Legované

Legované is a Czech term used to describe metals that have been alloyed by adding other elements to a base metal. The process, legování, aims to improve properties such as strength, hardness, wear resistance, ductility, or corrosion and heat resistance, compared with the pure metal.

Legování can occur during smelting and casting, or later through processes like diffusion or powder metallurgy. The resulting materials may form solid solutions or intermetallic compounds, and their microstructure determines their mechanical behavior.

Common examples include legovaná ocel (alloy steel), where elements such as chromium, nickel, vanadium or molybdenum are added to iron and carbon to increase strength and hardness; nerezová ocel (stainless steel), which contains chromium and often nickel or molybdenum for corrosion resistance. In copper alloys, bronze (Cu with tin) and brass (Cu with zinc) are traditional legované slitiny with distinct properties. Aluminum alloys strengthened by elements such as magnesium, silicon, or zinc are another major category.

Legované kovy are contrasted with čisté kovy (pure metals). The choice of alloying elements and their amounts influences properties, cost, and manufacturability, and determines suitable applications in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and tooling.

Historically, alloying has been fundamental since ancient times (for example, bronze), and today it remains essential in material design, enabling tailored performance for specific engineering requirements.