ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a few of the more important ones that are used in the production of both metals and alloys. Most common metals can be produced by melting and casting into moulds. The general processes taking place during the solidification of molten pure metals and metallic solutions. The working of metals and alloys by rolling, forging, extrusion etc. depends upon plasticity, which is usually much greater at high temperatures, i.e. temperatures the metals’ recrystallisation temperature. This allows all the common metals to be heavily deformed, especially in compression, without breaking. Because of their ductility at room temperature many metals and alloys can be cold worked, that is to say, shaped at temperatures below their recrystallisation temperature. Indeed, for pure metals and some alloys it is the only way of increasing the yield strength. Metal sheets can be shaped into cups, bowls or motor-car body panels by deep drawing or stretch forming.
