Metals: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Steel Grades
According to the World Steel Association, there are over 3,500 different grades of steel, encompassing unique physical, chemical and environmental properties. In essence, steel is composed of iron and carbon, although it is the amount of carbon, as well as the level of impurities and additional alloying elements that determines the properties of each steel grade.
According to the World Steel Association, there are over 3,500 different grades of steel, encompassing unique physical, chemical and environmental properties. In essence, steel is composed of iron and carbon, although it is the amount of carbon, as well as the level of impurities and additional alloying elements that determines the properties of each steel grade.
How to Price Scrap Metal
Article describing the steps necessary to price scrap metal properly, including tips on identification and market resources.
Article describing the steps necessary to price scrap metal properly, including tips on identification and market resources.
The 10 Biggest Steel Producers
Total crude steel production in 2010 exceeded 1.4 billion metric tonnes, up 15% from 2009. The world's ten largest steel producers accounted for approximately 25% of this production.
Total crude steel production in 2010 exceeded 1.4 billion metric tonnes, up 15% from 2009. The world's ten largest steel producers accounted for approximately 25% of this production.
The 10 Biggest Copper Producers
The world's ten biggest copper producers accounted for over 85 million metric tons of copper production in 2010. The list below is based-upon output from mines according to research done by the consulting company CRU. Production figures are in thousands of metric tons.
The world's ten biggest copper producers accounted for over 85 million metric tons of copper production in 2010. The list below is based-upon output from mines according to research done by the consulting company CRU. Production figures are in thousands of metric tons.
Corrosion Prevention
In virtually all situations, metal corrosion can be managed, slowed or even stopped by using the proper techniques. Corrosion prevention can take a number of forms depending on the circumstances of the metal being corroded. Corrosion prevention techniques can be generally classified into 6 groups:
In virtually all situations, metal corrosion can be managed, slowed or even stopped by using the proper techniques. Corrosion prevention can take a number of forms depending on the circumstances of the metal being corroded. Corrosion prevention techniques can be generally classified into 6 groups:
Electrical Conductivity in Metals
Electrical conductivity in metals is a result of the movement of electrically charged particles. The atoms of metal elements are characterized by the presence of valence electrons - electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are free to move about. It is these 'free electrons' that allow metals to conduct an electric current.
Electrical conductivity in metals is a result of the movement of electrically charged particles. The atoms of metal elements are characterized by the presence of valence electrons - electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are free to move about. It is these 'free electrons' that allow metals to conduct an electric current.
Types of Corrosion
Corrosion comes in many different forms and can be classified by the cause of the chemical deterioration of a metal. Listed below are 10 common types of corrosion:
Corrosion comes in many different forms and can be classified by the cause of the chemical deterioration of a metal. Listed below are 10 common types of corrosion:
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal as a result of chemical reactions between it and the surrounding environment.
Corrosion is the deterioration of a metal as a result of chemical reactions between it and the surrounding environment.
How to Price Scrap Metal: Gold
With the price of gold soaring, many companies are looking for ways to get their hands on your unwanted gold. Most companies ask you to send your scrap gold pieces to them for analysis. Once they determine a value, you are then sent payment. But before you mail away your gold, you may want to determine for yourself what the melt value - the market value of the gold contained within the piece - should be.
With the price of gold soaring, many companies are looking for ways to get their hands on your unwanted gold. Most companies ask you to send your scrap gold pieces to them for analysis. Once they determine a value, you are then sent payment. But before you mail away your gold, you may want to determine for yourself what the melt value - the market value of the gold contained within the piece - should be.
General Properties of Steels
The following table lists the properties of steels at room temperature (25°C).
The following table lists the properties of steels at room temperature (25°C).
Free Go-Kart Plans and Designs - Page 1
Free go-cart plans and instructions. Build your own go-carts, scooters, motorbikes, all terrain vehicals.
Free go-cart plans and instructions. Build your own go-carts, scooters, motorbikes, all terrain vehicals.
Definition of Rockwell Hardness (HRB or HRC)
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 1
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Malleability
What is malleability? Malleability is a physical property of metals that defines the ability to be hammered, pressed or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. In other words, it is the property of a metal to deform under compression.
What is malleability? Malleability is a physical property of metals that defines the ability to be hammered, pressed or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. In other words, it is the property of a metal to deform under compression.
