Classification of Engineering Materials
Basic Classification of Engineering Materials
Basically Engineering Materials Can be classified into two categories-- Metals
- Non-Metals
Metals
Metals are polycrystalline bodies which are having number of differentially oriented fine crystals. Normally major metals are in solid states at normal temperature. However, some metals such as mercury are also in liquid state at normal temperature. All metals are having high thermal & electrical conductivity. All metals are having positive temperature coefficient of resistance. Means resistance of metals increase with increase of temperature. Examples of metals – Silver, Copper, Gold, Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Lead, Tin etc. Metals can be further divided into two groups-- Ferrous Metals – All ferrous metals are having iron as common element. All ferrous materials are having very high permeability which makes these materials suitable for construction of core of electrical machines. Examples: Cast Iron, Wrought Iron, Steel, Silicon Steel, High Speed Steel, Spring Steel etc.
- Non-Ferrous Metals- All non-ferrous metals are having very low permeability. Example: Silver, Copper, Gold, Aluminum etc.
Non-Metals
Non-Metal materials are non-crystalline in nature. These exists in amorphic or mesomorphic forms. These are in both solid & gases forms at normal temperature. Normally all non-metals are bad conductor of heat & electricity. Examples: Plastics, Rubber, Leathers, Asbestos etc. As these non-metals are having very high resistivity which makes them suitable for insulation purpose in electrical machines.Difference between Metals and Non Metals
Sl. No. | Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
1. | Structure | All metals are having crystalline structure | All Non-metals are having amorphic & mesomorphic structure |
2. | State | Generally metals are slid normal temperature | State varies material to material. Some are gas state and some are in solid state at normal temperature. |
3. | Valance electrons & conductivity | Valance electrons are free to move with in metals which makes them good conductor of heat & electricity | Valence electrons are tightly bound with nucleus which are not free to move. This makes them bad conductor of heat & electricity |
4. | Density | High density | Low density |
5. | Strength | High strength | Low strength |
6. | Hardness | Generally hard | Hardness is generally varies |
7. | Malleability | Malleable | Non malleable |
8. | Ductility | Ductile | Non ductile |
9. | Brittleness | Generally non brittle in nature | Brittleness varies material to material |
10. | Lustre | Metals possess metallic lustre | Generally do not possess metallic lustre (Except graphite & iodine) |
Other classification of engineering materials:
Engineering materials can also be classified as below-- Metals & Alloys
- Ceramic Materials
- Organic Materials
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