Metals & Alloys — Types & Categories (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Ferrous metals
What are ferrous metals?
Ferrous metals contain iron
Usually strong and durable but rust when exposed to water and oxygen
Uses: construction, tools, machinery and automotive
Metal | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Low carbon steel (mild steel) | Small carbon amounts, tough, strong, easily shaped/cut/welded, lower cost | Steel structures, nails, screws, school workshops |
Cast iron | Increased carbon, harder and stronger in compression, very wear-resistant, brittle in thin sections | Manhole covers, engine bodies, cookware, machinery bases |
High carbon steel (tool steel) | Extremely hard, very wear-resistant | Drill bits, saw blades, hand tools, chisels, knives |
Non-ferrous metals
What are non-ferrous metals?
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron
Do not rust, good corrosion resistance, often lighter
Uses: electronics, packaging, lightweight products and specialist applications
Metal | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Aluminium | Lightweight, good strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant, low melting point, easily recyclable | Aircraft parts, bicycle frames, window frames, food/drink containers |
Copper | Dark orange, excellent electrical/heat conductor, corrosion-resistant, ductile | Electrical wiring, water pipes, heating elements |
Tin | Food-safe, soft (malleable), low melting point, corrosion-resistant | Food contact applications, steel food tin lining |
Zinc | Moderate strength, low melting point, brittle at room temperature, highly corrosion-resistant | Galvanising steel, roofing, outdoor applications |
Alloys
What are alloys?
Alloys are metal mixtures of two or more elements
Man-made to improve metal properties
Typically strong, hard, corrosion-resistant with good wear resistance
Often used to replace pure metals due to superior properties
Alloy | Composition | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Brass | Copper and zinc | Excellent corrosion resistance, easy to machine, durable, good electrical conductor, gold-like appearance | Door handles, musical instruments, plumbing fittings |
Stainless steel | Iron, carbon, chromium, nickel | Very strong, excellent corrosion resistance, hygienic, easy to clean | Cutlery, kitchen equipment, medical tools |
High-speed steel (HSS) | Steel with tungsten, molybdenum, chromium | Very hard, maintains hardness at high temperatures | Drill bits, cutting tools, lathe tooling |
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