Metals and Commodities Prices
Current and historical metal prices, from your About.com Guide. The most comprehensive online guide for the metal industry including material buyers guides, global supplier lists, e-commerce sites, software & shareware, industry news, and metallurgical data.
Current and historical metal prices, from your About.com Guide. The most comprehensive online guide for the metal industry including material buyers guides, global supplier lists, e-commerce sites, software & shareware, industry news, and metallurgical data.
Galvanic corrosion
What is galvanic corrosion? Galvanic corrosion is caused by the existence of a galvanic cell - essentially two metals submersed in an electrolyte - that results in an attack on one metal at the expense the other. For a galvanic cell to form, two electrochemically different metals must exist within a localized electrolytic environment.
What is galvanic corrosion? Galvanic corrosion is caused by the existence of a galvanic cell - essentially two metals submersed in an electrolyte - that results in an attack on one metal at the expense the other. For a galvanic cell to form, two electrochemically different metals must exist within a localized electrolytic environment.
Definition of Welding
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Steel Applications
What is steel used for? Steel is both the most widely used and most recycled metal material on earth. From stainless and high temperature steels to flat carbon products, steel's various forms and alloys offer different properties to meet a wide range of applications. For these reasons, as well as the metal's combination of high strength and a relatively low production cost, steel is now used in countless products.
What is steel used for? Steel is both the most widely used and most recycled metal material on earth. From stainless and high temperature steels to flat carbon products, steel's various forms and alloys offer different properties to meet a wide range of applications. For these reasons, as well as the metal's combination of high strength and a relatively low production cost, steel is now used in countless products.
Corrosion Rate Calculator
The rate of corrosion is the speed at which a metal deteriorates in a specific environment. The rate, or speed, is dependent upon environmental conditions as well as the type, and condition, of the metal.
The rate of corrosion is the speed at which a metal deteriorates in a specific environment. The rate, or speed, is dependent upon environmental conditions as well as the type, and condition, of the metal.
Company Profile: Glencore International AG
Glencore International AG (Glencore) is involved in the production, marketing and distribution of energy, agricultural and metal commodities. With its head office based in Baar, Switzerland, Glencore and its subsidiaries have operations in 30 countries and over 56,000 employees.
Glencore International AG (Glencore) is involved in the production, marketing and distribution of energy, agricultural and metal commodities. With its head office based in Baar, Switzerland, Glencore and its subsidiaries have operations in 30 countries and over 56,000 employees.
Definition of Proof Stress
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Ductility
Definition of the material property of ductility.
Definition of the material property of ductility.
What Is Copper?
Complete copper profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
Complete copper profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
The Effect of Alloying Agents on Steel Properties
Different alloying elements each have their own affect on the properties of steel. Some of the properties that can be improved through alloying include:
Different alloying elements each have their own affect on the properties of steel. Some of the properties that can be improved through alloying include:
Steel Production
How is steel made? Methods for manufacturing steel have evolved significantly since industrial production began in the late 19th century. Modern methods, however, are still based the same premise as the Bessemer Process, namely, how to most efficiently use oxygen to lower the carbon content in iron.
How is steel made? Methods for manufacturing steel have evolved significantly since industrial production began in the late 19th century. Modern methods, however, are still based the same premise as the Bessemer Process, namely, how to most efficiently use oxygen to lower the carbon content in iron.
Definition of Cold Working
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Aluminum
What is aluminum? Aluminum (also known as aluminium) is the most abundant metal element in the earth's crust. And it's a good thing too, because we use a lot of it. About 41 million tons are smelted each year and employed in a wide arrange of applications. From auto bodies to beer cans, and from electrical cables to aircraft skins, aluminum is a very big part of our everyday lives.
What is aluminum? Aluminum (also known as aluminium) is the most abundant metal element in the earth's crust. And it's a good thing too, because we use a lot of it. About 41 million tons are smelted each year and employed in a wide arrange of applications. From auto bodies to beer cans, and from electrical cables to aircraft skins, aluminum is a very big part of our everyday lives.
10 Biggest Nickel Producers
The world's ten largest refined nickel producers accounted for over 1 million metric tons of nickel in 2011. The list below was compiled by the metal consulting group CRU. Production statistics are in thousands of metric tons (MT).
The world's ten largest refined nickel producers accounted for over 1 million metric tons of nickel in 2011. The list below was compiled by the metal consulting group CRU. Production statistics are in thousands of metric tons (MT).
