The ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing (resistance to breaking).

Steel is the most common material of construction. It is an alloy of iron and carbon. Low Carbon Steel ( ): Ductile, weldable, used for structural shapes. Medium Carbon Steel ( ): Stronger, heat-treatable, used for gears/shafts. High Carbon Steel ( ): Very hard, brittle, used for tools.

Heating a metal and cooling it very slowly. This softens the metal, relieves internal stress, and improves ductility.

The ability of a metal to be permanently stretched, drawn, or bent into a thin wire without breaking.