Metals’ multiple characteristics make them necessary for contemporary aircraft, construction, and electronics engineering. Every metal has distinct physical and chemical properties that affect its usage, durability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. For example, steels—alloyed with chromium and nickel—are essential in construction for their high tensile strength and resistance to pressure. On the other hand, aluminum, one-third the density of steel, is perfect for aerospace uses where every gram counts due to its lightweight construction and corrosion resistance.
Meanwhile, copper is used in power production and telecommunications thanks to its high electrical conductivity. Copper wire market will grow $57.48 billion at 6.83% CAGR between 2024 and 2028. Refractory metals like tungsten are employed in rocket engines and cutting tools due to their high melting temperatures and hardness. Knowing such types of metals and their properties helps choose materials and promotes precision and performance-critical technology.
What Is Metal?
Metal is a category of elements with unique physical and chemical characteristics due to metallic bonding and electron mobility. Metals have a crystalline structure. That’s where atoms are closely packed in a lattice that allows electrons to move freely throughout the structure. The delocalized electron “sea” defines electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and luster. Moreover, metals can form alloys, which are combinations with other elements that modify strength, resistance to corrosion, and hardness. However, not all metals behave the same.
The types of metals vary in their properties per atomic structure and impurities. For instance, ferrous metals contain iron, are magnetic, and are prone to rust. In contrast, non-ferrous metals, like aluminum and copper, are more corrosion-resistant and easier to manipulate due to their lower density. Transition metals, including iron, copper, and nickel, form oxidation states for complex ions and catalytic activity in industrial chemistry. Rare-earth metals in the lanthanide series exhibit special optical and magnetic properties in electronics and renewable energy technology.
Further, metals interact differently under stress. Some display high tensile strength (titanium), while others are hard (tungsten). Gold is malleable and corrosion-resistant for electrical contacts. Metalworking methods also vary. Casting, forging, and extrusion are chosen according to a metal’s melting point, reactivity, and workability. Whether pure or alloyed, each type of metal suffers phase transitions at different temperatures to influence their use in high-temperature settings. The atomic structure, external conditions on stability, and behavior in oxidation or reduction reactions of metals, along with their mechanical properties, determine their industrial applications.
Types of Metals and Their Properties 
Aluminum
Aluminum is among the common types of metals for its low density and high corrosion resistance. Its natural oxide layer protects it against corrosion through anodizing, which thickens the layer and improves durability. With a 2.7 g/cm³ density, aluminum is one-third as dense as steel for applications needing weight reduction, including aerospace. Despite its lightweight nature, aluminum alloys can be strong. E.g., 7075 alloys may attain tensile strengths of up to 572 MPa. Also, it has thermal and electrical conductivity for heat sinks and power lines. Due to its non-magnetic properties, aluminum is used in electronic devices to prevent interference. Though pure aluminum lacks strength, copper, magnesium, and zinc alloying boosts its mechanical properties.
Copper
Copper is another type of metal for its electrical and thermal conductivity. Its conductivity rating is the highest among non-precious metals. It is quantified as 100% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) for electrical wiring and circuitry. Copper alloys, including bronze (copper-tin) and brass (copper-zinc), augment its durability and usefulness. Notably, copper’s antimicrobial properties are key to healthcare. Its surfaces may decrease microbial presence by up to 99%. However, its softness limits its structural applications. A hardness on the Mohs scale is around 3. Copper’s ductility allows it to be drawn into thin wires without breaking in telecommunications.
Iron
Iron is important among types of metals for most structural uses. When alloyed with carbon, steel can be produced. It can vary in properties per the carbon content. Cast iron has a carbon content above 2% and offers machinability and compressive strength for engine blocks and pipes. Iron exhibits magnetic properties in motors and transformers. Yet, iron’s proneness to oxidation needs protective galvanizing or painting in rust-prone environments. Pure iron (wrought iron) is less brittle and highly ductile. It is used in artistic and decorative applications due to its malleability.
Steel
Steel alludes to an alloy of iron and carbon. It is one of the handy types of metals due to its strength and toughness, adjusted per carbon content and alloying elements. E.g., mild steel contains 0.2% carbon. High-carbon steel has up to 1.5% carbon for greater hardness and brittleness. HSS contains tungsten and molybdenum while retaining hardness at high temperatures for cutting tools. Stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium. It forms a passive oxide layer that resists corrosion in marine settings. Steel’s recyclability adds to its usage in the construction and automotive industries.