Definition of Solution Annealing
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Titanium
What is titanium? Titanium is a strong and lightweight refractory metal. Alloys of titanium are critical to the aerospace industry but, due to their numerous unique properties, are also used in medical, chemical and military applications, as well as in sporting goods.
What is titanium? Titanium is a strong and lightweight refractory metal. Alloys of titanium are critical to the aerospace industry but, due to their numerous unique properties, are also used in medical, chemical and military applications, as well as in sporting goods.
Composition of Common Brass Alloys
The chart below summarizes the composition of a number of commonly used brass alloys:
The chart below summarizes the composition of a number of commonly used brass alloys:
Quenching
Description of the heat treatment process of quenching.
Description of the heat treatment process of quenching.
Definition of Shot Blast
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Brass
What is brass? Brass is a binary alloy composed of copper and zinc that has been produced for millennia and is valued for its workability, hardness, corrosion resistance and attractive appearance. The exact properties of different brasses depend on the composition of the brass alloy, particularly the copper-zinc ratio.
What is brass? Brass is a binary alloy composed of copper and zinc that has been produced for millennia and is valued for its workability, hardness, corrosion resistance and attractive appearance. The exact properties of different brasses depend on the composition of the brass alloy, particularly the copper-zinc ratio.
Definition of Composite Material
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Nickel
What is nickel? Nickel is a strong, lustrous, silvery-white metal that was not isolated by scientists until the mid-18th century, but is now a staple of our daily lives and can be found in everything from the batteries that power our television remotes to the stainless steel that is used to make our kitchen sinks.
What is nickel? Nickel is a strong, lustrous, silvery-white metal that was not isolated by scientists until the mid-18th century, but is now a staple of our daily lives and can be found in everything from the batteries that power our television remotes to the stainless steel that is used to make our kitchen sinks.
Definition of Elongation
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metallographic Etching
Article describing the technique and purpose of metallographic etching.
Article describing the technique and purpose of metallographic etching.
Definition of Solution Heat Treatment
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Three Ways to Price Your Scrap Metal
Heavy Metal: scrap price bulletin scrap metal prices non ferrous metals american metals industry benchmarks
Heavy Metal: scrap price bulletin scrap metal prices non ferrous metals american metals industry benchmarks
Strain
Definition of the material property of strain.
Definition of the material property of strain.
Metal Profile: Tungsten
What is tungsten? Tungsten is a dull silver-colored metal with the highest melting point of any pure metal. Also known as wolfram, from which the element takes its symbol, W, tungsten is more resistant to fracturing than diamond and is much harder than steel.
What is tungsten? Tungsten is a dull silver-colored metal with the highest melting point of any pure metal. Also known as wolfram, from which the element takes its symbol, W, tungsten is more resistant to fracturing than diamond and is much harder than steel.
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
The PGMs are the densest known metal elements. Exceptionally rare, the six metals naturally occur in the same ore bodies. They are highly durable and, due to their high value, often recycled, giving them long life cycles.
The PGMs are the densest known metal elements. Exceptionally rare, the six metals naturally occur in the same ore bodies. They are highly durable and, due to their high value, often recycled, giving them long life cycles.
Strength
Definition of the material property of strength.
Definition of the material property of strength.
Metal Profile: Steel
What is steel? Steel, the world's foremost construction material, is an alloy of iron, containing between 0.2% and 2% carbon (by weight).
What is steel? Steel, the world's foremost construction material, is an alloy of iron, containing between 0.2% and 2% carbon (by weight).
Definition of Alloy
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Killed Steel
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Malleability
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Platinum
Platinum is a dense, stable and rare metal that is often used in jewelry for its attractive, silver-like appearance, as well as in medical, electronic and chemical applications due to its various and unique chemical and physical properties.
Platinum is a dense, stable and rare metal that is often used in jewelry for its attractive, silver-like appearance, as well as in medical, electronic and chemical applications due to its various and unique chemical and physical properties.
Metal Profile: Tin
What is tin? Tin is a soft, silvery-white metal that is very light and easy to melt. Being so soft, tin is rarely used as a pure metal; instead, it is combined with other metals in order to make alloys that possess tin's numerous beneficial properties.
What is tin? Tin is a soft, silvery-white metal that is very light and easy to melt. Being so soft, tin is rarely used as a pure metal; instead, it is combined with other metals in order to make alloys that possess tin's numerous beneficial properties.
Tempering
Description of the heat treatment process of tempering.
