BASIC CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF METALS

Karl Angelo B. Castro, Mark Danion Catindig, Sharina Mae N. Mariano, Franeliza C. Reganit

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering

ENSC 18 D 1L

ABSTRACT

The sparks formed or the absence of sparks will

determine what type of metal was being observed.
1.0 INTRODUCTION The color, length and the number of sparks are also
Metal alloys are classified into two different types: essential in classifying metals. Figure 4.2 shows the
ferrous, which contains iron, and nonferrous, which spark patterns generated by some common metals.
is not iron based. Ferrous metal alloys are further
subdivided into cast irons and steels, which is
differentiated on the amount of iron. It is essential to
classify metals particularly in selecting materials in
the field.

There are several ways used to identify such type of

metals. This includes surface appearance, chip test,
magnetic test and spark test. In this exercise, spark
test was used to identify four different metals.

Spark test allows metals to be in contact with an

abrasive wheel which creates friction. Small particles
of the metal are torn as they become heated. These
glowing bits of metals follow a path called the carrier
line. Figure 4.1 shows the terms used to describe
sparks and carrier lines.
Figure 4-2. Spark patterns formed by common metals
(image from Fundamentals of Professional Welding
V2.0, 2015)
6.0 REFERENCES

1. Tarnate, P.M., Dungca-Ignacio, M.C.C., Anit,

G.M., MATERIALS OF ENGINEERING
Laboratory Manual, Basic Crystal Structures
of Metals. pp. 9-12

2. Fundamentals of Professional Welding Version

2.0. Metal Identification (2015). URL:
http://www.waybuilder.net/free-ed/Courses/
05%20Building%20and
%20Contruction/050205%20Welding/Welding00
.asp?iNum=0104. SweetHaven Publishing
Figure 4.1. Terms used in spark testing (image from Sevices
Fundamentals of Professional Welding V2.0, 2015)