Material

Metals

Metals are inorganic materials characterized by a metallic bonding of the atoms, a crystalline structure and a metallic sheen.

They are generally very malleable, ductile, strong and tough. They have high densities and relatively low melting temperatures. Metals are good conductors of electricity and heat, and are easily attacked by corrosion and oxidation. Furthermore they are reflective and feel cool.

Metal alloys contain more than one metallic element. Both metals and metal alloys are described in the metals section.

Listing
Metal type Price (DKK/kg) Density (kg/dm3)
Aluminium 18
2.7
Aluminium, foamed -
0.3-1
Bismuth 400
9.8
Brass 22
8.4-8.8
Bronze 40
8.7-8.8
Cadmium 400
8.6
Chromium 120
7.2
Cobalt 650
8.8
Copper 30
8.9
Gold 92,500
19.3
Iron, cast 5
7.8
Lead 5
11.4
Magnesium 34
1.7
Mercury - 14
Molybdenum -
10.2
Nickel 128
8.9
Platinum 95,000
21.5
Palladium 25,000
11.9
Silver 1100
10.5
Steel 5
7.8
Steel, high tensile 12-60

Steel, stainless 30-50

Tantalum 4.000
16.6
Tellurium -
6.24
Tin 55
7.3
Titanium 78
4.5
Tungsten 240
19.3
Zinc 13
7.1

Price Price level 1989, Source: V.F.Buchwald, DTU and Berlingske Tidende Børsservice 18 Juli 1996 and Atlantic Equipment Engineers (powders).

The above mentioned prices are only meant as guiding figures. Prices vary significantly for different material purity and for different types of raw material (bulk, plate, wire, powder, etc.).

When comparing prices for different materials, it should furthermore be noted that a number of factors influence the amount of material used in a product, e.g. material stiffness, production waste, etc.
References

Jefferson Lab.
Mineral Information Institute
materials.dk
metalprices.com
Maskinståbi
Metallurgi for ingeniører

Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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