Description of the heat treatment process of tempering.
Definition of SG Iron
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
The 10 Largest Uranium Mines
The world's 10 largest producing uranium mines accounted for 29,337 tonnes of uranium (tU), or 55% of global production in 2010. Statistics provided by the World Nuclear Association.
The world's 10 largest producing uranium mines accounted for 29,337 tonnes of uranium (tU), or 55% of global production in 2010. Statistics provided by the World Nuclear Association.
Company Profile: POSCO
Established in 1968, Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) operates two integrated steel mills in South Korea and a joint venture with U.S. Steel (USS-POSCO) in California. According to the World Steel Association, POSCO was the world’s third biggest producer of crude steel in 2010 (after ArcelorMittal and Baosteel), manufacturing over 30 million tonnes.
Established in 1968, Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) operates two integrated steel mills in South Korea and a joint venture with U.S. Steel (USS-POSCO) in California. According to the World Steel Association, POSCO was the world’s third biggest producer of crude steel in 2010 (after ArcelorMittal and Baosteel), manufacturing over 30 million tonnes.
What is Zinc?
Complete zinc profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
Complete zinc profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
Base Metals
The term 'base metals' commonly refers to the industrial, non-ferrous metals: copper, lead, nickel and zinc.
The term 'base metals' commonly refers to the industrial, non-ferrous metals: copper, lead, nickel and zinc.
Normalization
Definition of the heat treatment process of normalization.
Definition of the heat treatment process of normalization.
Refractory Metals
The term 'refractory metal' is used to describe a group of metal elements that have exceptionally high melting points and are resistant to wear, corrosion and deformation.
The term 'refractory metal' is used to describe a group of metal elements that have exceptionally high melting points and are resistant to wear, corrosion and deformation.
Metal Profile: Magnesium
What is magnesium? Magnesium is the lightest of all the metal elements and is primarily used in structural alloys due to its light weight, strength and corrosion resistance.
What is magnesium? Magnesium is the lightest of all the metal elements and is primarily used in structural alloys due to its light weight, strength and corrosion resistance.
Definition of Young's Modulus
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Annealing
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Gold Prices
The London bullion market is the preeminent, international over-the-counter market for the wholesale trading of gold and silver. The gold fix is quoted in US dollars, Pound sterling and the Euro at 10:30am and 3pm in London. Below are monthly averages of the London morning gold fix:
The London bullion market is the preeminent, international over-the-counter market for the wholesale trading of gold and silver. The gold fix is quoted in US dollars, Pound sterling and the Euro at 10:30am and 3pm in London. Below are monthly averages of the London morning gold fix:
Metal Markets
Metal prices are not only important to manufacturers and end-users, but have long been used as a tool for monitoring economic and market conditions. But how do markets determine metal prices?
Metal prices are not only important to manufacturers and end-users, but have long been used as a tool for monitoring economic and market conditions. But how do markets determine metal prices?
Metal Profile: Chromium
What is chromium? Chromium metal is most widely recognized for its use in chromium plating (which is often referred to simply as 'chrome'), but its largest use is as an ingredient in stainless steels. Both applications benefit from chromium's hardness, resistance to corrosion and ability to be polished for a lustrous appearance.
What is chromium? Chromium metal is most widely recognized for its use in chromium plating (which is often referred to simply as 'chrome'), but its largest use is as an ingredient in stainless steels. Both applications benefit from chromium's hardness, resistance to corrosion and ability to be polished for a lustrous appearance.
Definition of Springback
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 2
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Metal Profile: Palladium
What is palladium? Palladium is a soft, rare platinum group metal (PGM) that is valued for its catalytic properties.
What is palladium? Palladium is a soft, rare platinum group metal (PGM) that is valued for its catalytic properties.
Company Profile: ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal S.A. is the world’s largest steel producer, accounting for more than 6% of global crude steel production. Headquartered in Luxembourg, ArcelorMittal has operations in over 60 countries and annual gross revenues in excess of US$ 70 billion (2010).
ArcelorMittal S.A. is the world’s largest steel producer, accounting for more than 6% of global crude steel production. Headquartered in Luxembourg, ArcelorMittal has operations in over 60 countries and annual gross revenues in excess of US$ 70 billion (2010).
Iridium Prices
Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of iridium and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of iridium.
Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of iridium and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of iridium.
