1. Metals There are two types of metals Ferrous (contain iron)Ferrous Non- Ferrous (do not contain iron)

2. Ferrous Metals All the metals in this group contain Iron. They include wrought iron, mild steel and cast steel. Ferrous metals rust easily when exposed to the atmosphere and are magnetic. Plain Carbon Steels Alloy Steels

3. Plain Carbon Steels These steels are a series of iron and carbon alloys with carbon content varying between 0.05% and 1.4% Dead mild Steel Low carbon content 0.05-0.15%. Ductile and easily formed Uses: chains, rivets, nails, thin wire

4. Mild Steel carbon content 0.15-0.30%. Bright mild and Black mild, Bright mild used in benchwork Black mild used for forging Ductile, easily cut, machined and welded, cannot be hardened or tempered Uses: General engineering work, girders, plates for ship building, gates.

5. Medium Carbon Steel carbon content 0.30-0.60%. Greater strength than mid steel but not as ductile or malleable. Uses: Axles, rail tracks,spades wire ropes..

6. High Carbon Steel (Cast Steel) carbon content 0.6-1.4%. Hard and wear resistant can be hardened and tempered. Uses: Cutting tools (chisels, saws, files) dies punches springs hammers..

7. Silver Steel carbon content @ 1.0%, contains chromium Does not contain silver gets its name from appearance Uses: Scribers and screwdriver heads. Tool Steel Used for making engineering tools.

8. Tinplate Tinplate is produced by coating thin sheets of steel containing 0.1% carbon with Tin. The process of coating the steel is called Electro-plating. Uses: for food containers. It is also used as containers for many other products such as paint, lubricants etc.

9. Galvanised Iron This is mild steel coated with Zinc. The coating is usually achieved by dipping the steel article in a bath of molten zinc. Uses: for roof sheeting, gates, water tanks, dust bins and other outdoor articles.

10. Alloy Steels These steels are produced from adding elements such as chromium, tungsten, nickel and manganese to steel.