Classification of Metals Metals can be classified as ferrous or non ferrous metals. Ferrous Metals - Contain Iron. Steel is a ferrous metal because it contains iron. A quick way to tell if a metal contains iron is if magnetic. Nonferrous Metals - Do not contain iron. Nonferrous metals - aluminum, copper, lead, tin, zinc. Nonferrous metals are not magnetic.

Classification of Metals Metals can also be classified as pure metals or alloys. Pure metals are made up of only one element. Alloys are 2 or more pure metals mixed together. Alloys are named after their base metals. An alloy that is made mostly out of steel, is called a steel alloy.

Properties of Metals Chemical Properties Physical Properties Mechanical Properties

Chemical Properties Properties that have to do with chemical composition of metals. Corrosion resistance is an example of a chemical property.

Physical Properties Characteristics of metals when they are not being acted on by outside forces Color Density Weight

Mechanical Properties Hardness - resistance to denting or scratching. Hardenability - the ability of a metal to be hardened.

Mechanical Properties Ductility - property of metal that allows it to be permanently deformed by hammering, rolling, or drawing without breaking. Malleability - how easily metal can change shape when mechanically worked. Most malleble metals are ductile.

Mechanical Properties Toughness - ability to withstand sudden shock without breaking Machinability - how easily a metal may be machined Fusibility - how easily a liquid metal will join with another liquid metal.

Mechanical Properties Tensile strength - resistance of being pulled apart Compressive strength - resistance of being squeezed together Torsion strength - resistance to twisting forces

Mechanical Properties

Mechanical Properties Brittleness - property that causes metal to break or crack easily Elasticity - ability of material to return to its original size and shape