Types of Metals and Their Uses

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Metals

General Introduction of Metals?

Types of Metals and Their Uses [with Pictures] :- The

significance of metals and advancement in the manufacturing
processes has resulted into the much needed industrial
revolution. This revolution has contributed to an escalated growth
of human civilization bringing us where we are today. Today, we
find numerous types of metals in our surroundings. From the nib
of your pen to the big steel bridges, everything big or small is
made up of metals. To our surprise there are more than eighty
different types of metals found in the world today.

Definition of Metals
Metals are defined as minerals or substances that are
found naturally below the surface of the earth. Most metals are
found to be lustrous or shiny. Metals are inorganic
substances, which imply they’re product of substances that
were never known to exist. Metal is incredibly sturdy and so is
employed to form several things. These are used for
manufacturing vehicles, computer items.
Satellites, preparation utensils, etc. Most metals are found to be
exhausting however some aren’t. Sodium and potassium are
those metals that may be cut by knife whereas mercury could be
a liquid metal at temperature. On the other hand metals such as
iron, copper, steel etc. are found in solid state.

Classification of Metals
A) Classification by Iron Content

The most prevalent method of classifying metals is by iron

content they have. A metal containing iron is called ferrous metal.
The iron is responsible for magnetic properties of the metal and
also makes them susceptible to corrosion. Metals not containing
iron content are called non-ferrous metals. These metals do not
exhibit any magnetic properties. Examples aluminum, lead, brass,
copper and zinc.

B) Classification by Atomic Structure

The metals can also be classified depending upon their atomic

structure according to the periodic table. Going by the periodic
table a metal may be categorized as alkaline, alkaline earth, or a
transition metal. Metals coming in the same group behave alike
when reacting with other elements. Hence these metals exhibit
analogous chemical properties.
C) Classification by Magnetic and Non-Magnetic
Metals

Another means to distinguish metals is studying their behaviour

or interaction with magnets. Analysing their behaviours towards
magnets helps to classify them as magnetic or non magnetic.

The ferromagnetic metals are strongly attracted towards

magnets; the paramagnetic metals display weak interactions.
Diamagnetic metals on the other hand shows loose repulsion
towards magnets.

Types of Metals
Metals are found to exist into 2 main types: ferrous metals are
those that contain iron and non-ferrous metals that are those that
contain no iron.

A) Ferrous Metals

The word ferrous itself comes from Latin in which the word is
ferrum and means an iron containing compound of metal. Metals
with considerably scarce amounts of iron in their composition
aren’t classed as ferrous metal. The iron in ferrous metals tends
to induce some properties in them namely magnetic, of high
strength and hardness. However, their characteristics will
disagree greatly looking on the wide range of alloying parts of
that they’re created from. Metallic element metals are liable to
rust once exposed to wet conditions as they need a high carbon
content.

Some common metallic element metals embody steel, forged iron

and iron. These metals are prized for his or her enduringness and
sturdiness. Steel – additionally called structure steel could be a
staple within the industry and is employed within the tallest
skyscrapers and longest bridges. Ferrous metals also are utilized
in shipping containers, industrial piping, vehicles, railroad tracks,
and plenty of business and domestic tools. Metallic element
metals have a high carbon content that usually makes them liable
to rust once exposed to wet. There are 2 exceptions to the current
rule: Iron resists rust thanks to its purity and stainless-steel is
protected against rust by the presence of metallic element.

Most of the metals which are ferrous in nature are hugely

magnetic thus making them a very helpful material for making
motors and electrical applications, etc. The utilization of ferrous
metals in your icebox door permits you to pin your searching list
on that with a magnet.

1. Steel: ( Types of Metals )

Steel is created by adding iron to carbon that hardens the

iron. Steel becomes even more
durable as different parts like metallic element and
nickel are introduced. Steel is created by heating and
melting ore in furnaces. The steel will be broached from the
furnaces and poured into moulds to create steel bars. Steel
is wide utilized in the development and producing industries.

A) Stainless Steel

Stainless steel consists of elevated chromium content. This

makes it 200 times more resistant to corrosion than low carbon
steel. It is used in abundance for the manufacturing of kitchen
utensils, piping, surgical and dental equipment.
B) Tool Steel

Tool steel is a special variety of steel used for forging cutting and
drilling tools. The most important property is their high hardness
making them an ideal choice for tool making. Tool steel comprises
of molybdenum, vanadium, cobalt, and tungsten as its chief
materials.

2. Carbon Steel: ( Types of Metals )

Carbon steel incorporates a higher carbon content as

compared to different sorts of steel eventually making it
extremely hard. It’s usually utilized in the producing of machine
tools, drills, blades, taps. It is capable of having a very sharp edge
cutting.

A) Low Carbon Steel

The percentage of carbon is up to 0.25% in low carbon steel. The

low carbon steel is also called mild steel. This steel variant is
mostly used for tubing in moderate pressure applications.
Reinforcing bars and in I-beams in construction are generally
made up of mild steel only. Applications involving a hefty amount
of steel without much forming or bending use mild steel. For
example- Ship’s hull.

B) Medium Carbon Steel

The percentage of carbon is 0.25…0.6%. Medium carbon steel is

used at places requiring high tensile strength and ductility. It is
typically used in gearing and shafts, railway wheels and rails,
steel beams in buildings and bridges, pressure vessels (Cold
gases must not be stored because it cracks at low temperatures).
C) High Carbon Steel

If there is 0.6% of carbon, it is called high carbon steel. This steel

is harder and more brittle of all. It is used in making chisels and
cutting tools. It has ample of hardness and good resistance
to material wear. Its other applications include uses in presses
and for manufacturing drill bits.

