8 Different Types of Metal Cutting Tools

and Their Uses

September 22, 2021 by Gavin Ford

As there are various metal cutting tools available on the market, you might be wondering how
many types are there and which tool to use for your particular work. This guideline will be
worth reading to find out the types of metal cutting tools you may get out there. You will also
learn about the uses of those tools.

Metal cutting is a process where you can cut metal in your desired shapes and sizes, also
remove unnecessary objects from the workpiece.

Metal cutting tools are the tools used for cutting various types of metals. You can primarily
use these for shaping and cutting metal. Based on the design, the tools have different uses.

In this article, we’ll cover the types of metal cutting tools you can have to cut metals and on
which purpose you should use them.

Types of metal cutting tools

Types of Metal Cutting Tools

Various special cutting tools are being used to cut metals. Among them, a few are functional
and do their job perfectly. Here’s providing a list of the most valuable metal cutting tools to
use to cut metal.

Saws

A saw consists of a toothed blade that most often cuts through wood and plastic but
sometimes stone and metal, depending on the type of tool you use. 

Here’s a bunch of saws that the metal workers and DIYers are using for cutting metal. Under
this type, there are quite a several saws that you’ll want in your toolbox.

 Cold Saw

Cold saws can slice through almost anything, from stainless steel, tin, nickel, brass, titanium,
copper, aluminum, lead, zinc to alloy steel and even carbon steel. A cold saw produces fewer
sparks and less noise.

This circular saw gives friction-free cuts without producing much heat. Hence the name is
cold saw. Its coolant feature offers precise cuts, minor discoloration, and dust-free
production. So this expensive cutting tool is worth your money if you’re continually doing
metalwork.

 Hacksaw

The hacksaw is a C-shaped saw with a narrow blade. You can adjust the frame with different
blades. It’s an excellent and inexpensive choice for your small metal cutting projects.

 Metal Circular Saw

The circular saw has a metal cutting blade, thus known as a metal circular saw. It gives a
straight cut to up to 3/8 in. thick metal that is mild steel. You can cut sheet metal, metal
roofing, corrugated metal, and mostly anything with your circular saw. Though while cutting,
keep the backside of the roofing facing up if it requires it.

First, install a cutting blade into your saw & mark where you want to cut. Then cut according
to the design. You can even cut a bulk of materials all at once using a ferrous blade to save
time. It’s an excellent tool for straight and simple cuts.

 Band Saws

The band saw is great for bulk cutting. It’s a power saw that can also cut curves in thick
layers. You can use this tool for cutting unusual shapes. 

It has a long continuous metal band of the sharp-toothed blade to cut metal tubes and flat
stock.

 Oxy-Acetylene Torch
This tool produces flames of high temperature. It’s a torch-like tool that mixes oxygen with
acetylene- a hydrocarbon gas. This torch can go through thick metals that you generally
cannot cut with a saw.

Another excellent feature is this tool is very noisy compared to other saws or metal cutting
tools. It’s a lot faster than the others in case of the work done.

 Tin Snips

Tin snips are like a pair of scissors. When you need to cut different sheet metals, the kit
you’ll need is a pair of tin snips. The handheld tool is not so expensive.

This tool is ideal for cutting curves, straight, and even circles in soft metals. It’s also
convenient for cutting metal roofing, gutters, sheet metal, and studs while leaving a smooth
finishing edge.

Metalworkers use tin snips to cut sheet metal for car bodies. Professional metalworkers cut
corrugated metal with tin snips. You’ll have to hold the tin snips like a pair of scissors. Hold
the tool blades open wide, and then give long, smooth cuts. Keep cutting until you’re
finished. 

 Metal Air Shears

These are great for cutting sheet metal in bulk or long strips. Also, you can rotate the head to
make a precise cut. They produce clean cuts with less spark.

You can easily replace the blade. Cut curves or straight lines. You can do both with the air
shears. It can be an alternative to the tin snips but a much faster and cleaner result. They can
be powered manually or electrically. Try to have a pair of steel shears with an insulated
handle.

 Angle Grinder with Cutoff Wheel

An angle grinder can do metal fabrication like- grinding, cutting, polishing, deburring and
finishing. This handheld power tool is generally powered with electricity either by a cord or
by batteries. You can cut metals with the help of a metal cutoff wheel.

Moreover, you can grind, sharpen, cut, and remove rust with an angle grinder. It’s a useful
tool for experienced DIYers or metalworkers.

FAQs
What is a Metal Cutting Tool?

The tools that are used to cut metals are known as metal cutting tools. But you can do other
things like- grinding, sharpening, deburring and polishing with the tools.

What Is the Longevity of a Cold Saw Blade?

On average, a typical cold saw blade would last for six months if you work regularly. Its
blade can cut up to 1000 times before wearing out altogether. Moreover, you can lengthen the
lifespan of the blade by sharpening the teeth up to forty times.

Are there any Safety Precautions You Need to Take While Working With a
Metal Cutting Tool? If You Do, Then What Are They?

Metal cutting jobs need safety precautions to get done without any hazardous occurrence.
Metal cutting is considered a risky job to perform. So, taking safety measures is a must for
the work. The following list is a must-have safety checklist for your metal cutting work.

Take Safety Precautions

 Hard hat, 
 Safety glasses, 
 Face shield, 
 Fire-resistant sleeves, 
 Hearing protection, 
 Fire-resistant gloves, and 
 Safety shoes.

Put on all the safety gears and follow the safety precautions given below:

 As a beginner, you should put on your gloves. They might prevent any cuts that may
occur accidentally. And if you’re well familiar with the tools and good to go bare-
handed, then go as you wish.
 Hold the metal pieces with a light grip so that you don’t get a cut. 
 Don’t run your fingers along the edge of the cutter.
 Wear the proper gear that a particular tool may require.
 Be extra careful while working with hot and sharp materials as they might burn or cut
you.
 Use a brush to scrape the metal dust into the bin.
 Work in a well-lit place. Try to use natural light as well.
 Try to avoid creating small bars.
 Don’t take shortcuts. Take time & keep patience.
 Wear clothes that are fire-resistant and cover your whole body along the arms.
 Keep the flammables away from the working area.
 Don’t let anyone in unless they are adequately clothed.

