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1. Woods

   • Hardwood
     • Ash
     • Birch
     • Hazel
     • Mahogany
     • Maple
     • Oak
   • Softwood
     • Cedar
     • Pine
   • Manufactured Boards
     • MDF
     • Plywood
     • Chipboard
     • Hardboard

2. Metals

   • Ferrous
     • Steel
       • Mild
       • Carbon
       • Stainless
       • Iron
         • Cast
         • Wrought
   • Non Ferrous
     • Aluminium
     • Copper
     • Brass
     • Silver
     • Lead
   • Alloys
     • There are lots of different alloy metals that consist of iron and another metal to make the alloy.

3. Plastic

   • Thermosetting Plastic
     • Epoxy resin
       • Good electrical insulator, hard, brittle unless reinforced, resists chemicals well
       • Casting and encapsulation, adhesives, bonding of other materials
     • Melamine formaldehyde
       • Stiff, hard, strong, resists some chemicals and stains
       • Laminates for work surfaces, electrical insulation, tableware
     • Polyester resin
       • Stiff, hard, brittle unless laminated, good electrical insulator, resists chemicals well
       • Casting and encapsulation, bonding of other materials
     • Urea formaldehyde
       • Stiff, hard, strong, brittle, good electrical insulator
       • Electrical fittings, handles and control knobs, adhesives
   • Thermoplastics
     • Polyamide
       • Creamy colour, tough, fairly hard, resists wear, self-lubricating, good resistance to chemicals and machines
       • Bearings, gear wheels, casings for power tools, hinges for small cupboards, curtain rail fittings and clothing
     • Polymethyl methacrylate
       • Stiff, hard but scratches easily, durable, brittle in small sections, good electrical insulator, machines and polishes well
       • Signs, covers of storage boxes, aircraft canopies and windows, covers for car lights, wash basins and baths
     • Polypropylene
       • Light, hard but scratches easily, tough, good resistance to chemicals, resists work fatigue
       • Medical equipment, laboratory equipment, containers with built-in hinges, 'plastic' seats, string, rope, kitchen equipment