Common Metals

NAME	Ferrous (contains iron)/Non-ferrous (does not contain iron)	PROPERTIES AND WORKING CHARACTERISTICS	WHY WOULD YOU USE THIS MATERIAL FOR YOUR DESKTOP
Steel Mild Steel	*Ferrous*	Tough ductile and malleable, high tensile strength, easily joined, welded, poor resistance to corrosion, cannot be hardened and tempered	Nuts bolts and screws for fittings. Needs coating to prevent rusting. Cheap.
Stainless Steel (Alloy steel)	Ferrous	Hard and tough, resists wear, corrosion resistant, difficult to cut and file	Does not rust or corrode, does not need a finish.Could be used to make executive toys, desk lamp parts. Expensive.
Aluminium	Non-ferrous	High strength/weight ratio, light, soft and ductile, work hardens in cold state, annealing necessary, difficult to join, polishes well	Can use nuts, bolts, rivets and knock down fittings to join. Can be anodized. Desk lamp parts.
Copper	Non-ferrous	Malleable, ductile, tough, suitable for hot and cold working, good conductor for heat and electricity, corrosion resistant, easily joined, solders and brazes well polishes well, rather expensive	Could be used for wires and decoration.
Brass	Non-ferrous	Corrosion resistant, increased hardness, casts well, work hardens, easily joined, silver solders, polishes well, good conductor of heat and electricity	Used for decoration and fittings inside electrical appliances such as plugs. desk lamp parts.