Conclusion
Now that you’re all packed with the necessary information, get the metalworking tools you
need for your project, and then get started. Make sure to take essential safety precautions.

Don’t forget to compare the metal and the cutting tool’s thickness if they are compatible
before starting the project. Or, you’ll end up ruining the project
What is Cutting Tool?- Name, Types, and
Materials
by Jignesh Sabhadiya

What is Cutting Tool?

In the context of machining, a cutting tool or cutter is typically a hardened metal tool that is
used to cut, shape, and remove material from a workpiece by means of machining tools as
well as abrasive tools by way of shear deformation.

A cutting tool is a wedge-shaped and sharp-edged device that is used to remove excess layers
of material from the workpiece by shearing during machining in order to obtain the desired
shape, size, and accuracy. It is rigidly mounted on the machine tool. A relative velocity
between workpiece and cutting tool is also provided by various mechanical and other
arrangements for cutting action.

The majority of these tools are designed exclusively for metals. There are several different
types of single-edge cutting tools that are made from a variety of hardened metal alloys that
are ground to a specific shape in order to perform a specific part of the turning process
resulting in a finished machined part.

Single edge cutting tools are used mainly in the turning operations performed by a lathe in
which they vary in size as well as alloy composition depending on the size and the type of
material being turned.

These cutting tools are held stationary by what is known as a tool post which is what
manipulates the tools to cut the material into the desired shape. Single edge cutting tools are
also the means of cutting material performed by metal shaping machines and metal planning
machines which remove material by means of one cutting edge.

Milling and drilling tools are often multipoint tools. Drilling is exclusively used to make
holes in a workpiece. All drill bits have two cutting edges that are ground into two equally
tapered angles which cut through the material by applying downward rotational force.

Endmills or milling bits, which also cut material by rotational force. Although these tools are
not made to put holes in a workpiece. They are cut by horizontal shear deformation in which
the workpiece is brought into the tool as it’s rotating.

This is known as the tool path which is determined by the axis of the table that is holding the
workpiece in place. This table is designed to accept a variety of vises and clamping tools so
that it can move into the cutter at various angles and directions while the workpiece remains
still. There are several different types of endmills that perform a certain type of milling
action.
Classification of Cutting Tools
A cutting tool can include one or more major cutting edges that participate in the cutting
process simultaneously in a single pass.

Cutting tools can be classified in several ways; however, the most common method is based
on the number of major cutting edges taking part in the cutting process at the same time. On
this basis, cutting tools can be divided into three groups as indicated below.

 Single Point Cutting Tool

 Double Point Cutting Tool
 Multi Point Cutting Tool

1. Single Point Cutting Tools

Single point cutting tool consists of only one main cutting edge that can perform material
removal action at a time in a single pass. Single point cutting tools are used in turning,
shaping, planning, and similar operations.

It is made from hard materials like high carbon steel, high-speed steel, ceramic, and diamond.

With single-point cutting tools, because one cutting edge does all of the work, there is a
chance that the material will not be removed very quickly and the likelihood that the cutting
edge will break increases.
If one of the cutting edges breaks during use, you must stop and replace the entire tool before
it can be used again.

Single-point tools, such as a single-bladed reamer, have only one cutting edge that removes
material. Single-blade reamers often take longer because only one edge does the work.

Related Article:  How to Choose and Use a Jigsaw?

The main advantage of single-point cutting tools is the design and manufacture are quite
simple and less time-consuming, and such tools are comparatively cheaper.

The single cutting edge also has disadvantages; it remains in constant contact with the
workpiece during machining.

As a result, tool wear is high and tool life is short. Due to the continuous contact, the rate of
increase in tool temperature is high. On the one hand, this accelerates tool wear and, on the
other hand, causes thermal damage to the finished surface.

A high rise in temperature can plastically deform the tooltip, which can lead to poor
machining accuracy. Since only one cutting edge requires the entire depth of cut (chip load)
for one pass, the material removal rate (MRR) is much lower. Thus, productivity is low.
2. Double Point Cutting Tool

A double point cutting tool consists of two cutting edges that can cut or shear at the same
time in one operation. In contrast, a single-point cutting tool contains only one main cutting
edge.

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A multi-edged cutting tool contains more than two cutting edges to perform machining
operations in a single pass.

Sometimes cutters can only be divided into two groups when double-point cutters are also
considered multi-point cutters.

In addition, a cutting edge is obtained through the intersection of a rake face and a flank.
Double-point cutting tools, therefore, contain two rake faces and two flanks.

Double Point Cutting Tool Example: Drill is the only example for this category. Note that
drills can have more than two cutting edges. However, conventional (without cutting edge
modification) metal cutting drills contain two cutting edges.

The simultaneous action of two cutting edges sometimes creates a certain cutting force
component in that two cutting edges automatically eliminate (or reduce) one another. This
reduces various shocks (such as instability, vibration, etc.) of an unbalanced cutting force.

3. Multi Point Cutting Tools

A multi-point cutting tool contains more than two main cutting edges that work
simultaneously in one pass. Sometimes cutters with two cutting edges are also viewed as
multi-cutting tools (rather than double-point cutters).

The number of cutting edges present in a multi-point cutter can vary from three to a few
hundred.

In contrast to a single-point tool, a multi-point cutting tool allows more than one cutting edge
to be used at the same time. Ultimately, the multi-point tool allows multiple edges of the tool
to remove material at once.

This allows multiple cutting tools or “multi-blade” tools to run faster than single cutting
tools.

Because the amount of heat generated at the cutting edges is distributed across each cutting
blade, the tool can often run longer and be more wear-resistant. A Diatool high-performance
reamer is a great example of a multi-cutting tool.

Compared to alternative methods, a multi-bladed reamer can shorten cycle times and increase
quality.
Multi-point cutting tools have many advantages such as low chip load per tooth, higher
speed and feed, high MRR and productivity, also reduced tool wear, low cutting temperature,
and longer tool life.

