4.1.3
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-Ferrous Metals: Properties
Non-Ferrous Metals: Properties
Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron.
Aesthetic properties
Aesthetic properties
- Non-ferrous metals are not usually magnetic.
- Non-ferrous metals have a wide range of aesthetic properties.
- Non-ferrous metals do not rust but they can still oxidise.
- This can create a protective layer known as patina.
Metallic lustre
Metallic lustre
- Non-ferrous metals are often associated with their characteristic metallic lustre.
- Metallic lustre is a result of the ability to reflect light.
- Non-ferrous metals can exhibit a wide range of colours under certain conditions.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
There are a large number of non-ferrous metals, covering every metal that does not contain iron.
Copper
Copper
- Copper has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Copper is used in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and roofing materials.
- Copper alloys are popular in applications where increased strength is required.
- Copper alloys include brass and bronze.
Aluminium
Aluminium
- Aluminium has low density, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance.
- Aluminium is used in the aerospace industry, construction, packaging, and electrical conductors.
Zinc
Zinc
- Zinc is used as a protective coating for other metals.
- The protective coating is formed through galvanization.
- Galvanisation provides corrosion resistance to steel.
- Zinc is used in the construction industry.
- For example, roofing, gutters, and downspouts.
- Zinc alloys are used in die casting as sacrificial anodes.
- Sacrificial anodes protect other metals from corrosion.
Lead
Lead
- Lead has high density and low melting point.
- Lead is used for batteries, ammunition, and radiation shielding.
- In recent years, lead use has become more restricted due to its toxicity.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
There are a large number of non-ferrous materials, including metals and alloys that do not contain iron.
Tin
Tin
- Tin is used as a coating on other metals, preventing corrosion.
- Tin-plated steel is used in food packaging, cans, and containers.
- Tin-plated steel is known as tinplate.
- Tin is used in the production of soder for electronic circuits and alloys.
- For example, tin is used to produce bronze.
Nickel
Nickel
- Nickel has high strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.
- Nickel is used in stainless steel production.
- Stainless steel is used in a range of applications, including kitchen utensils and industrial equipment.
- Nickel is used in batteries, electrical wiring, and various alloys.
- Nickel is used in superalloys which are used in high-temperature applications.
Titanium
Titanium
- Titanium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Titanium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Titanium is used in aerospace applications, medical implants, and sports equipment.
- Titanium is used in high-performance components in various industries.
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
Jump to other topics
1Core Technical Principles
1.1New & Emerging Technologies
1.2Energy Generation & Storage
1.3Developments in New Materials
1.4Systems Approach to Designing
1.5Mechanical Devices
1.6Materials Categories
2Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles
2.1Selection of Materials
2.2Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses
2.3Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint
2.4Paper & Board: Sources & Origins
2.5Paper & Board: Using Materials
2.6Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
2.7Paper & Board: Scales of Production
2.8Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes
2.9Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes
3Timber: Specialist Technical Principles
3.1Timber: Selection of Materials
3.2Timber: Forces & Stresses
3.3Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint
3.4Timber: Sources & Origins
3.5Timber: Using Materials
3.6Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes
3.7Timber: Scales of Production
3.8Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes
3.9Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes
4Metal: Specialist Technical Principles
4.1Metals: Selection of Materials
4.2Metals: Forces & Stresses
4.3Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint
4.4Metals: Sources & Origins
4.5Metals: Alloy-Based Materials
4.6Metals: Using Materials
4.7Metals: Scales of Production
4.8Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes
4.9Metals: Quality Control
4.10Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes
5Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles
5.1Polymers
5.2Polymer Categories
5.3Polymer Forms
5.4Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control
6Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles
6.1Textile Materials
6.2Selection of Materials
6.3Forces & Stresses
7Designing & Making Principles
7.1Investigation & Data
7.2Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges
7.3The Work of Others
7.4Design Strategies
7.5Communication of Design Ideas
7.6Prototype Development
7.7Selection of Materials
7.8Tolerances
7.9Material Management
7.10Specialist Equipment
7.11Specialist Techniques & Processes
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