ferrous metals

cast iron 

• melting point: 1200 degrees 
• composition: wide range of of alloys, white, grey and malleable forms
• properties and characteristics: hard skin, brittle soft core, strong under compression, self lubrication, cannot be bent or forged.
• uses: heavy crushing machinery car brake drums or discs vices or machine parts.

steel (mild steel)

• mild steel: 1600 degrees 
• composition: alloys of iron and carbon 0.15-0.35% carbon
• properties and characteristics: tough, ductile and malleable, high tensile strength, easily joined, welded, poor resistance to corrosion, cannot be hardened and tempered, general prupose material.
• uses: nails, screws, nuts and bolts, girders car bodies

medium carbon steel 

• composition: 0.4-0.7% carbon
• properties and characteristics: strong and hard, but less ductile, tough or malleable
• uses: garden tools (trowel, fork) springs, rails

high- carbon steel (silversteel)

• melting point: 1800 degrees
• composition: 0.8-1.5%
• properties and characteristics: very hard, but less ductile, tough or malleable, difficult to cut, easily joined by carbon heat treatment, strength decreases above 0.9%
• uses: hand tools (hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, punches)

alloys steel (stainless steel)

• composition: alloys, 18% chromium, 8% nickel, 8% magnesium
• properties and characteristics:hard and tough, resists wear, corrosion- resistant, different forms affect malleability (types 18/8), difficult to cut or file
• uses: sinks, cutlery, dishes, teapots

high-speed steel 

• composition: medium carbon steel, +tungsten +chromium +vanadium
• properties and characteristics: very hard, resistant to frictional heat even at red heat, it can only be ground
• uses: lathe cutting tools, drils, milling cutters

high tensile steel

• composition: low carbon steel +nickel
• properties and characteristics: corrosion- resistant, low rate of expansion, exceptional strength and thoughness
• uses: gears/engine valves, turbine blades

manganese steel 

• composition: 1.5% manganese
• properties and characteristics: extreme tougness
• uses: chains, hooks and couplings