It also has disadvantages such as intermittent cuts, cutting edges, or teeth are exposed to
fluctuating loads. This creates noises, vibrations, and permanent failure of the cutter. The
cutter is comparatively difficult to design and manufacture. This makes such a cutter more
expensive.

Types of Cutting Tools

As the name suggests, cutting tools are used for machining operations in metal cutting
technology. The milling cutters can be used in various machining applications. Therefore, the
milling cutters were named according to their respective role in the machining.

Here is a list of the cutting tools that are commonly used:

 Single Point Turning Tool. This cutting tool is for performing the turning operation
in the lathe machine.
 Drill. A drill is a cutting tool that drills a hole in a workpiece that has a cutting edge at
the tip and a groove in the body for evacuating chips. It is the most common tool
among cutting tools, with various shapes and types for use from DIY to specialty
machining tools.
 Mill (or Milling cutter). A milling tool is a generic term for tools with several cutting
edges on the outer surface or the end surface of a disk or a cylindrical body; it cuts the
workpiece as it rotates. It is mainly used in the milling machine and machining center;
The blade material includes diamond/CBN, high-speed steel, and carbide. An end mill
is also a type of milling tool.
 Reamer. A reamer is a tool used to finish the hole opened by a drill according to the
required accuracy. Similar to the cutting tool, the blade material includes
diamond/CBN, high-speed steel, and carbide. The number of cutting edges ranges
from one to several, depending on the hole diameter and application. With the step
reamer, the blade is divided into several steps, which means that several operations
are possible with a single reamer.
 Broach. A broaching machine is a tool for machining the surface of a workpiece or
the inner surface of a hole in the broaching machine, in which numerous cutting edges
are arranged in the order of dimension along the axis of the rod-shaped main body
outer periphery.
 Fly cutter. This tool does the task of fly milling on the milling machine.
 Shaper. This cutter is for giving specific shape and accuracy to the workpiece and is
performed on the shaping machine.
 Planer. This wedge device is similar to a shaper. However, in this process, the larger
workpieces are employed which move during the process, whereas in shape, the cutter
moves.
 Boring bar. This cutting device is performed on the boring or drilling machine to
execute the boring operation.
 Hob. This cutter is to perform the hobbing operation on the hobbing machine.
 Grinding wheel. This grinding tool is an abrasive device used on the grinding
machine for the grinding operation.
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Classification of the Cutter Depending on the Shape

Depending on the shape of the milling cutter, the cutting tool is now further differentiated.
Let’s look at the category that the cutting tool can be divided into in terms of shape:

 Solid
 Tipped Tool
 Tool Bit
 Grain Size
 Pointed Tool

1. Solid

In general, such a kind of cutter is employed as a lathe turning tool to perform the turning
operations.

2. Tipped Tool

This cutter was developed from different materials. That is, the body of the cutter is made of
several different materials while its cutting part is developed from a different material.

These two parts of the cutting tool can be joined by following any process including
clamping, welding, etc. Examples of tools with tipping are tools with tungsten carbide
tipping,

3. Tool Bit

This is a non-rotating cutter. You can use this tool on the shaping or planing machine to
shape and plan the workpiece accordingly and much more.

It falls under the cutting tools category, which means that this cutting tool only has one main
cutting groove. Some common examples of this type of cutting tool are the cast non-ferrous
satellite cobalt, the lathe tool in the machine holder, etc.

4. Grain Size

Cutting tools depend on the grain size and the number of grains. Assuming the grain is
smaller, it will shear off more of the material from the workpiece.

Conversely, if the grain size is larger, more material will be sheared off. For example, the
abrasive type of cutting tool is used in grinding wheels.

5. Pointed Tool
As the tool name suggests, the Tio of this cutter is pointed and fine. All edges coincide in one
line. A few examples of such cutting devices include hard carbide cutters and pointed
diamonds mounted on the holder.

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Cutting Tool Material

Cutting tool materials are used to make cutting tools used in machining (drill bits, tool bits,
milling cutters, etc.) but not other cutting tools like knives or punches.

Cutting tool materials must be harder than the material of the workpiece, even at high
temperatures during the process.

The following properties are required for the cutting tool:

 hardness, hot hardness and pressure resistance

 bending strength and toughness
 inner bonding strength
 wear resistance
o oxidation resistance
o small prosperity to diffusion and adhesion
o abrasion resistance
o edge strength

No material shows all of these properties at the same time. Very hard materials, have lower
toughness and break more easily. The following cutting tool materials are used:

 Tool steels. They are relatively cheap and tough. Their hardness is sufficient to
machine other steels.
 Carbon tool steels. Carbon steels have been used since the 1880s for cutting tools.
However, carbon steels start to soften at a temperature of about 180oC. This
limitation means that such tools are rarely used for metal cutting operations. Plain
carbon steel tools, containing about 0.9% carbon and about 1% manganese, hardened
to about 62 Rc, are widely used for woodworking and they can be used in a router to
machine aluminum sheet up to about 3mm thick.
 High-speed steels. They lose their hardness at 600 °C and are widely used in
machining. HSS tools are tough and suitable for interrupted cutting and are used to
manufacture tools of complex shape such as drills, reamers, taps, dies, and gear
cutters. Tools may also be coated to improve wear resistance. HSS accounts for the
largest tonnage of tool materials currently used. Typical cutting speeds: 10 – 60
m/min.
 Cutting ceramic. They are even harder than cemented carbides but have lower
toughness. Aluminum oxide and silicon nitride are used. The latter has higher
toughness, but can’t be used for machining Steel, due to very high wear.
  Cemented carbide. Cemented carbide cutting tool consists of tantalum, tungsten, and
titanium carbide with cobalt as a binder. These carbide tools are very hard and can
withstand temperatures well above a 900-degree Celsius.
 Ceramics tools. Aluminum oxide and silicon nitride are considered the most common
ceramic materials. They have high compressive strength and can withstand
temperatures up to 1800-degree Celsius. Due to their low friction between tool face
and chip and low heat conductivity, they usually require no coolant and provide an
excellent surface finish.
 Cubic boron nitride tool (CBN). CBNs are the second hardest material after
diamond. They offer high resistance to abrasion and use an abrasive in grinding
wheels. 
 Diamond tool. Diamonds are the hardest material and not to mention also quite
expensive. It has a very high thermal conductivity and melting point. They offer a low
friction coefficient, low thermal expansion, and high abrasion-resistant.  Diamonds
are excellent for dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
 Other Materials. To improve the toughness of tools, developments are being carried
out with whisker reinforcement, such as silicon nitride reinforced with silicon carbide
whiskers.

