2010 – 12 – Characteristics of Ceramics

For a lot of people, ceramics conjures clay pottery as an image. Ceramics can mean glass, diamond and special materials used in high temperature applications.

Ceramics are created at very high temperatures. Their melting point is high and resist heat and electricity.

Manufacturers find it useful because they are strong and durable. They resist corrosion very well but can be very brittle. This means they can’t be used in certain actions.

  1. True or False, ceramic materials are able to resist heat and electricity.

    • 1.
    • 2.
2010 – 01 – Materials in the Present

2010 – 01 – Materials in the Present

Manufacturing is the practice of creating physical objects. In fact, manufacturing is an essential part of our modern society. Some materials produced using the manufacturing process are close to their natural state, while others require serious effort to reshape the material into a usable product. Man-made materials have unique characteristics that would not otherwise exist in the natural world. According to manufacturers, there are about 2000 different types of steel, 5000 types of plastic and 10,000 separate types of glass. The miracle of modern technology has given society a huge selection of materials. It’s important to understand their unique properties […]

2010 – 02 – The Definition of Properties

2010 – 02 – The Definition of Properties

Any given material will have its own specific characteristics and trait-based behaviors. When we speak about a material’s properties, we describe how the material responds to many different scenarios. A material’s properties are typically separated into its mechanical properties and physical properties. Mechanical properties detail how a material responds to attempts to break, bend, dent, twist, or scratch it. Physical properties detail the material’s weight, density, temperature response, and conductivity. Manufacturers select materials based on how well their properties suit the tasks at hand, though sometimes choices can seem unclear. For example, one material may have some qualities that suit […]

2010 – 03 – Types of Materials

2010 – 03 – Types of Materials

There are a wide variety of categories that manufacturers use to organize types of materials. Typically, each material will fall into these four categories; Metal, Plastic, Ceramic, or Composite. All the materials in each category are going to be similar because their internal structures are the same. All materials are made up of particles arranged in repeating patterns. It is this pattern that determines the properties of the material. Plastics, for example, are arranged in long, unbreaking chains. Depending how particles are stacked and how tightly packed they are, the material will react in a wide variety of ways.

2010 – 04 – Characteristics of Metals

2010 – 04 – Characteristics of Metals

Metals are some of the most widely used materials in manufacturing. Their versatility is essential to many products. Metals have a vast variety of uses, ranging from bridges and ships to key chains and screws. Metals are an integral part of contemporary society. Popular because of their strength, manufacturers can mold metals in just about any shape. Metals also have the ability to conduct electricity. Typically, a combination of these characteristics makes metal a popular choice for a number of manufacturing operations.

2010 – 05 – What are Alloy Metals

2010 – 05 – What are Alloy Metals

Metals fall under one of two types: pure metal or alloy. An alloy is a combination of a metal with another metal or element. While some metals are valued when in a pure state, others have drawbacks. To overcome some of these drawbacks of a metal, manufacturers turn pure metals into alloys. Alloys are manufactured, which means they do not occur naturally. Engineers can emphasize certain properties, like strength or tolerance to high temperatures, to make it ideal for specific jobs.

2010 – 06 – Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

2010 – 06 – Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Metal alloys are separated into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals contain higher levels of iron than non-ferrous metals. Steel, composed of iron and carbon, is the most common ferrous metal. The more carbon steel contains, the harder it will be. Non-ferrous metals aren’t as popular as ferrous metals, but offer some engineers more options beyond when steel can’t get the job done. Some non-ferrous metals are can be lighter, more corrosion resistant, and better at conducting electricity.

2010 – 07 – Ferrous Metal Application

2010 – 07 – Ferrous Metal Application

The most popular metal in the manufacturing industry is steel. It’s strong and relatively inexpensive, and therefore has a vast number of uses. Basic steels, for example, can be shaped into the I-beams that are used in bridges and steel sheets used in cars. But steel can also be used in smaller parts. A lot of fasteners, like nuts and bolts, are made from steel. Alloyed steel also has a vast range of applications. Products like crankshafts, springs, and axles require a particular type of alloy steel because of their physical resistance and strength.

2010 – 08 – Classifying Steel

2010 – 08 – Classifying Steel

The composition of steels, and other metals, defines their essential qualities. When manufacturers create metals, they can adjust the different elements to get a specific type of steel. It is a delicate balance, though: If the metals are too far out of proportion, then the metal will be useless. Types of steels are distinguished from each other based on their metallic proportions.. Each steel is classified using specific numbers that describe its particular grade of steel.

