Learn about both Metals and Non-metals:

• their varying properties,
• how they are used to manufacture various products.

Materials that are commonly used to build or manufacture things can be classified into different groups. The most basic classification is metals and non-metals. You could also classify them as metals, ceramics and organic materials. Another system of classification includes the main groups of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. All the materials that you may think of such as glass, resins, rubber, wood, fibres, carbon, concrete, and minerals fit into these main groups. This course takes a closer look at a diverse range of materials, their characteristics, uses, and how to work with them. 

COURSE STRUCTURE

Lessons:

1. Properties & Classification of Materials

• Mechanical Properties
• Thermal Properties
• Electrical Properties
• Environmental Properties
• Manufacturing Properties
• Economic Properties
• Classification of Materials
• Metals
• Ceramics
• Polymers
• Composites
• Minerals
• Silicates
• Non-Silicate Minerals

2. Metals and Their Uses

• Ferrous Materials -pig iron, wrought iron, grey iron, etc.
• Non-Ferrous Metals
• Aluminium
• Copper
• Lead
• Zinc
• Tin
• Nickel
• Rare Earth Elements
• Lanthanides
• Properties and Uses of Rare Earth Elements
• Other Metals -Titanium, Gold, Silver, Chromium, Tungsten, Antimony

3. Metal Alloys and Their Uses

• Malleability
• Ductility
• Strength
• Benefits of Alloys
• Ferrous Alloys
• Cast Irons
• Steels
• Steel Grading
• Non-Ferrous Alloys: White metal, Nickel-Silver, etc.
• Tin Alloys
• Copper Alloys
• Aluminium Alloys
• Titanium Alloys
• Titanium, Gold and Silver Alloys
• Rare Earth Alloys

4. Working with Metals

• Metal work
• Gauges/Sizing
• Grades
• Bulk Forming - forging, rolling extrusion, cold sizing, bending, coining, spinning, stamping, etc.
• Casting Metals - expandable and non-expandable
• Cutting Metals - machining, hand cutting, burning
• Finishing
• Joining Metals - soldering, welding, brazing, riveting

5. Non-metals and Their Uses

• Porcelain
• Earthenware
• Glass
• Brick
• Polymers
• Plastics
• Plant Fibres
• Resins
• Rubber
• Composites - concrete, ceramic matrix composites, weed composites, metal matrix composites
• Polymer Matrix Composites - fibreglass, carbon fibre

6. Working with Ceramics (and Glass)

• Making Pottery
• Kneading and wedging
• Shaping - hand building, using a potter's wheel, injection moulding, jiggering, jollying, etc.
• Glazing - vitreous enamel, overglaze, underglaze, salt glazing
• Decorating
• Firing
• Making Glass - hot end, cold end, etc.
• Glass Sheet
• Working with Glass - Cutting, fixing, joining, blowing

7. Working with Polymers & Composites

• Synthetic Polymers
• Plastic manufacturing
• Joining Plastics
• Plastic welding techniques
• Polymer Clay
• Natural Polymers -working rubber
• Composites - working fibreglass

8. Safe and Sustainable Handling of Materials

• Safe Use of Materials
• Case Studies
• Sustainable Use of Materials
• Recycling
• Major PBL Project

Also Learn How Materials are Used, and how to Choose the Best Materials for the Job

In order to make or repair anything you need to understand the materials available, the tools that can be used, and how to work with those tools to create the things you want to make.

Understanding the different properties of materials is very helpful in choosing materials for different purposes. It helps you select materials on the grounds of strength, malleability, thermal and electrical conductance or resistance, ease of cutting, and so on. 

Many metals are provided in different sizes, shapes and grades. Size may be determined by thickness or gauge. Grade is an indication of composition and properties and is typically used for alloys. Part of the decision-making process involves selecting the right size and grade material for the job. Once you have chosen a material to use, you need to understand how to cut it, shape it, fix it (join it), and make it into something.

ENROL TODAY - OR CONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS

You can enrol on our courses today - simply go to the "It's easy to enrol ..." box at the top right-hand side of this page, select your payment plan and your learning method.

Or contact us -

Please get in touch with our specialist Permaculture tutors today; they will be happy to discuss your study aims and answer any of your questions about our courses.