FAQs.
What is Cutting Tool?

In the context of machining, a cutting tool or cutter is typically a hardened metal tool that is
used to cut, shape, and remove material from a workpiece by means of machining tools as
well as abrasive tools by way of shear deformation.

What is Single Point Cutting Tool?

Single point cutting tool consists of only one main cutting edge that can perform material
removal action at a time in a single pass. Single point cutting tools are used in turning,
shaping, planning, and similar operations.

What is Multipoint Cutting Tool?

A multi-point cutting tool contains more than two main cutting edges that work
simultaneously in one pass. Sometimes cutters with two cutting edges are also viewed as
multi-cutting tools (rather than double-point cutters).

20 Different Types of Metal And Their

Properties
by Jignesh Sabhadiya
What is Metal?
A metal is a material that, freshly prepared, polished, or broken, shows a shiny appearance
and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typically malleable or ductile.
Metal can be a chemical element such as iron; an alloy such as stainless steel; or a molecular
compound such as polymeric sulfur nitride.

In physics, metal is generally considered to be any substance that can conduct electricity at a
temperature of absolute zero. Many elements and compounds that are not normally classified
as metals become metallic under high pressures.

For example, the non-metallic iodine gradually becomes a metal at a pressure between 40-
and 170,000-times atmospheric pressure. Likewise, some materials that are considered metals
can become non-metals. For example, sodium becomes a non-metal at a pressure almost two
million times atmospheric pressure.

In chemistry, two elements that would otherwise (in physics) be considered brittle metals,
arsenic, and antimony, are generally recognized as semimetals due to their chemistry
(predominantly non-metallic for arsenic and between metallicity and no metallicity for
antimony).

Approximately 95 of the 118 elements in the periodic table are (or likely are) metals. The
number is imprecise as the boundaries between metals, non-metals and semimetals fluctuate
slightly due to a lack of generally accepted definitions of the categories involved.

There are thousands of different types of metal out there, and each one is developed for very
specific applications.

Classification Of Metals
Metals can be categorized according to their physical or chemical properties. Categories
described in the subsections below include:

 Ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

 Brittle metals.
 Refractory metals.
 White metals.
 Heavy and light metals.
 Base, noble, and precious metals.
 Valve metals.

1. Ferrous and Non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals do not. The more in-depth answer is that
ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals each have their own distinctive properties. These
properties determine the applications they are most suited for.
Ferrous Metals

Pure Iron is of little use as an engineering material because it is too soft and ductile. When
iron cools and changes from a liquid to a solid, most of the atoms in the metal pack, are
tightly together in orderly layers.

Some, however. become misaligned, creating areas of weaknesses called dislocations. When
a piece of iron is put under stress, layers of atoms in these areas slip over one another and the
metal deforms. This begins to explain the ductility of soft iron.

By adding carbon to the iron, however, we can produce a range of alloys with quite different
properties. We call these the carbon steels. An alloy is a mixture of two or more chemical
elements and the primary element is a metal.

Some common ferrous metals include alloy steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
These metals are prized for their tensile strength and durability. Ferrous metals are also used
in shipping containers, industrial piping, automobiles, railroad tracks, and many commercial
and domestic tools.

Ferrous metals have a high carbon content which generally makes them vulnerable to rust
when exposed to moisture. There are two exceptions to this rule: wrought iron resists rust due
to its purity and stainless steel is protected from rust by the presence of chromium.

Most ferrous metals are magnetic which makes them very useful for motor and electrical
applications. The use of ferrous metals in your refrigerator door allows you to pin your
shopping list on it with a magnet.

Related: What is Ferrous Metal?

Non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin, as well as precious metals
like gold and silver. Their main advantage over ferrous materials is their malleability. They
also have no iron content, giving them a higher resistance to rust and corrosion, and making
them ideal for gutters, liquid pipes, roofing, and outdoor signs.

Lastly, they are non-magnetic, which is important for many electronic and wiring
applications.

Related: What is Non-Ferrous Metal?

2. Brittle metals

While nearly all metals are malleable or ductile, a few—beryllium, chromium, manganese,
gallium, and bismuth—are brittle. Arsenic and antimony, if admitted as metals, are brittle.
Low values of the ratio of bulk elastic modulus to shear modulus (Pugh’s criterion) are
indicative of intrinsic brittleness.

3. Refractory metal
In materials science, metallurgy, and engineering, a refractory metal is a metal that is
extraordinarily resistant to heat and wear. Which metals belong to this category varies; the
most common definition includes niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, and rhenium.
They all have melting points above 2000 °C and high hardness at room temperature.

4. White metal

The white metal is any range of white-colored metals (or their alloys) with relatively low
melting points. Such metals include zinc, cadmium, tin, antimony (here counted as a metal),
lead, and bismuth, some of which are quite toxic.

In Britain, the fine art trade uses the term “white metal” in auction catalogs to describe
foreign silver items which do not carry British Assay Office marks, but which are nonetheless
understood to be silver and are priced accordingly.

5. Heavy and light metals

Heavy metal is any relatively dense metal or metalloid. More specific definitions have been
proposed, but none have obtained widespread acceptance. Some heavy metals have niche
uses, or are notably toxic; some are essential in trace amounts. All other metals are light
metals.

6. Base, noble, and precious metals

In chemistry, the base metal is used informally to refer to a metal that is easily oxidized or
corroded, such as reacting easily with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form a metal chloride
and hydrogen. Examples include iron, nickel, lead, and zinc. Copper is considered a base
metal as it is oxidized relatively easily, although it does not react with HCl.

