Thanks Thanks:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Liverpool, NSW
    Posts
    55

    Default Alloy vs. aluminium

    I know this is going upset some people but I have to get it out and ask; why do people use the word Alloy when they really mean Aluminium? Sure , aluminium IS indeed an alloy but so is steel, brass, cast iron, stainless steel, bronze, etc, etc.

    Am I the only one getting annoyed over this?

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay Qld
    Posts
    3,466

    Default

    Perhaps it is laziness or just a case of Monkey see ,monkey do.
    It is present so much on the net it is regarded as the norm or correct.

    A definition is: a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.
    "an alloy of nickel, bronze, and zinc"

    Aluminium can be pure or an alloy.

    Why do people call gas cylinders bottles?

    Bottles can hold beer but not gas under 2000 psi when completely full. That term bottle used in conjunction with gas annoys me.

    Same sort of thing.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,757

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by AxelVK View Post
    I know this is going upset some people but I have to get it out and ask; why do people use the word Alloy when they really mean Aluminium? Sure , aluminium IS indeed an alloy but so is steel, brass, cast iron, stainless steel, bronze, etc, etc.

    Am I the only one getting annoyed over this?
    It must annoy you because I notice you posted the same question in 2012 - to save folks repeating themselves maybe we can refer to that thread at this stage
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f160/alloy-156266

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Adelaide
    Age
    59
    Posts
    3,149

    Default

    As stated in that linked thread, very little aluminium is used that is not in alloy form. But then there are -
    • Lead pencils that don't contain lead
    • Mag wheels that don't contain magnesium
    • Barbeque sauce that does not contain barbeques


    I envy you if that is the biggest irritant in your life.

    Michael

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    3,277

    Default

    I suspect it is laziness and just a shortening of the rather long word to Ally that then got misused as the associated word Alloy.
    …..Live a Quiet Life & Work with your Hands

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    330

    Default

    i once had a mate pull me up about using the word "Alloy" for a "Aluminium" item in front of everyone, i wasnt really sure about my metals and he made me look like a total i idiot which didnt have a clue, later it was eating away at me than i thought why do they call aluminium boats alloy for it would have been an ass cracking moment had i thought of it at the time which would have shut his mouth haha

Similar Threads

  1. Tig Weld Aluminium/Alloy: Melbourne
    By jackaroo in forum WELDING
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 17th February 2015, 12:35 PM
  2. Alloy
    By AxelVK in forum WELDING
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 29th July 2012, 12:05 AM
  3. Alloy Coupling
    By Wahoon in forum TRAILERS & OTHER FABRICATED STUFF
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 17th January 2011, 12:41 AM
  4. NB2B alloy
    By Brickie in forum METALWORK FORUM
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 1st January 2008, 07:18 AM
  5. Alloy Tote
    By Burnsy in forum HAND TOOLS - UNPOWERED
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 6th June 2007, 11:18 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •