Applications of Metal Alloys
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 4.5.7
Applications of Metal Alloys
There are a number of metal alloys. Each metal alloy is tailored to specific applications.
Aluminium alloys
- Aluminium alloys mix aluminium with copper, zinc, magnesium, or other elements.
- Aluminium alloys are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and strong.
- Aluminium alloys are used in:
- Aerospace manufacturing.
- Automotive manufacturing.
Titanium alloys
- Titanium alloys mix titanium with aluminium, vanadium, nickel, or other elements.
- Titanium alloys have high strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.
- Titanium alloys are used in:
- Aerospace manufacturing.
- Medical implants.
- Sports equipment.
Copper-nickel alloys
- Copper-nickel alloys mix copper with nickel.
- Copper-nickel alloys are also made of small amounts of other elements like iron or manganese.
- Copper-nickel alloys have excellent corrosion resistance.
- Copper-nickel alloys are used in:
- Shipbuilding.
- Offshore structures.
- Heat exchangers.
Magnesium alloys
- Magnesium alloys mix magnesium with aluminium, zinc, or rare earth metals.
- Magnesium alloys are lightweight and have good strength-to-weight ratios.
- Magnesium alloys are used in:
- Aerospace manufacturing.
- Automotive.
- Electronics.
Nickel-based superalloys
- Nickel-based superalloys are high-performance alloys.
- Nickel-based superalloys mix nickel with elements like chromium, cobalt, or molybdenum.
- Nickel-based superalloys have excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.
- Nickel-based superalloys are used for:
- Jet engines.
- Gas turbines.
Test yourself on Applications of Metal Alloys
What metal alloys are used in shipbuilding and offshore structures?
What metal alloys are used for jet engines and gas turbines?