Rhodium, a noble metal, shown here as 1 g of powder, a 1 g pressed cylinder, and a 1 g pellet

The term noble metal is commonly used in opposition to the base metal. Noble metals are
resistant to corrosion or oxidation, unlike most base metals. They tend to be precious metals,
often due to perceived rarity. Examples include gold, platinum, silver, rhodium, iridium, and
palladium.

In alchemy and numismatics, the termbase metal is contrasted with precious metal, that is,
those of high economic value. A longtime goal of the alchemists was the transmutation of
base metals into precious metals including such coinage metals as silver and gold.

Chemically, the precious metals (like the noble metals) are less reactive than most elements,
have high luster and high electrical conductivity. The best-known precious metals are gold
and silver. While both have industrial uses, they are better known for their uses in art,
jewelry, and coinage. Other precious metals include the platinum group metals: ruthenium,
rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which platinum is the most widely
traded.

7. Valve metals
In electrochemistry, a valve metal is a metal that passes current in only one direction.

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Different Types of Metal

Metals can be divided into two main groups: ferrous metals are those which contain iron and
non-ferrous metals are those which contain no iron.

Following are the different types of Metal:

 Steel.
o Carbon Steel.
o Alloy Steel.
o Stainless Steel.
 Iron (Wrought or Cast)
 Aluminum.
 Magnesium.
 Copper.
 Brass.
 Bronze.
 Zinc.
 Titanium
 Tungsten
 Nickel
 Cobalt
IRON (Wrought or Cast)

With around 5% of the Earth’s crust and as the 6th most common element in the universe,
iron is a highly abundant and immensely popular type of metal. Unalloyed iron is an unstable
element that easily reacts with the oxygen from the air and forms iron oxide. In order to make
it more stable, it is commonly alloyed with other elements to create steel.

Iron finds its application in cookware because its porous surface combined with hot oil
prevents sticking. Due to its remarkably high melting point, cast iron is used for the
production of wood stoves. Being a heavy metal, iron provides rigidity and reduces
vibrations, which is why it is often used for the manufacturing of heavy machinery frames
and bases.

Related Article:  What Is Steel?- Properties, Uses | Types of Steels

A blast furnace is used to extract iron from its ores. Pig iron is extracted from the first stage
of the blast furnace, which can be further refined into pure iron. This iron often ends up in
steels and other alloys. Almost 90 percent of the metals produced are ferrous metals.

For one, it’s the main component of steel. But beyond that, here are a few other uses and an
explanation of why iron is used:
  Cookware – The porous surface will allow cooking oils to burn in and create a natural non-
stick surface
 Wood stoves – Cast iron has an extremely high melting point so the stove can handle high
temperatures
 Heavy machinery bases and frames – this heavy metal reduces vibration and provides
rigidity

Steel, for instance, is a ferrous metal that finds a variety of applications. We cannot
comprehend the true potential of iron without learning about steel.

STEEL

Pure iron is stronger than other types of metal but leaves something to be desired. For one
thing, pure iron is not resistant to corrosion. It takes a lot of money and energy to prevent iron
from corroding. On the other hand, it is extremely heavy due to its high density. These
drawbacks can make structures difficult to build and maintain.

The addition of carbon to iron alleviates these weaknesses to some extent. This mixture of
iron and carbon, up to certain limits, is known as carbon steel. Adding carbon to iron makes
the iron much stronger and gives it other great properties.

This is undoubtedly the most abundant metal in the modern world. Steel, by definition, is
simply iron (the element) mixed with carbon. This ratio is usually around 99% iron and 1%
carbon, although this ratio can vary somewhat.

In 2017, over 1.8 billion tons of steel were produced worldwide (half of which in China). The
average African elephant weighs around 5 tons. If you were to stack elephants on top of each
other to form a really weird bridge to the moon (actually not possible) it would still not be as
heavy as the weight of the steel that is made every year.

There are actually a lot of different kinds of steel. Here’s an overview of the main types:

Carbon Steel

This is the basic steel, good carbon, and iron, although some other very small amounts of
other elements can be added. The three general categories are low, medium, and high carbon
steel. More carbon means harder and stronger. Less carbon means cheaper, softer, and easier
to manufacture.

Carbon steel is most commonly used as a construction material, in simple mechanical

components, and in various tools.

Alloy Steel

Think of it as genetically modified steel. Alloy steel is made by adding other elements to the
mixture. This changes the properties and makes the metal essentially customizable. This is a
very common type of metal as it is still generally very cheap to make.

Common alloying elements for the steel include manganese, vanadium, chromium, nickel,
and tungsten. Each of these elements changes the properties of the metal in different ways.
For example, alloy steel can add strength to high-performance gears, add resistance to
corrosion and wear to medical implants, and increase the pressure pipelines can handle. It is
widely considered to be the workhorse of the metal world.

Stainless Steel

Technically this is a kind of alloy steel, but there are so many types in such massive
quantities that it usually gets its own category. This is the steel that is specifically focused on
corrosion resistance.

This is basically just steel with a noticeable amount of chromium. The chromium creates a
super-thin barrier when it corrodes which slows rust. If you scratch off the barrier, a new one
will immediately form.

You’ll see a lot of this in kitchens; knives, tables, utensils, anything that comes into contact
with food.

Note: Just because something is stainless steel, that doesn’t mean that it can’t rust. Different
compositions will prevent rusting to various degrees. Stainless steel that’s used around
saltwater needs to be especially corrosion resistant so it doesn’t rot out. But all of the types of
stainless will rust if not cleaned and properly cared for.

Related: What is Stainless Steel?

ALUMINUM

Aluminum derives primarily from its ore bauxite. It is light, strong, and functional. It is the
most widespread metal on Earth and its use has permeated applications everywhere.

This is because of its properties such as durability, lightweight, corrosion resistance,

electrical conductivity, and ability to form alloys with most metals. It also doesn’t magnetize
and is easy to machine.

As far as metals go, this is a really modern one. Aluminum was first made in 1825, and since
then it’s been the foundation for some massive accomplishments.

