Introduction to Metallurgy

Core concepts for understanding alloys, from basic definitions to reading industry designation systems used by engineers worldwide.

1

What Are Alloys? Understanding Metal Mixtures

Most metals used in engineering are not pure elements but mixtures called alloys. This guide explains what alloys are, why we make them, and how small additions of other elements can dramatically change a metal's behavior.

684 words · 3 min read
2

How Alloys Are Made: Melting, Mixing, and Solidification

The route from raw materials to finished alloy shapes involves carefully controlled melting, composition adjustment, and solidification. Each step influences the final microstructure and properties.

778 words · 4 min read
3

Common Alloy Families: Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Titanium

A working knowledge of the four most widely used alloy families—steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium—covers the vast majority of engineering applications. This guide maps the landscape of each family.

775 words · 4 min read
4

Reading Alloy Designations: AISI, AA, UNS, and More

Alloy designation systems encode composition, processing, and temper into compact alphanumeric codes. Understanding these systems is essential for specifying, ordering, and substituting materials correctly.

801 words · 4 min read