Metals & Alloys — Functional & Aesthetic (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

Functionality of metals & alloys

• The functionality of metals and alloys is to provide strong, durable and versatile materials that can:

  • Withstand forces

  • Conduct heat or electricity

  • Be shaped into a wide range of products

• Examples of applications of metals and alloys are:

  • Construction

    • Mild steel for structures, tools

    • High-carbon steel for drill bits

  • Cookware

    • Cast iron pans

  • Electrical wiring

    • Copper

  • Packaging

    • Aluminium cans

  • Hygienic products

    • Stainless steel for kitchen equipment

• Metals vary in ease of working:

  • Low-carbon steel and aluminium are easy to shape and form

  • High-carbon steel is harder to shape, but better for cutting tools

• Alloys are often designed to improve workability and performance for specific uses and combine the best properties from two or more materials

Aesthetics of metals and alloys: surface finish, texture & colour

• The aesthetics of metals and alloys refers to how they look and feel, including:

  • Surface finish

  • Texture

  • Colour

• Each of these can enhance product design

Surface finish

• Metals can be polished, brushed, coated or plated to improve appearance and protect against corrosion

  • One example is that stainless steel has a smooth, shiny finish

Texture

• Metals are typically smooth but can be textured through processes such as casting or machining, to improve grip or appearance

Colour

• Metals have natural colours, examples include:

  • Copper is orange

  • Aluminium is pale silver

  • Brass appears gold

• Metals can also be coated, anodised, or painted for different finishes

Availability of metals & alloys: ease of sourcing & purchase

• The availability of metals and alloys refers to how easily they can be obtained for manufacturing purposes

• Common metals, e.g. mild steel, aluminium, are widely available

• Some alloys or specialist metals may be less accessible because they have been purposely developed for certain uses

• Metals can be purchased in stock forms such as sheets, rods and bars, making them suitable for different manufacturing processes

Cost of metals & alloys: bulk buying

• The cost of metals and alloys varies depending on:

  • Type

  • Properties

  • Availability

• Buying common metals, e.g. types of steel, aluminium in bulk, reduces cost

• Alloys and specialist metals, e.g. high-speed steel, are more expensive due to their enhanced properties and additional processing