PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

INTRODUCTION

The history of man has been intimately linked to the materials that have shaped his world, so much so
that we have associated periods of time with the dominant material, such as the Stone Age, Bronze Age,
and Iron Age. Stone was used in its natural state, but bronze and iron were made possible by advances
in processing. Each contributed to the comfort, productivity, safety, and security of everyday living. One
replaced the other when new advantages and capabilities were realized, iron being lighter and stronger
than bronze.

With each of these materials, the ultimate desire is to convert it into some form of useful product.
Manufacturing has been described as the various activities that are performed to convert ‘‘stuff’’ into
‘‘things.’’ Successful products begin with appropriate materials. You wouldn’t build an airplane out of
lead, or an automobile out of concrete—you need to start with the right stuff. But ‘‘stuff’’ rarely comes
in the right shape, size, and quantity for the desired use. Parts and components must be produced by
subjecting materials to one or more processes (often a series of operations) that alter their shape, their
properties, or both. Much of a manufacturing education relates to understanding: (1) the structure of
materials, (2) the properties of materials, (3) the processing of materials, and (4) the performance of
materials, as well as the interrelations between these four factors.

The interdependent relationships between structure, properties, processing, and performance.

METALLIC AND NONMETALLIC MATERIALS

While engineering materials are often grouped as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, a more
simplistic distinction might be to separate into metallic and nonmetallic. The common metallic materials
include iron, copper, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, titanium, lead, tin, and zinc, as well as the many
alloys of these metals, including steel, brass, and bronze. They possess the metallic properties of luster,
high thermal conductivity, and high electrical conductivity; they are relatively ductile; and some have
good magnetic properties. Some common nonmetals are wood, brick, concrete, glass, rubber, and
plastics. Their properties vary widely, but they generally tend to be weaker, less ductile, and less dense
than the metals, with poor electrical and thermal conductivities.