Unit 2 Materials and Components - Alloys Flashcards
What is an alloy?
A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.
Name 3 alloys.
stainless steel
duralumin
brass
Why are metals alloyed?
To make them harder
To make them more corrosion resistant
To improve machining characteristics
What are the composites of stainless steel?
chromium
nickel
steel
What are the composites of duralumin?
aluminium
copper
manganese
What are the composites of brass?
copper
zinc
What are the advantages of stainless steel?
corrosion resistant
What are the advantages of duralumin?
light weight
strong
What are the advantages of brass?
casts well
easy to machine
good conductor of electricity
What are the disadvantages of stainless steel?
expensive
hard to cut
What are the disadvantages of duralumin?
work hardens
What are the disadvantages of brass?
susceptible to cracking when cold worked
needs to be constantly annealed
What are the applications/uses of stainless steel?
kitchen utensils
pipes
medical tools
chemical and nuclear industries
What are the applications/uses of duralumin?
aviation industry
automobile industry
What are the applications/uses of brass?
central heating valves
electrical components
ships propellers
plumbing fittings
