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Malleability

Reviewed by Raghvendra GopalCheckmark
Last updated: July 19, 2024

What Does Malleability Mean?

Malleability is a physical property of a material that describes its ability to deform under pressure or hammering without cracking or breaking. Malleable materials can be reshaped into new forms without losing their internal structure or strength.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Malleability

In the real world, malleability is an important property in many industries, particularly those that involve the fabrication of metals. For example, in the construction industry, malleable metals like steel and aluminum are commonly used to create various structural components, such as beams, columns, and trusses. These materials can be easily shaped and formed into the desired shape, making them ideal for complex designs that require precise measurements.

Another important application of malleability is in the manufacturing of electrical wires and cables. Copper, a highly malleable metal, is used extensively in the production of electrical wires due to its ability to be drawn into thin wires without losing its electrical conductivity. Malleability is also a critical property for sheet metal fabrication, where metals like steel and aluminum can be easily formed into complex shapes for use in products like automotive body parts, household appliances, and electronics.

Malleability is also related to the issue of corrosion, which is a natural process that occurs when metals come into contact with certain environmental factors. Corrosion can result in the gradual degradation of metals over time, leading to structural weaknesses, discoloration, and other damage. Malleability can be an important factor in protecting metals from corrosion by allowing them to be formed into protective coatings, such as plating or galvanizing. These coatings can help to prevent the metal from coming into contact with the corrosive environment, extending the lifespan of the material and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Malleability is an important physical property of materials that enables them to be shaped and formed into a wide range of products for use in many different industries. By understanding how malleability is related to other properties, such as corrosion resistance, manufacturers can create products that are both functional and durable, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements over time.

When metals like copper, tin, lead, and steel are malleable or ductile, they become like dough — allowing manufacturers to roll them out and force them through different machinery. Moreover, these fabrication processes do not interrupt the metal's particle continuity. Consider gold: This malleable and ductile precious metal can be rolled out extremely thin and even drawn into wires. Because of these properties, gold can be molded into virtually any shape of thickness without damaging the metal.

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Synonyms

Malleable

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