For example, because of its amazing strength-to-weight ratio, this is the metal that’s largely
responsible for flight and getting a man to the moon. It’s easily formed (malleable), and it
doesn’t rust, which makes it great for soda cans. And, (arguably) most importantly, it can be
made into a really thin sheet that can be used to BBQ fresh-caught fish to moist perfection.

While the process for making aluminum is a bit more complicated than some of the other
metals, it’s actually an extremely common metal. It’s the most common non-ferrous (not
containing iron) metal on the planet.

While it doesn’t rust, it will oxidize. Iron is actually the only metal that “rusts” by definition.
Aluminum will corrode when it comes in contact with salt. However, it will not corrode in
contact with water. This makes aluminum really useful for making things like freshwater
boats.
MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a really cool metal. It’s about 2/3rds the weight of aluminum, and it has
comparable strength. It’s becoming more and more common because of this. Most
commonly, you’ll see this as an alloy. That means that it’s mixed with other metals and
elements to make a hybrid material with specific properties. This can also make it easier to
use for manufacturing processes.

One of the most popular applications of magnesium is in the automotive industry.

Magnesium is considered a step up from aluminum when it comes to high-strength weight
reduction, and it’s not astronomically more expensive.

Some places where you’ll see magnesium on a performance car are in the wheel rims, engine
blocks, and transmission cases. There are disadvantages to magnesium, though. Compared to
aluminum, it will corrode more easily. For example, it will corrode when in contact with
water, whereas aluminum will not.

Overall, it’s about double the price of aluminum, but it’s generally faster to deal with in
manufacturing. Magnesium is really flammable, and it burns super-hot. Metal chips, filings,
and powder need to be carefully disposed of to prevent explosions.

COPPER

When talking about different types of metals, copper and its alloys cannot be overlooked. It
has a long history because it is easy to form. Even today, it is an important metal in the
industry. It does not occur in nature in its pure form. Thus, smelting and extracting from ore
is necessary.

Metals are good conductors and copper stands out more than the others. Due to its excellent
electrical conductivity, it finds application in electrical circuits as a conductor. Its
conductivity is second only to silver. It has also excellent heat conductivity. This is why
many cooking utensils are from copper.

Copper is another old-fashioned metal. Today you’ll see it often as an alloy (more on that
later) or in a reasonably pure state. Common applications include electronics, water pipes,
and giant statues that represent liberty. Copper will form a patina, or an oxidized layer, that
will actually prevent further corrosion. Essentially, it’ll turn green and stop corroding. This
can make it last for centuries.

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The Statue of Liberty is made of copper, and it’s covered by a patina, or oxide layer, that
makes it look greenish-blue.

BRASS
Brass is actually an alloy of copper and zinc. The resulting yellow metal is really useful for a
number of reasons. Its goldish color makes it really popular for decorations. It’s common to
see this metal used in antique furniture as handles and knobs.

The amount of each of the metals may vary depending on the electrical and mechanical
properties sought of the metal. It also contains trace amounts of other metallic elements such
as aluminum, lead, and manganese.

Brass is a great candidate for low friction applications such as locks, bearings, plumbing,
musical instruments, tools, and fittings. It is indispensable in intrinsically safe applications to
prevent sparks and allow usage in flammable environments.

It’s also extremely malleable, meaning that it can be hammered out and formed. Another
really cool property of brass is that it will never spark. A steel hammer, for example, can
make a spark if you hit it a certain way. A brass hammer doesn’t do that. This means that
brass tools are great for areas that might be around flammable gases, liquids, or powders.

BRONZE

Bronze is also an alloy of copper. But instead of zinc, bronze contains tin. Adding other
elements such as phosphorus, manganese, silicon, and aluminum may improve its properties
and suitability for a particular application.

Bronze is brittle, hard, and resists fatigue well. It also has good electrical and thermal
conductivity and corrosion resistance. Bronze finds application in the manufacturing of
mirrors and reflectors. It is used for electrical connectors. Due to its corrosion resistance, it
finds usage in submerged parts and ship fittings.

Bronze has massive historical significance (like in the Bronze Age) and is easy to pick out.
One commonplace to see it is in massive church bells. Bronze is tough and strong, so it
doesn’t crack or bend like other metals when it’s being rung. It also sounds better.

Modern uses include sculptures and art, springs and bearings, as well as guitar strings.
Bronze was the first man-made alloy.

ZINC

Zinc is a widespread metal and finds a lot of use in the medical and industrial sectors. Zinc is
a really common metal that’s used in coatings to protect other metals. For example, it’s
common to see galvanized steel, which is basically just steel dipped in zinc. This will help to
prevent rusting. Zinc is also used to manufacture die castings for the electrical, hardware, and
automobile industry.

Since zinc has low electrochemical potential, its uses include marine applications to prevent
corrosion of other metals through cathodic protection. Sacrificial zinc anodes may protect
valves, pipelines, and tanks.

This is an interesting metal because of how useful it is. On its own, it has a pretty low melting
point which makes it very easy to cast. The material flows easily when melted and the
resulting pieces are relatively strong. It’s also very easy to melt it back down to recycle it.
TITANIUM

Titanium is an important engineering metal due to its being strong and lightweight. It also has
high thermal stability even at temperatures as high as 480 degrees Celsius. Due to these
properties, it finds application in the aerospace industry. Military equipment is one use case
for this metal. Since titanium is also corrosion-resistant, medical applications also use it.
Titanium is also used in the chemical and sporting goods industry.

This is a really amazing modern metal. It was first discovered in 1791, first created in its pure
form in 1910, and first made outside of a laboratory in 1932. Titanium is actually really
common (the 7th most abundant metal on Earth), but it’s really hard to refine. This is why
this metal is so expensive. It’s also really worthwhile:

Titanium is biocompatible, meaning that your body won’t fight and reject it. Medical
implants are commonly made from titanium. Its strength-to-weight ratio is higher than any
other metal. This makes it extremely valuable for anything that flies.

Titanium nitride (titanium that’s reacted with nitrogen in a high-energy vacuum) is an

insanely hard and low-friction coating that’s applied to metal cutting tools. Titanium isn’t
found naturally on its own. It’s always bonded to another element.