Titanium
Titanium is valued for its strength-to-weight ratio among types of metals. It has a density of 4.5 g/cm³, half that of steel. With corrosion resistance in saltwater environments, titanium is key to aerospace, medical implants, and marine applications. Its biocompatibility allows it to integrate with human bone for lower implant rejection. Titanium alloys, including Ti-6Al-4V, have tensile strengths of over 1000 MPa for high-stress components. Though difficult to machine due to its hardness and low thermal conductivity, titanium’s resistance to heat enables its use in jet engines.
Zinc
Zinc is a common type of metal for galvanizing. It forms a protective layer on steel to avoid rust while acting as a sacrificial anode. Its oxidation creates a patina, which protects the underlying steel. Additionally, zinc alloys, including Zamak, are used in die-casting. They flow into molds and retain dimensional accuracy. With a melting point of 419.5°C, zinc benefits small-cast components in automotive and hardware applications. Although its strength is moderate, zinc’s role in corrosion resistance and ease of casting renders it irreplaceable in manufacturing.
Nickel
Nickel is a malleable and corrosion-resistant metal. It is used as a plating to heighten other metals’ durability. It also helps in stainless steel production for corrosion resistance and formability. Superalloy Inconel is composed of nickel. It endures high temperatures for gas turbines and jet engines to keep its mechanical properties up to 1000°C. Nickel’s magnetic properties and high oxidation resistance are crucial in electronics and nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries.
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the lightest structural types of metals. Its density is 1.74 g/cm³, which is about 30% lighter than aluminum. AZ31 and AZ91 alloys provide high strength-to-weight ratios and are used in aerospace, automotive, and portable electronic devices. However, magnesium’s high reactivity and flammability need handling in powder or thin sections. Magnesium’s low melting point of 650°C limits its applications in high-temperature settings. Still, magnesium’s recyclability and lightweight characteristics are popular for weight-sensitive engineering applications.
Lead
Lead has high density (11.34 g/cm³) and corrosion resistance for radiation shielding. It absorbs gamma rays and X-rays. Its softness and malleability render it easy to shape, though this limits its structural applications. Lead-acid batteries utilize their electrochemical properties to provide high charge density for automotive and industrial power applications. Despite its toxicity, lead is key to specialized industries, although regulatory restrictions are limiting its use in consumer products.
Chromium
Chromium has high hardness and corrosion resistance in stainless steel production. When alloyed, it forms a passive oxide layer to avoid rust and tarnish in aggressive environments. Hard chromium plating on steel surfaces increases wear resistance and protracts the life of tools and machinery. Chromium’s melting point, over 1900°C, allows it to keep structural reliability in high-heat uses. Its presence in Hastelloy and Inconel increases performance in chemical and thermal conditions.
Silver
Silver offers high electrical and thermal conductivity. It is a key material in electronics and solar panels. Its reflectivity is also high for high-performance mirrors and optics. Although silver is soft and prone to tarnishing, alloying it with copper strengthens it for jewelry and coins. Despite being expensive, its antibacterial properties are valuable in medical equipment and water purification systems. Silver’s conductivity and antimicrobial features are irreplaceable in critical applications.
Gold
Gold is one of the conductive and corrosion-resistant types of metals used in electronics for reliable contact. Its inertness prevents oxidation for stable conductivity in moist or corrosive environments over time. Gold’s malleability helps it be drawn into thin wires for electronic components. Its biocompatibility is also handy in medical and dental uses. Though expensive, gold’s conductivity and corrosion resistance justify its use in high-precision and high-value applications.
Platinum
Platinum is award-winning for its catalytic properties. It is used in automotive catalytic converters for lower emissions. It bears high temperatures and chemical exposure in chemical processing and refining. Platinum’s corrosion resistance and stability across environments are valuable for electrodes in electrochemical processes. Although costly, platinum’s performance in exciting conditions guarantees that it is central in dedicated chemotherapy and pacemaker electrodes.
Tungsten
Tungsten retains the highest melting point of any pure metal at 3422°C. It is fundamental for high-temperature rocket nozzles and filament wires in incandescent bulbs. Its high density (19.25 g/cm³) is also helpful for ballast in aerospace and military applications. Nonetheless, tungsten is brittle to complicate machining and limit its use in structural applications. Tungsten carbide is an alloy with carbon, which provides hardness and wear resistance for cutting tools and mining equipment.