3. Alloy Steel: ( Types of Metals )

Alloy steels incorporate parts like metallic element- nickel and Ti

to impart bigger strength and sturdiness while not increasing
weight. Stainless-steel is a very important steel created with the
help of chromium. Alloy steels are utilized in construction,
machine tools, and electrical elements.

4. Cast Iron: ( Types of Metals )

Cast iron is associate alloy made of iron, carbon, etc. Forged iron
is brittle and exhausting and immune to wear. It’s utilized in water
pipes, machine tools, automobile engines and stoves.

5. Wrought Iron: ( Types of Metals )

Wrought iron is associate alloy with very little carbon content that

it can be said that it’s virtually pure iron. Throughout the method
of production, some addition of slag takes place which
provides iron wonderful resistance to corrosion and reaction,
however, it’s low in hardness and fatigue strength. Iron is
employed for fencing and railings, agricultural implements,
nails, wire, chains, and numerous ornaments.

B) Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals don’t contain a major quantity of iron and are
a lot more fascinating as they need semi conductive, non-
magnetic, and low weight properties. The ever-increasing
demand for non-ferrous metals means that they’re usually dearer
than metallic element metals (ferrous metals). Non-ferrous
metals may also be distinguished by their plasticity. This implies
they will be reshaped and reused, typically while not losing their
valuable properties. This makes them ideal for an in depth vary of
economic industries.

Some of the most common examples of Non-ferrous metals are

zinc, tin, lead and copper and even highly valuable metals like
gold and silver. Their main advantage over metallic element
materials is their plasticity. They even have no iron content, giving
them a better resistance to rust and corrosion, and eventually
making them ideal for gutters, liquid pipes, roofing and out of
doors signs. Lastly, they’re non-magnetic, that is very important
for several electronic and wiring applications.

1. Aluminum: ( Types of Metals )

Aluminum is light-weight, soft and low strength. Metal is well

solid, forged, machined and welded. It’s not appropriate for high-
temperature environments. As a result of metal is light-weight, it’s
a decent alternative for carrying out the production of craft and
food cans. Metal is additionally utilized in castings, pistons,
railways, cars, and room utensils.

2. Copper: ( Types of Metals )

Copper is red in color, extremely ductile, malleable and has high

physical characteristics for electric conductivity and thermal
conductivity. Copper has its main utilization in the electrical
business within the sort of wire and different conductors. It finds
its use even in cartridge cases, sheet roofing, bearings and
statuses. Copper is additionally accustomed to create brass,
associate alloy of zinc and copper.

3. Lead: ( Types of Metals )

Lead could be a soft, heavy, malleable metal with a comparatively

lower melting point and low enduringness. It will face up to
corrosion from wet and plenty of acids. Lead is wide utilized in
power cables, batteries, building construction and fastening.

4. Zinc: ( Types of Metals )

Zinc could be a medium to low strength metal with an awfully low

melting temperature. It will be machined simply, however
sometimes heating is also done to avoid cleavage of crystals. Zinc
is most generally utilized in electric purposes like galvanizing, the
method of applying a protecting zinc coating to iron or steel to
forestall rust.

5. Tin: ( Types of Metals )

Tin is incredibly soft and malleable, ductile with low

enduringness. It’s typically accustomed to coat steel to forestall
corrosion. Tinplate steel is employed to form tin cans to carry
food. Within the late nineteenth century, tin foil was usually
accustomed wrap food merchandise, however has since mostly
been replaced by aluminum foil. Tin may also be alloyed with
copper to provide tin brass and bronze.

6. Brass: ( Types of Metals )

Brass is basically an alloy made of copper and zinc. The amount
of each of the metals may differ based upon the electrical and
mechanical attributes sought of the metal. Brass also comprises
of slight amounts of other metallic elements such as aluminum,
lead, and manganese. Brass is generally used for low friction uses
like locks, bearings, plumbing, tools and fittings. It is a crucial
metal in inherently safe applications to stop sparks and grant
usage in flammable environments.

7. Bronze: ( Types of Metals )

Bronze is another popular alloy of copper. The only difference is

that bronze contains tin and not zinc. When other elements such
as phosphorus, manganese, silicon, and aluminum are added to
bronze, it may improve its attributes and appropriateness for a
particular application. Bronze has following characteristics- it is
brittle, hard, and resists fatigue skilfully. It also exhibit adequate
electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Bronze is mostly used manufacturing of mirrors, reflectors,
electrical connectors etc. Owing to its remarkable corrosion
resistance, it is used in submerged parts and ship fittings.

8. Titanium: ( Types of Metals )

Titanium is a principal engineering metal because it is strong and

at the same time significantly lightweight. It also has requisite
thermal stability even at elevated temperatures going up to 480
degrees Celsius. Owing to such important attributes, it finds
application in the aerospace industry, manufacturing of military
equipment is one use-case, medical applications (due to low
corrosion resistance). Titanium also finds wide applications in the
chemical and sporting goods industry.
9. Cobalt: ( Types of Metals )

Cobalt finds its applications in making blue pigment in paints and

dyes from the ancient times. In modern times, this metal is chiefly
used in making wear-resistant, high-strength steel alloys. Cobalt
is generally a by product of mining of copper and nickel and its
own mining is rarely undertaken.

10. Nickel: ( Types of Metals )

Nickel is one of the most customary metals used in a variety of

places. Nickel is mostly used for making stainless steels, in order
to elevate the metal’s strength and corrosion resistance. Almost
70% of the nickel manufactured in the world finds its application
for making stainless steel.

11. Tungsten: ( Types of Metals )

Tungsten metal is known for its topmost melting point and the
highest tensile strength among all the pure metals. These two
properties make tungsten an extremely useful metal.

Around 50%of all the tungsten manufactured is used to make

tungsten carbide. This is a very hard material used for making
cutting tools (for mining and metalworking), abrasives, and heavy
equipment.