TUNGSTEN

Tungsten has the highest melting point and the highest tensile strength of any of the pure
metals. This makes it extremely useful.

About half of all tungsten is used to make tungsten carbide. This is an insanely hard material
that’s used for cutting tools (for mining and metalworking), abrasives, and heavy equipment.
It can easily cut titanium and high-temperature superalloys.

It gets its name from the Swedish word “tungsten“, which means “heavy stone”. It’s about
1.7 times the density of lead. Tungsten is also a popular alloying element. Since its melting
point is so high, it’s often alloyed with other elements to make things like rocket nozzles that
have to be able to handle extreme temperatures.

NICKEL

Nickel is a really common element that’s used all over. Its most common application is in
making stainless steel, where it boosts the metal’s strength and corrosion resistance. Actually,
almost 70% of the world’s nickel is used to make stainless steel.

Interestingly, nickel only makes up 25% of the composition of the five-cent American coin.
Nickel is also a common metal to use for plating and alloying. It can be used to coat lab and
chemistry equipment, as well as anything that needs to have a really smooth, polished
surface.

Nickel gets its name from medieval-era German folklore. Nickel ore looks a lot like copper
ore, but when the old miners couldn’t get copper from it, they blamed a mischievous sprite
named Nickel.
COBALT

This is a metal that has been used for a long time to make blue pigment in paints and dyes.
Today, it’s primarily used in making wear-resistant, high-strength steel alloys. Cobalt is very
rarely mined by itself, it’s actually a by-product of the production of copper and nickel.

TIN

Tin is really soft and malleable. It’s used as an alloying element to make things like bronze
(1/8th tin and 7/8ths copper). It’s also the primary ingredient in pewter (85-99%). When you
bend a bar of tin, you can hear something called a “tin cry”. This is a twanging sound of the
crystal structure reorganizing itself (called twinning).

LEAD

Lead is really soft and malleable, and it’s also very dense and heavy. It’s got a really low
melting point, too. Lead is a highly machinable, corrosion-resistant metal. Piping and paint
represent some use-cases.

Lead was used as an anti-knocking agent in gasoline. Later, it was discovered that the
byproduct of this lead was responsible for serious health complications. Lead is still common
in ammunition, car batteries, radiation protection, lifting weights, cable sheathing, etc.

In the 1800s it was discovered that lead is actually pretty toxic stuff. That’s why it’s not so
common in modern times, although it wasn’t all that long ago that it was still found in things
like paints and bullets.

Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause brain damage and behavioral problems, among other
things.

That said, it still does have modern uses. For example, it’s great for radiation shielding. It’s
also occasionally added to copper alloys to make them easier to cut. The copper-lead mix is
often used to improve the performance of bearings.

SILICON

Technically speaking, silicon is a metalloid. This means that it has both metallic and non-
metallic qualities. For example, it looks like a metal. It’s solid, shiny, bendable, and has a
high melting point. However, it does a terrible job of conducting electricity. This is partly
why it’s not considered a full metal.

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Even still, it’s a common element to find in metals. Using it for alloying can change the
metal’s properties quite a bit. For example, adding silicon to aluminum makes it easier to
weld.
CHROMIUM

Chromium is a physically hard element after carbon and maybe a diamond. It is usually used
as an alloy so as to improve the strength of other metals.

The metal has a high melting point which is approximately 2000 degrees Celcius. In terms of
appearance, chromium has a unique reflection and can be used to improve the surface
finishing of other metals.

LITHIUM

Lithium is categorized as a soft metal or a metal alkali group. It has a silvery-white luster that
makes it look attractive. Lithium is used for improving the strength of glasses and ceramics.

Types of Metal (List of Metals)

This is a list of metals in order of increasing atomic number.

S.No Atomic Number Symbol Metal Elements

1 3 Li Lithium

2 4 Be Beryllium

3 11 Na Sodium

4 12 Mg Magnesium

5 13 Al Aluminum

6 19 K Potassium

7 20 Ca Calcium

8 21 Sc Scandium

9 22 Ti Titanium

10 23 V Vanadium

11 24 Cr Chromium

12 25 Mn Manganese

13 26 Fe Iron

14 27 Co Cobalt

15 28 Ni Nickel

16 29 Cu Copper

17 30 Zn Zinc
18 31 Ga Gallium

19 37 Rb Rubidium

20 38 Sr Strontium

21 39 Y Yttrium

22 40 Zr Zirconium

23 41 Nb Niobium

24 42 Mo Molybdenum

25 43 Tc Technetium

26 44 Ru Ruthenium

27 45 Rh Rhodium

28 46 Pd Palladium

29 47 Ag Silver

30 48 Cd Cadmium

31 49 In Indium

32 50 Sn Tin

33 55 Cs Cesium

34 56 Ba Barium

35 57 La Lanthanum

36 58 Ce Cerium

37 59 Pr Praseodymium

38 60 Nd Neodymium

39 61 Pm Promethium

40 62 Sm Samarium

41 63 Eu Europium

42 64 Gd Gadolinium

43 65 Tb Terbium

44 66 Dy Dysprosium

45 67 Ho Holmium

46 68 Er Erbium
47 69 Tm Thulium

48 70 Yb Ytterbium

49 71 Lu Lutetium

50 72 Hf Hafnium

51 73 Ta Tantalum

52 74 W Tungsten

53 75 Re Rhenium

54 76 Os Osmium

55 77 Ir Iridium

56 78 Pt Platinum

57 79 Au Gold

58 80 Hg Mercury

59 81 Tl Thallium

60 82 Pb Lead

61 83 Bi Bismuth

62 84 Po Polonium

63 87 Fr Francium

64 88 Ra Radium

65 89 Ac Actinium

66 90 Th Thorium

67 91 Pa Protactinium

68 92 U Uranium

69 93 Np Neptunium

70 94 Pu Plutonium

71 95 Am Americium

72 96 Cm Curium

73 97 Bk Berkelium

74 98 Cf Californium

75 99 Es Einsteinium
76 100 Fm Fermium

77 101 Md Mendelevium

78 102 No Nobelium

79 103 Lr Lawrencium

80 104 Rf Rutherfordium

81 105 Db Dubnium

82 106 Sg Seaborgium

83 107 Bh Bohrium

84 108 Hs Hassium

85 109 Mt Meitnerium

86 110 Ds Darmstadtium

87 111 Rg Roentgenium

88 112 Cn Copernicium

89 113 Nh Nihonium

90 114 Fl Flerovium

91 115 Mc Moscovium

92 116 Lv Livermorium

FAQs.
What is Metal?

