MATERIALS
AT DEKIDE

Steel

The term steel applies to a series of iron alloys with other elements, mainly carbon, but also to other alloys capable of considerably altering the properties of the material. Many types of steel exist depending on the alloying elements present. Each type of steel can be employed for different applications and uses, making it a versatile and highly ubiquitous material in modern life, where it can be found almost everywhere.
The two main components of steel are widely present in nature. Steel can be recycled indefinitely without losing its attributes, making it the perfect option for large-scale production. Thanks to this variety and availability it is ideal for numerous uses, such as constructing machinery, tools, buildings and public works, aeronautics, the automotive industry, medical instruments, etc., thereby contributing to the technological development of industrialised societies, since no other material can equal it when it comes to impact and fatigue resistance.

Aluminium

Aluminium is the third most common element found on the earth’s crust. This metal has a combination of properties making it extremely useful in mechanical engineering, such as its low density and its high corrosion resistance. Adequate alloys can notably increase its mechanical resistance (to 690 MPa). It is a good electrical conductor, easy to machine and weld, and is relatively cheap. All of these reasons make it the metal most used after steel.

Bronze

Bronze is a metal obtained from the alloy of copper, tin and other metals. The proportion between the two main components will determine the colour, rigidity and use made of the resulting product. Bronze is a material easy to machine, as well as being a good electrical conductor and offering high corrosion resistance. Its higher cost means that it is used for specific applications.

Stainless steel

All steels have the same basic iron and carbon composition. However, stainless steel also contains a healthy dose of chromium (10.5% minimum) which gives it its famous resistance to corrosion. Added to this, its excellent mechanical properties and easy manufacturing make this another of the metals most widely used by industry.

Copper

Copper is a transition metal, shiny and reddish in colour, characterised for being one of the best electrical and heat conductors. In addition, properties such as corrosion resistance and the fact that it is easy to machine make this an excellent alternative for manufacturing electronic elements or components. It is the third most used metal in the world, after iron and aluminium.

Plastics

Alloys

IN PLASTICS, WE CAN IDENTIFY THREE MAJOR FAMILIES:

01. Standard

With melting temperatures of around 100ºC:

• • Polypropylene – PP
  • Polythene – PE
  • Polystyrene – PS

02. Engineering

With melting temperatures of around 150ºC:

• • Polyamide – Nylon – PA
  • Polyacetal – Polyoxymethylene – Delrin – POM
  • Polycarbonate – PC
    

03. High temperature

With melting temperatures of around 300ºC:

• • Polyamide – PI
  • Polyamide-imide – PAI
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene – Teflon – PTFE