Metal Profile: Cobalt
What is cobalt? Cobalt is a shiny, brittle metal that is used to produce strong, corrosion and heat resistant alloys, permanent magnets and hard metals.
What is cobalt? Cobalt is a shiny, brittle metal that is used to produce strong, corrosion and heat resistant alloys, permanent magnets and hard metals.
Steel History
By the 17th century, iron's properties were well understood, but increasing urbanization in Europe demanded a more versatile structural metal. And by the 19th century, the amount of iron being consumed by expanding railroads provided metallurgists with financial incentive to find a solution to iron's brittleness and inefficient production processes.
By the 17th century, iron's properties were well understood, but increasing urbanization in Europe demanded a more versatile structural metal. And by the 19th century, the amount of iron being consumed by expanding railroads provided metallurgists with financial incentive to find a solution to iron's brittleness and inefficient production processes.
Guest Articles
How to submit guest articles or press releases to the About.com Metals Industry site.
How to submit guest articles or press releases to the About.com Metals Industry site.
Definition of Toughness
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Lead
What is lead? Lead is a soft, grey, lustrous metal with a high density and low melting point. Although hazardous to our health, humans have been extracting and using lead for over 6000 years
What is lead? Lead is a soft, grey, lustrous metal with a high density and low melting point. Although hazardous to our health, humans have been extracting and using lead for over 6000 years
Metal Prices
Below are a list of links to reference metal prices. Price sources include the London Metal Exchange, Johnson Matthey Base Prices for platinum group metals (PGMs), Engelhard Industrial Bullion Prices and the London Bullion Market Association.
Below are a list of links to reference metal prices. Price sources include the London Metal Exchange, Johnson Matthey Base Prices for platinum group metals (PGMs), Engelhard Industrial Bullion Prices and the London Bullion Market Association.
How to Make a Barrel Barbecue
As far as backyard metal projects go, what could be more appropriate for a long summer day than a barrel barbecue? For myself, a great project has two qualities: It is inexpensive to make and is practical to use. A barrel barbecue is both, and can be completed easily in one day.
As far as backyard metal projects go, what could be more appropriate for a long summer day than a barrel barbecue? For myself, a great project has two qualities: It is inexpensive to make and is practical to use. A barrel barbecue is both, and can be completed easily in one day.
Definition of Ductility
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Impact Test
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Precipitation Hardening
Definition of the heat treatment process of precipitation hardening.
Definition of the heat treatment process of precipitation hardening.
Material Properties & Data
Material properties from your About.com Guide: rockwell c scale material properties data bibliography netguide metals and alloys coefficient of thermal expansion
Material properties from your About.com Guide: rockwell c scale material properties data bibliography netguide metals and alloys coefficient of thermal expansion
Process Annealing
Definition of the heat treatment process of process annealing.
Definition of the heat treatment process of process annealing.
What Is Tin?
Complete tin profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
Complete tin profile with physical properties, history, market information, common alloys and interesting facts.
Definition of High Speed Steel
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Ferritic Steel
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Iron
What is iron? Iron's use by humans dates back about 5000 years. It is the second most abundant metal element in the earth's crust and is primarily used to produce steel, one of the most important structural materials in the world.
What is iron? Iron's use by humans dates back about 5000 years. It is the second most abundant metal element in the earth's crust and is primarily used to produce steel, one of the most important structural materials in the world.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 3
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide
Definition of Ore
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Hardness
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Copper
What is copper? Copper is a ductile and malleable base metal that is valued for its high thermal and electrical conductivity. Easily identifiable because of its iridescent, golden red color, copper and its alloys, such as bronze, have been used by humans for thousands of years. Due to its effectiveness as an electrical conductor, copper is now most often found in related applications, including in the wiring for our homes and offices, and in the circuitry, connectors and components that make virtually all electronic devices function.
What is copper? Copper is a ductile and malleable base metal that is valued for its high thermal and electrical conductivity. Easily identifiable because of its iridescent, golden red color, copper and its alloys, such as bronze, have been used by humans for thousands of years. Due to its effectiveness as an electrical conductor, copper is now most often found in related applications, including in the wiring for our homes and offices, and in the circuitry, connectors and components that make virtually all electronic devices function.
Copper Production
How is copper produced? Copper is typically extracted from oxide and sulfide ores that contain between 0.5 and 2.0 percent copper. The refining techniques employed by copper producers depend on the ore type, as well as other economic and environmental factors. Currently, about 80 percent of global copper production is extracted from sulfide sources.
