BLOG POST 9:

MANUFACTUING PROCESSES FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS – by Rob Thompson

Assignment was to read the Materials section on Metals from the textbook, Pages 448 – 457, and post a  definition for the set of terminology given by instructor.

·         ------A note on the textbook, sometimes I gripe about having to buy textbooks…but this one is seriously worth it! A great book that’s an encyclopedia for materials and processes. The individual sections are very easy to read and yet give really in depth information. I have a feeling that this book will be a great resource to have going forward!

Ferrous Metals: Metals that contain iron. Example: steel

Non Ferrous Metals: Metals that do not contain iron. Example: copper alloys

Alloy: Hybrids of different metallic elements combined to enhance properties and reduce cost.

Iron: heavy and soft material that is relatively easy to form hot or cold.

Steel: High carbon content produces a harder, less ductile and more brittle material. Mild steel is a term that covers a range of carbon steels, up to .25% carbon content. They are easy to use for solid state forming and welding. Carbon steels are prone to oxidation and corrosion. Low carbon steels are relatively ductile, malleable and easy to shape. Medium carbon steels have levels of carbon and alloys that are ideal for hardening by heat treatment.

Aluminum Alloys: lightweight and conductive metal that is non-toxic and does not affect the taste of food or drink. It is used in a range of decorative and functional applications.

Magnesium Alloys: Have better strength to weight that aluminum but are more expensive. Suitable for: die casting, super forming, and anodizing, less reflective and conductive than aluminum, and more prone to corrosion.

Titanium Alloys: are an expensive alternative to aluminum and magnesium, so are limited to applications that demand high strength to weight and superior corrosion resistance.

Zinc Alloys: have high resistance to corrosion. A great deal of zinc production is for galvanizing steel.

Copper Alloys: ductile, have a low melting point and are easy to form. Copper develops a protective and decorative patina on its surface which changes color over time.

Nickel Alloys: bright metal and has very good resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Used mainly for electroforming, electroplating and as an alloy in stainless steel.

Lead and Tin Alloys: soft metals that are suitable for casting, they are sometimes referred to as white metals. They have low melting points and a low viscosity when molten.

Precious Metals: rare and expansive, precious metals have exceptional resistance to corrosion. They are very efficient thermal and electrical conductors and are also non-toxic. Silver is bright and highly reflective, but the surface oxides readily so it needs to be frequently polished, it is a very efficient conductor. Gold is a very soft, malleable and ductile material. Platinum is hard, durable and ductile and is resistant to corrosion by abrasion, oxygen and many chemicals. Platinum is a very good conductor and catalyst.