The limitations of alloys compared to pure metals are listed below:
- Less Ductile:Alloys are typically less ductile than their pure metal constituents. While this can be a functional benefit in a finished part, it increases processing costs. Keep this in mind during the design process.
- Difficult to Weld: Alloys have lower melting points than their pure metal counterparts. This makes alloys harder to weld.
- Difficulty in Recycling:Alloys are more difficult to recycle than pure metals because alloys have many constituent materials.
- Can Be More Prone to Corrosion:While many alloys experience improved corrosion resistance over pure metals, this is not true for all alloys. Some are more susceptible to different forms of corrosion, such as galvanic or intergranular corrosion, which is less likely to occur with pure metals.
- Environmental Concerns:The production of some alloys can release hazardous and harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Creating alloys often requires more intense levels of energy, increasing their carbon footprint.
