Overview

Materials, including metals, alloys, plastics, and other composite compounds, are of prime importance to the mechanical designer, tool designer, machinist, and metalworker. The most important characteristics of materials to those who design and manufacture parts are the physical and chemical properties and the various uses to which the materials may be applied. This chapter discusses a great number of metals, alloys, plastics, and compounds, including elastomers. Included are composition, physical properties, hardness, heat-treatment temperatures, and other characteristics useful for design and metalworking practices.

In design and metalworking practices, sometimes a material defect or failure occurs for unknown reasons. With the information provided in this chapter and in other appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), and American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) standards, you may decide to have the material analyzed at a metallurgical and chemical laboratory to check the properties and compositions, or you may have the material checked mechanically at your company to determine if it meets the requirements of the material standards listed herein.

When producing the engineering drawings or specifications for a particular part, the appropriate American standard material designation or military/federal specification always must be indicated on the drawings or specifications. For example, if you are preparing a drawing for a mechanical spring, and you wish to use music wire in its construction, you must indicate on the drawing that the material is to meet ASTM A-228 or appropriate SAE specifications. You also...