2010 – 09 – Uses of Stainless Steels and Tool Steels

2010 – 09 – Uses of Stainless Steels and Tool Steels

Different types of alloy steels will have unique metallic content and, therefore, special properties. Stainless steels and tools steels, for example, are expensive steels that have advantages that other metals cannot match. Stainless steels are renowned for corrosion resistance. These steels require chromium as an essential component that protects the metal from rust. Stainless steels are often used for kitchenware and surgical equipment. Tool steels are used to cut and form metal, and therefore are incredibly tough and hard.

2010 – 10 – Characteristics of Plastics

2010 – 10 – Characteristics of Plastics

Plastics are another commonly used material. Unlike the majority of metals, plastics don’t weigh very much. They are resistant to chemical corrosion and can be many different colors. Plastics are not conductive. Plastics are divided into three groups : – Thermoplastics can be softened and hardened many times. – Thermosetting plastics can only be hardened one time. – Elastomers stretch and return to their shape. Not many plastics will have strength comparable with steel. But, because they are flexible and easily shaped, plastics are used in manufacturing in a lot of ways.

2010 – 11 – Utilizing Plastics

2010 – 11 – Utilizing Plastics

Plastics are commonly used by both the packaging and chemical industries. Corrosion resistance makes plastics suitable for chemical storage. Plastics have begun to replace other materials in other industries as well. Products that once used metal alloys now have plastic parts. Plumbers, for example, have been transitioning to plastic pipes. Furthermore, transparent plastics can be used in place of glass storage containers. Because elastomers can stretch without breaking, they have special uses, including tires, hoses and flexible belts.

2010 – 13 – Utilizing Ceramics

2010 – 13 – Utilizing Ceramics

While some ceramics are familiar, others have unique and surprising uses. About half of ceramic products contain glass. These combinations are used in sinks, bathtubs and floor tiling. Ceramics can also be used in highly specialized roles because it’s highly resistant to corrosion. For example, they are used in prosthetics and even dental applications. Ceramics can also be used in the high-tech industry to build computer chips and protective tiling on spacecraft.

2010 – 14 – Characteristics of Composites

2010 – 14 – Characteristics of Composites

A combination of metal, ceramic, and plastic in which any of these materials stays in its distinct form is called a composite. The materials will stay together as separate components — unlike composite metals. Composites are grouped based on the way its materials are mixed. A few examples include: Particulate composites: Incorporate small bits of one material into a large portion of a different material. Concrete, for example, contains bits of gravel in cement. Fibrous composites: Amalgamate slivers of one material into a separate material. For example, fiberglass combines slivers of glass into plastic. Laminar composites: Are layers of different […]

2010 – 15 – Utilizing Composites

2010 – 15 – Utilizing Composites

Composites are a combination of materials and therefore have a lot of potential application possibilities. Brick was likely the first composite: It combines clay and straw. Today, composites are divided into two types: Structural and advanced composites. Structural composites contain common materials. Examples include concrete reinforced with steel rods and safety glass that has plastic sandwiched between two panes of glass. As technology advances, more composites are made possible. Tennis rackets, for example, have fibers of graphite encased in resin. It’s important to be aware, though, that composites can be costly to create. Furthermore, because they are a combination of […]

2010 – 16 – The Purchasing of Materials

2010 – 16 – The Purchasing of Materials

With the variety of materials available, it can be difficult to determine the best material for the job. Selecting the right material means finding a product at the lowest cost that still meets all your needs. This is true regardless of the type of material you need. Manufacturers are on an external quest to save money. When a common grade of steel offers the same performance, there is no need for an expensive alloy. If a job calls for a material with unique characteristics, you won’t want to get a cheaper material that wont make the grade. The more special […]

2010 – 17 – Possibilities of Materials

2010 – 17 – Possibilities of Materials

Metals have been the most popular material in the manufacturing industry. However, metal is slowly being phased out for other materials in a wide range of applications. Plastics are now replacing a lot of the materials in automobiles, like the dashboards and steering wheels. Eventually, they may replace the body of the car, making the frame lightweight and impervious to rust. A car’s engine may also eventually be made out of plastic, contributing to fuel efficiency. As technology evolves, engineers will find new ways to develop materials.

2010 – 18 – Lesson Summary

2010 – 18 – Lesson Summary

The manufacturing process involves transforming materials into a new working whole. Every material has its own unique mechanical and physical properties that dictate its behavior. Materials are organized into different categories: Metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Metals are popular and known for their strength. Plastics are growing in use. They are replacing other materials like metals for other applications. Plastics are lightweight, shaped easily and resistant to corrosion. Ceramics are used for high-temperature applications that need strength. It’s important, though, for manufacturers to be aware that ceramics can be brittle. Composites are an amalgamation of two materials from the three […]

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