Metals

Definitions:

Alloy:  1. degree of mixture between metals
             2. material made by combining materials (usually metals)

Ferrous:  1. containing or relating to iron

Non-Ferrous:     1. Not containing or relating to iron


Iron:     An abundant metal believed to make up much of the the Earth's mantle and core. Defined by carbon content. (low carbon - "wrought", high carbon - "cast", between .2% and  2% carbon - "steel")

Steel:   Iron with carbon content between .2% and 2%. The higher the carbon the harder the steel, reducing ductility and increasing oxidization/ corrosion tendency.

Aluminum Alloy:    A combination of raw Aluminum extracted from Bauxite and recycled bauxite. Conductive, non-toxic, light-weight metal.

Magnesium Alloys:    Very expensive due to energy intensive extraction. Combination of Magnesium and metals like Aluminum, Silicon, and zinc, depending on application.

Titanium Alloys:    Very expensive alloys used in applications requiring high strength to weight ratios and good corrosion resistance.

Zinc Alloys:   Typically have a low melting point, making them useful in casting small or intricate parts. Usually plated with other metals for aesthetic affect.

Copper Alloys:    Ductile, conductive, easy to form with low melting point. Forms patina with chemical exposure or age which can have aesthetic and protective properties.

Nickel Alloys:   Good corrosion and oxidization resistance with bright surface. Makes for good plating material.

Lead and Tin Alloys:   Very soft metals, traditionally used in casting and forming.

Precious Metals:      Gold, Silver, Platinum etc. Highly resistant to corrosion and oxidization, highly conductive of heat and electricity and non-toxic. Rare, and therefore expensive.