Metals

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)