How is copper produced? Copper is typically extracted from oxide and sulfide ores that contain between 0.5 and 2.0 percent copper. The refining techniques employed by copper producers depend on the ore type, as well as other economic and environmental factors. Currently, about 80 percent of global copper production is extracted from sulfide sources.
Metal Profile: Molybdenum
What is molybdenum? Molybdenum (often referred to as 'Moly') metal is valued as an alloying agent in structural and stainless steels because of its strength, corrosion resistance and ability to hold shape and operate at high temperatures.
What is molybdenum? Molybdenum (often referred to as 'Moly') metal is valued as an alloying agent in structural and stainless steels because of its strength, corrosion resistance and ability to hold shape and operate at high temperatures.
Definition of Normalising
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Cast Iron
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Copper History Pt. I
Copper is considered to be one of the first metals to be used by humans. The main reason for its early discovery and use is that copper can naturally occur in relatively pure forms.
Copper is considered to be one of the first metals to be used by humans. The main reason for its early discovery and use is that copper can naturally occur in relatively pure forms.
Definition of Fatigue
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Iridium
Iridium is a hard, brittle and lustrous platinum group metal (PGM) that is very stable at high temperatures as well as in chemical environments.
Iridium is a hard, brittle and lustrous platinum group metal (PGM) that is very stable at high temperatures as well as in chemical environments.
Cupronickel
What is cupronickel? Cupronickel (also referred to as “cupernickel” or copper-nickel alloy) refers to a group of copper-nickel alloys that utilize iron and manganese and are used in saltwater environments due to their corrosion resistant properties.
What is cupronickel? Cupronickel (also referred to as “cupernickel” or copper-nickel alloy) refers to a group of copper-nickel alloys that utilize iron and manganese and are used in saltwater environments due to their corrosion resistant properties.
Metal Alloys
What are metal alloys? Alloys are metallic compounds composed of one metal and one or more metal, or non-metal, elements. Examples of common alloys include...
What are metal alloys? Alloys are metallic compounds composed of one metal and one or more metal, or non-metal, elements. Examples of common alloys include...
Definition of Oxidation
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Bismuth
What is bismuth? Bismuth is a silvery and brittle metal that is frequently found in low-melt alloys. Demand for bismuth metal has grown over the past 20 years in large part due to its effective use as a substitute for lead.
What is bismuth? Bismuth is a silvery and brittle metal that is frequently found in low-melt alloys. Demand for bismuth metal has grown over the past 20 years in large part due to its effective use as a substitute for lead.
Metalloids
What are metalloids? Metalloids, or semi-metals, are a group of elements that possess both properties of metals and non-metals.
What are metalloids? Metalloids, or semi-metals, are a group of elements that possess both properties of metals and non-metals.
Platinum Prices
Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of platinum and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of platinum.
Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of platinum and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of platinum.
About Metals Glossary
Glossary of metal terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Annealing
Description of the heat treatment process of annealing.
Description of the heat treatment process of annealing.
Definition of Elastic Limit
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Metal Profile: Silver
What is silver? Silver is a soft, lustrous metal that has a long history as a medium of exchange in coins and currency, and as a store of wealth (silver bullion). A precious metal, silver has been used in jewellery and as a decorative metal for millennia, while, more recently, it has become an important metal for electronic, industrial and medical applications.
What is silver? Silver is a soft, lustrous metal that has a long history as a medium of exchange in coins and currency, and as a store of wealth (silver bullion). A precious metal, silver has been used in jewellery and as a decorative metal for millennia, while, more recently, it has become an important metal for electronic, industrial and medical applications.
Copper Prices 2012
Copper and tin contracts have been traded on the London Metal Exchange since the late 19th century when the market first began operating. The prices listed below are based on the daily cash buyer contract prices settled at the LME and averaged for each month.
Copper and tin contracts have been traded on the London Metal Exchange since the late 19th century when the market first began operating. The prices listed below are based on the daily cash buyer contract prices settled at the LME and averaged for each month.
Magnets & Metals
What are magnets? Magnets are materials that produce magnetic fields, which attract specific metals. Every magnet has a north and a south pole. Opposite poles attract, while like poles repel.
What are magnets? Magnets are materials that produce magnetic fields, which attract specific metals. Every magnet has a north and a south pole. Opposite poles attract, while like poles repel.
Heat Treatment
Definition of the materials process of heat treatment.