A metal is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous
appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typically malleable
or ductile. Metal may be a chemical element such as iron; an alloy such as stainless steel; or a
molecular compound such as polymeric sulfur nitride.

What are the Types of Metal?

20 Different Types of Metal:

 Steel. Carbon Steel. Alloy Steel. Stainless Steel.

 Iron (Wrought or Cast)
 Aluminum.
 Magnesium.
 Copper.
 Brass.
  Bronze.
 Zinc.

How many types of metal are there?

About 75% of all the known chemical elements in the world are categorized as metals.
However, there are five distinct types of metals found on the Periodic Table of Elements.
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, there are 94 metals listed on the Periodic
Table.

What are the 10 examples of metals?

Examples of metals are aluminum, copper, iron, tin, gold, lead, silver, titanium, uranium, and
zinc. Well-known alloys include bronze and steel. The study of metals is called metallurgy.

What are the 3 categories of metals?

There are three main types of metals ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and alloys. Ferrous
metals are metals that consist mostly of iron and small amounts of other elements.

What are 5 common metals?

Aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, or any combination of
these elements are considered common metals.

Is silver a metal?

Silver is a relatively soft, shiny metal. It tarnishes slowly in air as sulfur compounds react
with the surface forming black silver sulfide. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. The rest is
copper or some other metal.

Is Diamond a metal?

Diamond is not considered as a non-metal in the exceptional category as diamond is a form of

carbon. It is not classified as an element. Diamonds normally have high refractive index thus
providing a brilliant shine to the diamond. It is an allotrope of carbon.

What are the four groups of metals?

These metals can be further classified as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition
metals, and basic metals.

How many metals are there?

There are 110 elements known to us, out of which 92 are naturally occurring, while the rest
have been prepared artificially. Elements are further classified into metals, non-metals, and
metalloids.

What are the 10 non-metals?

The 17 nonmetal elements are: hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon,
phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, argon, selenium, bromine, krypton, iodine, xenon, and radon.

What are 10 nonmetals and their uses?

Some non – metals and their uses are listed below:

 Oxygen is used for breathing.

 Chlorine is used for purifying water.
 Phosphorous is used in crackers.
 Non – metals like nitrogen is used in fertilizers.
 Graphite is used as a good conductor of electricity.
 Potassium is used in fertilizers.
 Nitrogen is used by plants.

What are the 5 metalloids?

The six commonly recognized metalloids are boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony,
and tellurium. Five elements are less frequently so classified: carbon, aluminum, selenium,
polonium, and astatine.

What is a metal Class 10?

Metals are the elements that conduct heat and electricity and are malleable and ductile.
Examples are Iron (Fe), Aluminium (Al), Silver (Ag), Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt),
Lead (Pb), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) etc.

What are the 12 properties of metals?

Properties of Metals

 Metals can be hammered into thin sheets. It means they possess the property of
malleability.
 Metals are ductile.
 Metals are a good conductor of heat and electricity.
 Metals are lustrous which means they have a shiny appearance.
 Metals have high tensile strength.
 Metals are sonorous.
 Metals are hard.

What is metal explain?

Metals are opaque, lustrous elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity. Most
metals are malleable and ductile and are, in general, denser than the other elemental
substances.

What are metals Class 11?

The elements which can be polished, drawn into wires (ductile), hammered into sheets
(malleable) and good conductor of heat and electricity are called metals. Such as gold, silver
and aluminium.

What are metals for Class 8?

What are metals class 8? Metals are materials that are hard, lustrous, malleable, ductile,
sonorous and good conductors of heat and electricity. Examples of metals are iron, copper,
aluminium, calcium, magnesium, etc.

What are the characteristic of metals?

Metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile, good conductors of heat and electricity. Other
properties include: State: Metals are solids at room temperature with the exception of
mercury, which is liquid at room temperature (Gallium is liquid on hot days).

What are the difference between metals and nonmetals?

Metals tend to be hard, metallic-looking solids, with high electrical and thermal conductivity
values and high melting and boiling points. Nonmetals tend to be softer, often colorful
elements. They may be solids, liquids, or gases.

How do you identify a metal?

A number of field identification methods can be used to identify a piece of metal. Some
common methods are surface appearance, spark test, chip test, magnet test, and occasionally
a hardness test. Sometimes you can identify a metal simply by its surface appearance.

What metal is made of?

Most pure metals, like aluminum, silver and copper, come from the Earth’s crust. They are
found in ores – solid materials called minerals, usually occurring in rock, from which the
pure metal has to be extracted. The properties of pure metals can be improved by mixing
them with other metals to make alloys.

How is metal formed?

All of the metals that we find on Earth originated billions of years ago. Inside the ultra-hot
environment of the stars, simple hydrogen and helium atoms fused together to create heavier
elements.

Where do metals come from?

Most pure metals, like aluminium, silver and copper, come from the Earth’s crust. They are
found in ores – solid materials called minerals, usually occurring in rock, from which the
pure metal has to be extracted. The properties of pure metals can be improved by mixing
them with other metals to make alloys.

What are the uses of metals in our life?

Write down the ten uses of metals in daily life

 For jewellery and ornaments, gold, platinum and silver are being used.
 For building purposes, iron and steel can be used.
 Iron and aluminium are used as utensils.
 The thermometer uses mercury and helps to monitor the temperature.
 The insulation wires are made of aluminium.

What is the hardest human made metal?

Chromium is the hardest metal known to man. While you may not have heard of chromium,
more than likely you’ve heard of stainless steel. Chromium is the key ingredient in stainless
steel, thus it is used in a variety of settings