Types of Metals

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are those which contain iron.
They are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for construction and manufacturing activities.
Some examples include stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, and High carbon steel, which is extremely strong and used in cutting tools.
A major downside of ferrous metals is their susceptibility to rust, except for stainless steel.

Non-ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron.
They are usually more corrosion-resistant than ferrous metals and have a wider variety of uses.
Examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminium (lightweight and malleable, used in aeroplanes and cans), copper (excellent conductor of electricity, used in wires), and tin (used in cans because it is resistant to corrosion).

Precious Metals

Precious metals are less common and more valuable than other metals.
Examples of precious metals are gold, silver, and platinum.
These metals are known for their resistance to corrosion and aesthetics, making them popular in jewellery, in the electrical industry (due to their excellent conductive properties), and, occasionally, in dentistry.

Alloy Metals

Alloys are a combination of two or more metals, or a metal and another element.
They are designed to enhance certain properties, such as strength or resistance to corrosion.
Examples of alloys include brass (copper and zinc, known for its low friction in products like locks, gears, and bearings), bronze (copper and tin, praised for its durability and is often used in boat and ship fittings, statues, and bearings), and stainless steel (iron, nickel, and chrome, known for its corrosion resistance).

Metal Properties

Malleability is the property of a metal that allows it to be hammered or rolled into sheets without breaking.
Another important property is ductility, which lets metals be drawn into wires.
Tensile strength is the resistance of a metal to pulling forces.
Hardness refers to a metal’s ability to resist wear and tear, indentation, and scratch.
Melting point is the temperature at which a metal changes from solid to liquid.

Remember to keep these properties in mind when choosing a type of metal for a specific application or purpose. Insight into metal properties and how they can be manipulated is a cornerstone of good design and manufacturing.