Definition of the materials process of heat treatment.
Definition of Corrosion
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 21
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
The History of Brass
Not long after the Romans had discovered how to produce brass, the alloy started to be used in coinage in areas of modern day Turkey. Brass coins soon spread throughout the Roman Empire and there is evidence that calamine brass production moved into northern Europe under Rome's authority.
Not long after the Romans had discovered how to produce brass, the alloy started to be used in coinage in areas of modern day Turkey. Brass coins soon spread throughout the Roman Empire and there is evidence that calamine brass production moved into northern Europe under Rome's authority.
Metal Profile: Manganese
What is manganese? Manganese is a key component in the production of steel. Although classified as a minor metal, the quantity of manganese produced worldwide each year falls behind only iron, aluminum, copper and zinc.
What is manganese? Manganese is a key component in the production of steel. Although classified as a minor metal, the quantity of manganese produced worldwide each year falls behind only iron, aluminum, copper and zinc.
Definition of Mechanical Properties
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Minor Metals
What are minor metals? The term 'minor metals' is used to describe about 40 elemental metals that are normally produced as by-products and not traded on any major exchanges.
What are minor metals? The term 'minor metals' is used to describe about 40 elemental metals that are normally produced as by-products and not traded on any major exchanges.
Definition of Critical Temperature
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Hardenability
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Grain Size Measurement
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
A Short History of Steel: Part II
The growth of railroads during the 19th century in both Europe and America put great pressure on the iron industry, which still struggled with inefficient production processes. Yet steel was still unproven as a structural metal and production was slow and costly. That was until 1856, when Henry Bessemer came up with a more effective way to introduce oxygen into molten iron in order to reduce the carbon content.
The growth of railroads during the 19th century in both Europe and America put great pressure on the iron industry, which still struggled with inefficient production processes. Yet steel was still unproven as a structural metal and production was slow and costly. That was until 1856, when Henry Bessemer came up with a more effective way to introduce oxygen into molten iron in order to reduce the carbon content.
Rhodium Prices
What is the price of rhodium? Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of rhodium and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of rhodium.
What is the price of rhodium? Johnson Matthey is a major supplier of rhodium and platinum group metals (PGMs). Prices indicated below are monthly averages, calculated using prices offered by all three trading locations, per troy ounce (31.1g) of rhodium.
Metal Hydrides
Definition of the materials known as metal hydrides.
Definition of the materials known as metal hydrides.
Metal Profile: Rhodium
What is rhodium? Rhodium is a rare platinum group metal (PGM) that is chemically stable at high temperatures, resistant to corrosion and mainly used in the production of automobile catalytic converters.
What is rhodium? Rhodium is a rare platinum group metal (PGM) that is chemically stable at high temperatures, resistant to corrosion and mainly used in the production of automobile catalytic converters.
Definition of Tempering
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Eutectoid
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Creep
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Silver Prices
The London bullion market is the preeminent, international over-the-counter market for the wholesale trading of gold and silver. The silver fix is quoted in US dollars, Pound sterling and the Euro at 10:30am and 3pm in London. Below are monthly averages of the London morning silver fix:
The London bullion market is the preeminent, international over-the-counter market for the wholesale trading of gold and silver. The silver fix is quoted in US dollars, Pound sterling and the Euro at 10:30am and 3pm in London. Below are monthly averages of the London morning silver fix:
Definition of Heat Number
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Rhenium Prices
Prices indicated below reflect the prices published on the first day of each month per one pound (454g) of rhenium.
Prices indicated below reflect the prices published on the first day of each month per one pound (454g) of rhenium.
Brass Applications
Brass's valuable properties and relative ease of production has made it one of the mostly widely used alloys. While compiling a complete list of all of brass's applications would be a colossal task, we can get an idea of the breadth of industries and the types of products in which brass is found by categorizing and summarizing some end-uses based on the grade of brass used:
Brass's valuable properties and relative ease of production has made it one of the mostly widely used alloys. While compiling a complete list of all of brass's applications would be a colossal task, we can get an idea of the breadth of industries and the types of products in which brass is found by categorizing and summarizing some end-uses based on the grade of brass used:
Definition of Flame Hardening
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Until fairly recently, the lanthanide - or rare earth - elements (REEs) were a little known group of industrial metals. Locked away at the bottom of the periodic table, REEs were often overlooked, perhaps due in part to their limited uses and difficult to pronounce names.
