Types Of Metals

Metals are classified as Ferrous & Non Ferrous. These can then be separated into Alloys & Non Alloys.

Ferrous Metals

Metals that contain Iron & Carbon.

Mild Steel

Strong and cheap but rusts easily and can't be hardened or tempered.

Used on car bodies, screws, nuts & bolts.

High Carbon Steel

Harder than mild steel and can be hardened and easily tempered. Difficult to work and rusts.

Used on drills, files, chisels and saws.

Cast Iron

Hard, however brittle under impact.

Used on machine parts, brake disks and engines.

Non Ferrous Metals

Aluminium

Lightweight and corrosion resistant. Expensive and not nearly as strong as steel.

Used on aeroplanes, cars and ladders.

Brass

Quite strong, corrosion resistant, malleable, ductile and looks good.

Used on door furniture and electrical parts.

Copper

Relatively soft, malleable and ductile and very good conductor of electricty.

Used on wires and piping.

Ferrous Alloys

- Stainless Steel

- High Speed Steel

- Die (tool) Steel

Non Ferrous Alloys

- Brass

- Bronze

- Duralumin

Where does metal come from?

All metals except gold are processed. Metals are found in ores.

- Iron is converted from its ore by heating. Iron is rarely used without being combined with carbon, to give you steel.

- Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon. The amount of carbon determines strength.

- Carbon is an element found in a range of materials. Natural materials i.e. Coal & diamond are purely carbon. Adding carbon can increase strength but makes mthe material brittle.

Melting Points

Aluminium - 660 Degrees C

Copper - 1083 Degrees C

Gold - 1063 Degrees C

Lead - 330 Degrees C