UK Technology Education Centre's
Independent Learning Packages
2. Ferrous Metals and their Properties
Properties of Metals
Malleability - can be hammered and pressed into shape
Ductility - can be drawn into fine wire
Elasticity - regains its shape after being deformed
Hardness - resists being scratched or cut
Brittleness - extremely hard and therefore breaks easily
Conductivity - ability to conduct heat or electricity
Mild Steel
Composition: Iron alloy with 0.3% carbon
Properties: Malleable and ductile, and therefore bends fairly easily
Uses: nults, bolts, screws, tubes, girders
Methods of Identification:
Appearance: Bright drawn mild steel has a smooth, bright surface; black mild steel is covered with a blue-grey oxide
Dropping: Gives out a ringing note
Grinding: Gives off a shower of long white sparks
Effect of Heating: Slightly tougher but little change
Tool Steel/Cast Steel/Carbon Steel
Composition: Iron alloy with 0.5%-1.5% carbon
Properties: Tough rather than hard, and fairly ductile
Uses: Springs and most tools such as hammer heads, drills, chisels, shears etc
Methods of Identification:
Appearance: Has a smooth skin of black oxide
Dropping: Gives out a high ringing note
Grinding: Moderate number of red sparks
Effect of Heating: Becomes hard and brittle
Cast Iron
Composition: Iron alloy with 2%-4% carbon
Properties: Brittle, snaps before it will bend. Strong in compression
Uses: Vices, cylinder blocks for car engines, frames for most machines
Methods of Identification:
Appearance: Grey with a granular surface
Dropping: gives out a dull note
Grinding: Gives off a few dull sparks
Effect of Heating: No change
The Starting Point
The Pivot Point
