Types of metals and their uses

Metals are found naturally and are mined from the earth. Metals used in products are
extracted from the natural ore using large heat furnaces. They are sold as sheets , bars , rods
, tubes and angles . Most metals can be recycled, saving natural resources.

Shelving made from metal angles

Ferrous metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic . They are prone to rust and therefore require a
protective finish, which is sometimes used to improve the aesthetics of the product it is used for
as well.

Ferrous metal Cast iron

Properties Brittle if thin, can be cast in a mould, strong compression strength,
good electrical and thermal conductivity but poor resistance to
corrosion
Uses Manhole covers, pans and gates, vices

Ferrous metal High-carbon steel (tool steel)

Properties Hard but brittle, less malleable than mild steel, good electrical and
thermal conductivity
Uses Taps and tools, eg screwdrivers and chisels

Ferrous metal Low-carbon steel (mild steel)

Properties Ductile and tough, easy to form, braze and weld, good electrical and
thermal conductivity but poor resistance to corrosion
Uses Nuts, bolts, screws, bike frames and car bodies

Orange, flaking rust on an old steel pier

Non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not magnetic. They do not rust.

Non-ferrous metal Aluminium

Properties Light in weight and malleable but strong, a good conductor of heat
and corrosion resistant
Uses Drink cans, saucepans, bike frames

Non-ferrous metal Copper

Properties An excellent electrical conductor of heat and electricity, extremely
malleable and can be polished, oxidises to a green colour
Uses Plumbing fittings and electrical wires, professional chef's saucepans

Non-ferrous metal Silver

Properties A precious metal that is soft and malleable when heated, highly
resistant to corrosion and an excellent electrical conductor of heat
Uses Jewellery

Copper oxidised to a green colour

Alloys

Alloys are mixtures of metal with an element to improve its properties or aesthetic . For
example brass is a mixture of copper and zinc. Alloys can also be classified as ferrous or non-
ferrous. Non-ferrous metal may require a protective finish. This finish is sometimes used to
improve the aesthetics of the product it is used for.

Alloy Brass (alloy of copper and zinc)

Properties Non-ferrous metal that is strong and ductile, casts well and is gold
coloured but darkens when oxidised with age, a good conductor of
heat
Uses Taps, screws, castings, locks and doorknobs

Alloy Bronze (alloy of copper, aluminium and/or nickel)

Properties Non-ferrous alloy, harder than brass and corrosion resistant,
reddish/yellow in colour
Uses Castings, bearings

Alloy Stainless steel (alloy of steel also with chromium, nickel and
magnesium)
Properties Ferrous metal that is silver when polished, hard and tough with
excellent resistance to corrosion
Uses Cutlery, sinks, saucepans, surgical equipment

Stainless steel spatula

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Glossary

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