Types of Metals
Metal is a highly versatile material, used for making of furniture. Most commonly used types of metal are stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, and bronze. Stainless Steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment to which the material will be subjected in its lifetime. Carbon steel is sometimes referred to as ‘mild steel’ or ‘plain carbon steel’ makes up the largest part of steel production and is used in a vast range of applications. Typically carbon steels are stiff and strong. Some form of protective coating is used so that it doesn’t rust if used in a corrosive environment. Brass is a metal alloy made of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. Brass is used for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance. Bronze is far more resilient to everyday wear and tear which is one of the main reasons that it is the number one choice for many customers.
Stainless Steel:
It is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum chromium content of 11.5% by weight. Stainless steel is not as easily coloured, corroded or rusty as regular steel (“less stains”), but not stain-repellent. When the type and grade of alloy are not detailed, especially in the aviation industry, also known as corrosion-resistant steel. There are different grades and stainless steel finishes to suit the material during its service life. Common uses of stainless steel are forks and bands. Stainless steel has a different carbon content than carbon steel. Carbon steel is types of metal exposed to air and moisture and rusts. This iron oxide film is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide. Stainless steel has a sufficient amount of chromium to form a passive film of chromium oxide that prevents further corrosion.
Mild Steel:
Carbon steel types of metal are sometimes referred to as ‘mild steel’ or ‘plain carbon steel’. The American Iron and Steel Institute defines carbon steel as having no more than 2 % carbon and no other appreciable alloying element. Carbon steel makes up the largest part of steel production and is used in a vast range of applications. Carbon steel is usually hard and sturdy. They also exhibit ferromagnetism (ie, they are magnetic). This means that they are widely used in motors and appliances. Carbon steels with a carbon content greater than 0.3% require special precautions. However, welding carbon steel is much less problematic than welding stainless steel. Carbon steel has poor corrosion resistance (ie, rust) and therefore should not be used in corrosive environments unless some form of protective coating is used. Brass: Brass types of metal is an alloy of both copper and zinc. It has low friction properties and acoustic properties, which make it one of the most popular metals to use when making musical instruments. It is commonly used as a decorative metal because of its resemblance to gold. It is also germicidal which means it can kill microorganisms on contact. Since it has gold like appearance it would be a royal choice if used as a material for furniture. Other applications include architectural uses, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors. Available products are Round Bar, Rectangular Bar, Square Bar, and Hexagonal Bar.
Copper:
In general, copper types of metal alloys exhibit good to excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity and very high electrical conductivity. Pure copper’s electrical conductivity is so high that many metals are measured against it in the form of the IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). Applications include architectural uses, coinage, condenser/heat exchangers, plumbing, radiator cores, musical instruments, locks, fasteners, hinges, ammunition components, and electrical connectors.
Small amounts of alloying elements are often added to it to improve certain characteristics. Alloying can increase or reduce the strength, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, or change the color. Common primary alloying elements include tin (resulting in bronze) or zinc (resulting in brass).
