Metals and metallic materials
Understand metallic bonding, alloy families, processing, properties and selection for engineering service.
What is a metal?
Metals are materials whose bonding and electronic structure generally support electrical and thermal conductivity, plastic deformation and characteristic metallic luster. Engineering behavior depends strongly on composition, microstructure, heat treatment, cold work and service environment.
Main engineering families
Explore carbon, alloy, stainless, tool and specialty steels, grade systems, applications and major manufacturers by country.
Low density, good formability and useful corrosion resistance for transport, construction and heat-transfer applications.
High electrical/thermal conductivity; brasses and bronzes extend strength, wear and corrosion performance.
Selected for aggressive corrosion and elevated-temperature strength.
High specific strength and strong corrosion resistance, especially in aerospace, chemical and marine service.
Gold, silver and platinum-group metals are important in electronics, catalysis, sensors and specialist chemical service.
Selection factors
Compare strength, stiffness, toughness, fatigue, creep, corrosion, weldability, machinability, availability, lifecycle cost and compatibility with the operating environment. A grade name alone is not enough: product form and processing history can materially change performance.
