Learn about the selection and use of different materials
Everything we touch and hold is made of some form of material. In this course you will learn how materials are classified, the uses of different materials, and how different materials can be worked with.
Course Code: VSS202
Course Duration: 100 hours of self paced studies
Learn about different classification systems and the types of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites available. All the materials that you may think of such as glass, resins, rubber, wood, fibres, carbon, concrete, and minerals are part of these groups. This course builds your understanding of all of these materials and the characteristics of different materials within each group. It is a useful course for those working in manufacturing and construction or for those studying science or engineering.
Lesson Structure
There are 8 lessons in this course:
Lesson 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 potters wheel, injection moulding, jiggering, jolleying 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
Why Study This Course?
- Expand your knowledge - understand the qualities, features and uses of different materials to apply it to work in construction or manufacturing
- Enhance your study in engineering or science with this focused course
- Improve the quality of your own designs by selecting the best material for the purpose
More Information
Use our free Career and Course Advisory Service -click