Metal Glossary

Designed to be a quick reference guide for customers, the Cashmores glossary provides definitions of the latest metal industry terms.

Metal Glossary

Designed to be a quick reference guide for customers, the Cashmores glossary provides definitions of the latest metal industry terms.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
  • Anodic Protection
    Electrochemical corrosion protection, achieved by increasing the electrode potential of the steel.
  • Anodising
    An electrochemical method for artificially thickening the naturally occurring oxide surface film on Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy surfaces to improve appearance and/or corrosion resistance. Not all alloy grades are suitable for decorative anodising, with the general rule being the purer the aluminium, the better it will anodise. The thickness and other film characteristics can be controlled to meet varied requirements for improved corrosion resistance, improved abrasion resistance, electrical insulation or as a pre-treatment for subsequently applied coatings. Colour can also be applied using dyes. Anodising film thickness is typically 5 to 25 microns.
    Related Terms: Anodising Quality Material
  • Anodising Quality Material
    Material with characteristics that make it suitable for decorative anodising after a suitable preliminary treatment
  • Architectural Bronze
    A confusing, loose, but widely used term used to describe a number of brasses.
    • Those whose colour mimics that of Bronzes, that are used in architectural applications, such as decorative shop fittings, window frames, etc.
    • The Manganese containing brass CZ136, which is also incorrectly called Manganese Bronze, is a High Tensile Duplex Brass which extrudes well and has a warm 'chocolate' colour.
    • The term is also applied to Gilding Metals which have been chemically toned to give a 'bronze' finish.
    Related Terms: Manganese Bronze
  • Arsenical Brass
    A 70% Copper/30% Zinc alpha brass that contains Arsenic, and frequently Aluminium. It has better corrosion resistance than cartridge brass, but similarly excellent forming properties.
  • Artificial Ageing
    Precipitation Treatment
    The thermal treatment of an alloy that increases the hardness and strength by precipitation of constituents from the super-saturated solid solution at above room temperature.
    Related Terms: Ageing, Age Hardening, Precipitation Hardening
  • As-Quenched Condition
    The condition of an alloy during the time immediately following the quench and before the mechanical properties have been significantly raised by precipitation hardening (ageing).
  • As-welded
    Tubular products made by continuously welding formed strip that were not subject to a heat treatment such as annealing after welding.
  • ASTM
    The American Society for Testing and Materials. ASTM produces Standards for materials and test methods that are widely used other than in the USA.
  • Austenite
    A face centred cubic (FCC) phase found in all steels. In most carbon and low alloy steels it is present only above 760°C. In austenitic stainless steels their chemical composition stabilises austenite to room temperature and even cryogenic temperatures. Austenite is non-magnetic.
  • Austenitic Stainless Steel
    Stainless Steels that contain a minimum of 18% Chromium and sufficient Nickel, or a combination of Nickel, Manganese and Nitrogen, to stabilise the face centred cubic (FCC) phase austenite down to cryogenic temperatures – This phase is normally present only above 760°C in most steels. These steels are, except in very particular circumstances, non-magnetic and have good ductility but relatively high work hardening rates. They have excellent corrosion resistance to most environments, although susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) above 60°C. Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in chloride environments except with Type/Grade 316 where the Molybdenum content inhibits, but cannot always fully prevent, these problems. They cannot be hardened by heat treatment - The mechanical properties can only be increased by cold working.
    More information: https://www.cashmores.com/datasheets
Cashmores
Upper Brook St, Walsall
West Midlands WS2 9PD
T: +44 (0) 1922 720930
Sales:
E: sales@cashmores.co.uk
Customer Services:
E: customerservices@cashmores.co.uk
Administration:
E: admin@cashmores.co.uk
Office opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 1.00pm
Warehouse opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 7.00am – 3.00pm
Friday 7.00am – 10.00am

Contact Us

Please complete the form below providing as much information as possible and one of our advisors will be in touch to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Cashmores.com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

ABOUT US

TECHNICAL DATA

LEGAL

Back to top
Copyright © 2024 Cashmores Metals Limited | Registered in England and Wales number 1141972.