Classifying metals

Classifying metals

1. Ferrous Metals

   • Pure iron
     • Properties: Greyish white colour. Good magnetic properties. Disadvantages: only melts at high temperatures; difficult to machine; fragile and brittle.
       • Uses: Rarely used. Used in electronics and electrical components

2. Cast iron

   • Very hard and resistant
     • Uses: Machine parts, casing for engines, stands for machines, pistons, street lamps, drain covers..

3. Steel

   • Very hard and resistant. Very resistant to traction. Easy to weld. Alloys with chrome and nickel to make stainless steel.
     • Uses: Structures in construction, car chassis, boats, trains, machinery, tools, screws, domestic appliances, kitchen utensils, taps....

4. Non-Ferrous Metals

   • Ultra-light metals
     • Metals: Magnesium. From magnesite, dolomite, carnallite, epsomite and olivine
       • Properties: Shiny, silvery white, very light, soft and malleable, but not every ductile; reacts very strongly with oxygen.
         • Uses: Pyrotechnics ( firework), the aerospace and car industries, and bicycles.
   • Light metals
     • Aluminium: From: bauxite
       • Properties: Silvery white; highly resistant to corrosion; very soft; low density; high malleability and ductility; good at conducting electricity and heat.
         • Uses: High voltage power lines, planes,cars, bicycles, light metalwork,roofing, decoration, kitchen tools and drinks cans.
   • Titanium: From: rutile and ilmenite.
     • Properties: Silvery white, shiny; light; very hard and strong.
       • Uses: The aerospace industry, building structures and medical prostheses ( artificial limbs).