TABLE OF CONTENTS The number of different materials used in engineering applications seems to be limitless. New materials and processes, as well as modifications to existing materials, are being developed constantly. This chapter contains reference data for only a small selection of the materials available for engineering uses; nonetheless it does include those materials that are most frequently encountered in product design applications.
The designer should be familiar with as many common materials as possible or at the least should have access to materials reference sources. Included among such sources should be volume one of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) handbook, on materials, the Copper Development Association handbook, Aluminum Institute handbook, and so forth. These references list not only the physical (mechanical), chemical, and electrical properties, but also the common uses and applications for the materials as an invaluable aid to the designer. Examples of data listed would be characteristics such as weldability, chemical resistance, and formability, and recommended product uses such as gears, brackets, and electrical contacts.
The collection of materials references is an important phase of design-engineering practice. Most of the data are available from manufacturers and societies free of charge. See Chap. 15 for a list of American societies, institutes, and specification authorities.
Further detailed technical data for engineering materials, including uses, heat treatment, and physical and chemical properties also may be obtained from the McGraw-Hill Machining and Metalworking Handbook (1999). The material specifications for SAE- and ASTM-listed materials are covered in great detail in the previously...
