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Alloys are a ‘mixture of metals combined to improve their properties’ such as:
changing the melting point (enhanced thermal properties)
colour
Increasing strength
Improving the resistance to corrosion
Ferrous Alloys
Ferrous Alloys
Stainless steel
Stainless steel
The main Ferrous Alloy is Stainless Steel which is a mixture of Chromium, Nickel and Magnesium added to Steel.
It has a high resistance to corrosion, is very clean and hygienic and is tough and wear resistant making it particularly suitable for kitchenware, such as knifes, forks and spoons. Kitchen sinks are commonly made from Stainless Steel.
Properties of Stainless Steel:
- Hygenic
- Non-corrosive
- Outstanding surface finish
- Excellent toughness
- Can be formes using a variety of processes
- *difficult to coldwork
tool steel
tool steel
Also known as 'Die Steel' is a high carbon steel with the addition of Chromium and Tungsten. The steel is available in various grades depending on the metal content, which varies depending on the application for the steel, but it is hard, tough and durable. Due to the addition of other metals, tool steel is also an Alloy.
High carbon steel
High carbon steel
High Carbon Steel (0.7-1.7% Carbon) is also referred to as High Speed Steel (HSS) and is used for tools, cutting and drilling bits, blades etc.
These can also be considered a Ferous metal!
Non ferrous alloys
Non ferrous alloys
Brass
Brass
Brass is a non-ferrous alloy; a mixture of Copper and Zinc (35%). It is used for valves and taps, ornamental fittings, boat fittings and keys as well as the pins on a plug as it has good conductivity, and is stronger than pure Copper.
Properties of Brass
- Versatile production
- recyclable
- Good machinability
- good corrosion resistance
- good hotworking properties
- good combination of strength and ductility
Has been traditionally associated with music "brass band"
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze is a mixture of Copper and Tin (10%). It is used to make coins, statues and bearings. Due to the high Copper content it can be very expensive!
Duralumin
Duralumin
Duralumin is an Aluminium alloy containing 4% Copper, 1% Manganese and 0.1% Magnesium. It is stronger than Aluminium yet lighter and is therefore ideal for use in the aerospace industry.
Pewter
Pewter
Pewter is made mainly from Tin with a small amount of Copper and Antimony. It is often used to make decorative items such as tankards, picture frames, models and metal gifts. It is now ‘Lead free’ and has a relatively low cost with a very low melting point around 200C degrees.
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