Until fairly recently, the lanthanide - or rare earth - elements (REEs) were a little known group of industrial metals. Locked away at the bottom of the periodic table, REEs were often overlooked, perhaps due in part to their limited uses and difficult to pronounce names.
Osmium Prices
Prices indicated below reflect the prices published on the first day of each month per one troy ounce (31.1g) of osmium.
Prices indicated below reflect the prices published on the first day of each month per one troy ounce (31.1g) of osmium.
Free Metallic Backgrounds and Texture Gallery
webpage graphics sets, textures gallery, metal textures, borders backgrounds, texture gallery, metallic backgrounds, metallic graphics, navigational bars, webpage backgrounds, graphics resource, graphic applications, 1000s, spheres, alphabet, logos, gold, images
webpage graphics sets, textures gallery, metal textures, borders backgrounds, texture gallery, metallic backgrounds, metallic graphics, navigational bars, webpage backgrounds, graphics resource, graphic applications, 1000s, spheres, alphabet, logos, gold, images
Definition of Allotropy
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Gauge Length
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 8
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Company Profile: BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest mining and resource companies with roughly 100,000 employees in over 25 countries. The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (as BHP Billiton Ltd.), as well as on the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (as BHP Billiton Plc).
BHP Billiton is one of the world's largest mining and resource companies with roughly 100,000 employees in over 25 countries. The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (as BHP Billiton Ltd.), as well as on the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (as BHP Billiton Plc).
Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium
The Beijing National Stadium - more often referred to as the Bird's Nest stadium - took five years to complete and was constructed using 42,000 tons of steel, making it the largest steel structure in the world. Measuring 330 meters long, 220 meters wide and 69.2 meters tall, the design of the Bird's Nest stadium design is based on 24 trussed columns, weighing 1000 tons each.
The Beijing National Stadium - more often referred to as the Bird's Nest stadium - took five years to complete and was constructed using 42,000 tons of steel, making it the largest steel structure in the world. Measuring 330 meters long, 220 meters wide and 69.2 meters tall, the design of the Bird's Nest stadium design is based on 24 trussed columns, weighing 1000 tons each.
Definition of Stainless Steel
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Toughness
Definition of the material property of toughness.
Definition of the material property of toughness.
Definition of Austenitic Steels
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Pickling
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Steel Billet Prices 2012
Contracts for steel billets have been traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME) since 2008. These were the first ferrous contracts to be offered by the LME. The prices listed below are based on the daily cash buyer contract prices settled at the LME averaged for each month.
Contracts for steel billets have been traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME) since 2008. These were the first ferrous contracts to be offered by the LME. The prices listed below are based on the daily cash buyer contract prices settled at the LME averaged for each month.
Company Profile: Nippon Steel Corp.
Nippon Steel Corporation is Japan's largest steel manufacturer, producing 35 million metric tons of crude steel in 2010. Nippon Steel employs over 50,000 staff and is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Nippon Steel Corporation is Japan's largest steel manufacturer, producing 35 million metric tons of crude steel in 2010. Nippon Steel employs over 50,000 staff and is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Metal Profile: Mercury
What is mercury? Mercury, or 'quicksilver' as it is otherwise known, is a dense, toxic metal element that exists in liquid form at room temperature. Produced and studied for millennia, mercury's use has steadily declined since the 1980s as a result of greater attention to the negative health impacts that it has on humans and the environment.
What is mercury? Mercury, or 'quicksilver' as it is otherwise known, is a dense, toxic metal element that exists in liquid form at room temperature. Produced and studied for millennia, mercury's use has steadily declined since the 1980s as a result of greater attention to the negative health impacts that it has on humans and the environment.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 6
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Definition of Galvanic Action
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Glossary of metal industry terminology and definitions from your About.com Guide.
Free Metalworking Projects and Plans - Page 15
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Free metalworking plans, drawings and instructions for do-it-yourself metal shop projects from your About.com Guide.
Aluminum Prices 2012
Aluminum (aluminium) contracts did not begin trading on the London Metal Exchange until 1978. These were upgraded to the current, higher (99.70%) grade contract in 1987 and now account for about 40% of the total tonnage traded on the exchange.
Aluminum (aluminium) contracts did not begin trading on the London Metal Exchange until 1978. These were upgraded to the current, higher (99.70%) grade contract in 1987 and now account for about 40% of the total tonnage traded on the exchange.