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alloy
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A metal consisting of two or more materials. One of these materials must be a metal.
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aluminum
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A silvery white metal that is soft, light, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
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brass
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An alloy of copper and zinc. Brass offers a balance of electrical and thermal conductivity and strength.
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bronze
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An alloy of copper and tin. Bronze offers a balance of strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
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cobalt
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A shiny, grayish metal that is brittle and hard, with magnetic properties similar to iron.
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coefficient of thermal expansion
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The change in density that occurs as a material changes in temperature. A metal typically increases in volume and decreases in density as it is heated.
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copper
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A reddish metal that is very ductile, thermally and electrically conductive, and corrosive resistant. Copper is often used to make electrical wire.
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corrosion resistance
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The ability of a metal to withstand the deterioration and chemical breakdown that occurs during surface exposure to a particular environment.
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creep strength
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The ability of a metal to withstand a constant weight or force at elevated temperatures.
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die casting
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A metal casting that is made by injecting the molten metal into a cavity under pressure.
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ductility
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The ability of a metal to be drawn, stretched, or formed without breaking.
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electrical conductivity
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The ability of a metal to convey an electric current.
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ferrous metal
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A metal in which iron is the main ingredient.
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galvanized steel
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Steel that has been plated with zinc to improve corrosion resistance.
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heat treatment
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The controlled heating and cooling processes used to change the structure of a material and alter its physical and mechanical properties.
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hexagonal close-packed
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The crystal structure that contains a collection of atoms that are closely packed into the shape of a hexagon. Metals with a hexagonal close-packed crystal structure are very difficult to form.
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lead
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A bluish white metal that is very soft and ductile and is a poor conductor of electricity. Lead is used as a soldering alloy and as a sound dampener.
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magnesium
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A grayish white, extremely light metal that is also brittle and has poor wear resistance.
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modulus of elasticity
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A variable that describes the relationship of stress to strain within the material's elastic region. It describes the stiffness of a material.
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nickel
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A silvery white metal that is fairly hard and malleable, with properties similar to iron and steel. Nickel is used as a plating metal for steel.
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nonferrous metal
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A metal that does not contain iron as a main ingredient.
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ore
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The impure, natural state of a metal.
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oxide coating
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A protective film that develops on the surface of a metal.
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plain carbon steel
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The basic type of steel, which contains less than 3% of elements other than iron and carbon.
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plating metal
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A metal that is added as a protective coating for another metal.
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soldering alloy
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A metal alloy that is melted at relatively low temperatures and used to join metal parts.
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strength-to-weight ratio
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The relationship between a material's strength and its weight. Materials that are light but also very strong have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
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superalloy
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An alloy consisting of three or more elements that is very expensive and designed to perform at elevated temperatures.
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thermal conductivity
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The ability of a material to conduct heat.
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tin
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A silvery white metal that is very soft and has poor strength. Tin is used in soldering alloys.
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titanium
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A silvery white metal that has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is corrosive resistant. Titanium is often used in aerospace applications.
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zinc
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A bluish white metal that is corrosive resistant and has a relatively low melting point. Zinc is used as a plating metal for steel.
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