Cobalt
Cobalt is key to high-strength alloys for jet engines and gas turbines. It upholds stability at high temperatures and resists corrosion. Its magnetic properties and use in lithium-ion batteries are essential in energy storage and electronics. Cobalt-based superalloys in dental and orthopedic implants tolerate the stresses of medical applications. Though less abundant, cobalt’s performance in high-temperature and magnetic applications validates its demand in engineering fields.
Brass
Brass alludes to an alloy of copper and zinc. It is low-friction and corrosion-resistant for fittings, valves, and musical instruments. A specific ratio of zinc to copper results in its acoustic properties. Nevertheless, tin and lead can alter its machinability and strength. Although brass has a moderate tensile strength (up to 400 MPa), its artistic appeal and workability are prized in decorative and industrial applications. Its antimicrobial properties are also helpful in doorknobs and plumbing.
Bronze
Among the types of metals, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. It delivers wear resistance and low friction for bearings and gears. It also resists seawater corrosion in marine environments. Phosphor bronze includes added phosphorus for wear resistance. At the same time, silicon bronze enriches strength and machinability. Bronze’s high resistance to metal fatigue guarantees long-lasting performance in heavy-load applications. Its historical use in art highlights its durability.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum partakes a melting point of 2623°C for high-temperature furnace parts and missile components. When alloyed with steel, it improves hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance for automotive and construction applications. Molybdenum disulfide is its sulfide form, a lubricant at extreme temperatures to decrease friction in machinery. With high thermal and electrical conductivity, molybdenum is also used in electronics and renewable energy technologies.
Tin
Tin is used as a coating for steel (tinplate), resists corrosion, and extends the life of canned food. It has a low melting point (231.9°C) and exhibits malleability to simplify soldering and electrical connection applications. Alloying with copper produces bronze. Meanwhile, tin’s use in lead-free solders renders it vital in contemporary electronics manufacturing. Its low toxicity and corrosion resistance are valuable in protective coatings. That’s where food-grade materials are required.
Palladium
Palladium offers catalytic properties and is used in catalytic converters to diminish harmful emissions. It endures high temperatures and chemical attacks and suits electronics, dentistry, and hydrogen purification. Palladium’s hydrogen absorption capacity is up to 900 times its volume, which enables its use in hydrogen storage and fuel cells. Though expensive, palladium’s properties confirm its continued use in automotive, chemical, electronic, and hydrogen energy applications.
If you need help in choosing the best metal for your applications, ShanenTech is at your service.
FAQs about the Types of Metals
What Are The Two Main Types Of Metal?
Metals might be divided into two main types. Ferrous metals contain iron, whereas non-ferrous metals do not. Too soft and ductile, pure iron is unsuitable for engineering.
What Are 4 Pure Metals?
Single-atom metals are pure. Their highly structured atomic structure makes them flexible and bendable. Pure metals include gold, silver, copper, and aluminum.
Is Diamond A Metal?
Non-metals are usually soft, although diamond, a carbon allotrope, is the hardest non-metal.
What Is The Strongest Metal?
Tungsten is the strongest metal. It was discovered in 1781. It’s used to manufacture bullets, missiles, metal evaporation, paints, electron and TV tubes, glass to metal sealing, and more.
What Is Alloy Called?
An alloy is a metallic substance that is the combination or solution of two or more elements. Remember, most alloy components are metals, but steel requires carbon, a non-metal.
What Are 10 Properties Of Metals?
- High Electrical Conductivity.
- High Thermal Conductivity.
- High Density.
- Strength and Hardness.
- High Melting and Boiling Points.
- Corrosion Resistance (for some metals).
What Is The Weakest Metal?
Mercury is liquid at room temp. Because of its low melting point (-39 °C) and bonding energy (61 kJ/mol), it has the weakest metallic bonding of all elements and alloys.
What Is The Softest Metal?
The softest metal is cesium. Silver-white, lustrous metal is rare. At room temperature, it’s waxy.
What Is The Most Expensive Metal?
The platinum group’s most valuable metal is rhodium.
How Is Rust Formed?
When iron or iron alloys are exposed to oxygen and moisture for a long time, they form rust, a complex of oxides and hydroxides. Rusting occurs when oxygen reacts with metal to generate rust.
No comment