2060 – 03 – The Differences Between Metals

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What variables factor into the properties of a metal? Normally, manufacturers want to know what type of heat treatment the metal went through, its chemical composition, perhaps even the furnace that created the metal.

The composition of the metal affects its properties. By controlling the heating and cooling of a metal, manufacturers can make it harder or more malleable. All steels contain iron and carbon and a small bit of other metals. Sometimes, metals are added to make alloy steel. Each ingredient, and how much of it is present in the metal, determines shardness, ductility, and corrosion resistance.

Heating up the metal also affects its properties. Different furnaces are required to be used on specific metals.