Metal properties
Mechanical + physical
Mechanical
How a material reacts to a particular type of force (tension, compression, shear)
Physical
How a material reacts to a specific condition (environmental or electrical conditions) due to its atomic structure or make up
Stainless steel
Is a steel alloy with a very high corrosion resistance compared to carbon/ alloy steel.
Ingredients include chromium, nickel and molybdenum
Advantages of stainless steel
Disadvantages of stainless steel
Low, medium, high carbon steel
Advantages and disadvantages of low carbon steel
Advantages:
- strong and durable
- easy to work with (cut, drill, shape and form)
- recyclable and sustainable
Disadvantages:
- harder to weld as it has a higher melting point
- can become brittle
Advantages and disadvantages of medium carbon steel
Advantages:
- high strength
- resistance to wear and tough
Disadvantages:
- it can’t be easily bent and moulded into different shapes
Advantages and disadvantages of high carbon steel
Advantages:
- strong and highly durable
- high and low temperature resistant
Disadvantages:
- difficult to work with
- very brittle
Cast iron
Is a class of iron and carbon alloys with a carbon content of more than 6%
Uses: pipes, machines, cooking pans and gates
Advantages of Cast iron
Disadvantages of cast iron
Aluminium
Is a silvery-white metal. Used in a huge variety of products such as; cans, foil, kitchen utensils and window frames.
Advantages of aluminium
Disadvantages of aluminium
Copper
Reddish, extremely ductile metal.
Advantages of copper
-copper is is lightweight so makes it easier to work with as easy to carry around.
-It is also economical and formable which makes it easy to bend and use whilst working.its also 100% recyclable.
Disadvantages of copper
Zinc
Advantages of zinc
Disadvantages of zinc
susceptible to more rust when exposed to moisture.
Tim
Advantages of tin
-tin is soft, ductile and malleable.
-Also tin is very flexible
- can easily be moulded and stretched into different shapes.