Properties of non ferrous metals

• Aluminium

• Copper

• Brass

• Bronze

• Zinc

• Lead

Advantages

• Better corrosion resistance than carbon steels

• Lower density than steel (lightweight)

• Recyclable

Disadvantages

• Not as strong as steels (is alloyed to be stronger)

• Costs more than carbon steels

Uses

• Drinks can

• Wings/body panels for aircraft

Advantages

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductor

• Can be polished

Disadvantages

• Oxidises to a green colour

Uses

• Water pipes

• Electrical wires

Advantages

• Harder than copper

• Malleable

• Can be machined to a high finish

• Corrosion resistant

• Ductile

Disadvantages

• Difficult to cast

Uses

• Doorknobs

• Musical instruments

• Pressure valve bodies

Advantages

• Harder/tougher than brass

• Corrosion resistant

• Easily machined

• Casts well

• Malleable

Uses

• Cast products like:

  • Statues

  • Sculptures

  • Ornaments

Advantages

• Low melting point

• Relatively cheap (less energy required to melt it)

Disadvantages

• Brittle

• Low corrosion resistance

Uses

• Die casting

  • Car door handles

  • Camera bodies

Advantages

• Malleable

• Ductile

• Very good corrosion resistance

Disadvantages

• Soft

• High density

Uses

• Construction (prevents water leaks around roofs)

• Weights for diving

• Radiation shields

• Water pipes (but is harmful to humans)

Alloy it

It’s used in its pure form as alloying it reduces its electrical conductivity

Copper and zinc

Copper and tin