless steel
Alloy.
Able to withstand the high temperatures created when machining at high speed, keeps its cutting edge well.
Used for Cutting tools such as drill bits, mill cutters, taps and dies.
High speed steel
What is an Alloy?
A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion
What does
non-ferrous mean?
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. Some common non-ferrous metals are aluminium, Duralumin, copper, zinc, brass, gilding metal and tin.
What does ferrous metal mean?
Ferrous metals contain iron. Examples are cast iron, mild steel, medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, stainless steel and high speed steel.
