Non-Ferrous Alloys: Aluminium, Titanium, Nickel and Copper
A comparative guide to four major non-ferrous alloy families, their strengths, limitations and processing logic.
Aluminium alloys
Aluminium combines low density, corrosion resistance and formability. Strength comes from work hardening, solid solution and precipitation. High temperature and galvanic compatibility often limit service.
Titanium alloys
Titanium offers high specific strength and corrosion resistance. Its alpha and beta phases enable heat-treatment control, but reactivity, machining difficulty and cost shape manufacturing choices.
Nickel alloys
Nickel-based alloys retain strength and oxidation resistance at high temperature. Complex precipitation and solid-solution strengthening support turbine and chemical-service applications.
Copper alloys
Copper provides high electrical and thermal conductivity. Brass, bronze and precipitation-hardened copper alloys trade conductivity for strength, wear or corrosion performance.
Working rule
Compare alloy families using density, temperature capability, environment, joining route and supply cost—not strength alone.