Malleability in metals is an important physical property to study and adapted to, as per the desired result of malleability. It is defined as the ability of the metal to be hammered, rolled, pressed or drawn into sheets for the required applications. A tested and approved amount of pressure is applied to the metal at the required temperature settings in order to attain a certain physical shape or type. Under pressure, the metal deforms to take different shapes or forms without breaking.
Let us see some of the purposes and applications of malleability in metals
- Gold is regarded as a flowing metal and is the most malleable due to its particle placement in the liquid state. Gold is used in intricate, delicate and expensive jewelry and therefore the malleability allows great flexibility in designing a variety of accessories. Here, very small amounts of fine gold metal are usually used for malleability.
- Tin and lead are soft solids that can be extensively treated to be spread out as various types of sheets or rolled into any kind of pipes owing to its existing physical state. Common use of tin-foil (extremely thin sheet of beaten tin) is seen in electrical systems. Lead in its malleable form is extensively used in power and communication cables and electrical batteries, it is one of the very few metals that is malleable but not ductile.
- Wrought Iron and Steel are extremely malleable and allow great flexibility with acquiring different shapes as per the variety of applications. Iron in its original form or its alloy as Steel is deformed with the applied pressure to acquire and fit their usage. Thin wires, pipes, sheets of steel can be attained with the proper pressures and temperature environment. These malleable forms are also used as raw materials for a variety of other applications as well.
- Copper and its alloys are readily malleable and coupled with their germicidal and corrosion-resistance properties allows their ease of usage in the plumbing and furniture industry. A wide range of copper fittings can be molded for the desired requirements due to the malleability of the metal. Also, vast variety of Copper knobs and handles are created with great ease and flexibility.
At Agni Steels, we understand and take advantage of this physical property of malleability for our TMT Steel Rods to achieve the desired usage.