Nonferrous metals cost more than ferrous but offer corrosion resistance, high thermal/electrical conductivity, low density, and easy fabrication.

Aluminum & Alloys

Uses: packaging (cans, foil), construction, transportation (aircraft ~80% Al), electrical conductors, cookware.
Temper designations: H = strain-hardened (wrought), O = annealed, T = heat-treated.
7075 (aircraft): very high strength but low machinability/weldability.
Forms: wrought (rolling, extrusion, drawing) and cast. Designations: 4 digits (wrought) or 4 digits with a dot (cast); first digit = major alloying element.
Production: ore = hydrated alumina; DC electrolysis — Al at cathode, O₂ at anode; energy-intensive; second only to iron in tonnage.

Magnesium & Alloys

Lightest structural metal (≈ 1.78 g/cm³); good vibration damping.
From seawater (electrolytic/thermal reduction). Aircraft, missiles, luggage, bicycles, sporting goods, high-speed machinery (low inertia), notebook housings (easy die casting).

Copper & Alloys

Excellent electrical/heat conductor; good corrosion resistance.
Brass = Cu + Zn; Bronze = Cu + Sn.
Electrical/electronic gear, plumbing, heat exchangers, cookware.

Nickel & Alloys

Major alloying element in stainless steels (strength, toughness, corrosion resistance).
High-T uses: jet engines, rockets, nuclear plants, chemical/food processing.
Inconel (Ni–Cr) and Monel (Ni–Cu): UTS up to ~1400 MPa; Invar (Fe–Ni): very low thermal sensitivity.

Superalloys (high-temperature)

Resist corrosion, thermal/mechanical fatigue & shock, creep, erosion at high T.
Three bases: iron-, cobalt-, nickel-base; minor additions Al, W, Ti.
Service up to ~1000°C (structural), ~1200°C (non-load-bearing). Jet engines, gas turbines.

Titanium & Alloys

Expensive; high strength/density ratio; high corrosion resistance (room & high T).
Properties sensitive to small composition changes. Jet engines, racing cars, submarine hulls, orthopedic implants.

Refractory Metals (high melting point)

Mo ( $T_m$ 2610°C), Nb, W ( $T_m$ 3410°C), Ta ( $T_m$ 2996°C).
Best high-T strength retention; service ~1100–2200°C. Rocket engines, gas turbines, aerospace, electronics, nuclear, tooling.

Low-Melting Alloys

Lead: high density, corrosion resistance (oxide film), soft/ductile, low strength; piping, vibration/sound damping, X-ray shielding; toxic.
Zinc: (1) galvanizing steel — Zn is anodic, protects steel even if scratched; (2) alloying (brass).
Tin: protective coating on steel (tin plate) for food cans; but if scratched the steel corrodes (Zn is better for that).

Precious Metals

Gold, silver, platinum (soft, ductile, high-T corrosion resistance) — spark plugs, thermocouples, dental, electrochemical.

Shape-Memory Alloys

Return to original shape on heating after room-temperature deformation. Typical 55% Ni, 45% Ti; temperature-sensitive actuators, eyeglass frames, connectors, clamps, seals.