Metals and finishes

Question 1

What are ferrous metals?

Answer 1

Metals that contain iron (aka Ferrum or Fe)

Question 2

Examples of non-ferrous metals

Answer 2

(An metal in the periodic table that isn't iron basically)
Copper
Aluminium
Zinc
Tin
Titanium
.....

Question 3

Examples of ferrous metals

Answer 3

Mild steel, Medium carbon steel and high carbon steel
Stainless Steel
Cast iron

Question 4

Properties of ferrous metals

Answer 4

• Low corrosion resistance (rusts)
• Durable.
• Great tensile strength.
• Usually magnetic.
• Low resistance to corrosion.
• A silver-like colour.
• Recyclable.
• Good conductors of electricity

Question 5

Properties of non-ferrous metals

Answer 5

• High corrosion resistance (doesn’t rust)
• Easy to fabricate – machinability, casting, welding etc.
• Great thermal conductivity.
• Great electrical conductivity.
• Low density (less mass)
• Colourful (Aesthetically pleasing)
• Non-magnetic.

Question 6

What is the trend in properties for mild to high carbon steel?

Answer 6

Low Carbon Steel- Ductile, Malleable, tough and poor corrosion resistance

Medium Carbon Steel- Harder than carbon steel but less ductile, malleable and tough

High carbon Steel (Cast Iron) - Hard outer layer but brittle core, good under compression

The more carbon, the more hard and brittle and less malleable and ductile the the metal gets.