Describe the following and outline any types within each group and give examples of their application.

Ferrous materials

Ferrous materials are those which contain iron.

Type of ferrous material Example of application

Mild steel Used for engineering purposes
Carbon steel Making cutting tools such as drill bits
Stainless steel Used for the likes of cutlery and surgical
instrumentation
Cast iron Used to manufacture items such as engine blocks
and manhole covers
Wrought iron Used to make items such as ornamental gates
and fencing

Non Ferrous metals

Material with zero iron content

Type of non-ferrous material Example of application

Aluminum Used in aircraft manufacture ,window frames and
some kitchen ware
Copper Used for wiring, tubing and pipework
Brass For ornamental purposes and within electrical
fittings
Silver Used for decorative impact in jewelry and
ornaments and also to solder different metals
together
Lead Used in roofing in batteries and to make pipes

Plastic

A material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are
malleable and can be molded into solid objects, typically organic polymers though they often contain
other substances.

Plastic type application

Polyethylene terephthalate Common household; fizzy drink bottles, pre-
prepared food trays, mouthwash bottles
High density polyethylene Detergent bottles, toys ,milk bottles
Polyvinyl chloride Credit cards, synthetic leather products, pipes
and fittings, wire and cable sheathing, window
frames
Low density polyethylene Films, fertilizer bags, packaging films, flexible
bottles, irrigation pipes
Polypropylene Most bottle tops, ketchup and syrup bottles
,crates, plant pots
Polystyrene Yoghurt containers, egg boxes, fast food trays,
coat hangers