Slitiny

Slitiny, in several Slavic languages such as Czech, Slovak, and Polish, refers to alloys, materials composed of two or more elements. In English, the plural alloy is used, but Slitiny denotes the same concept in those languages. Alloys are engineered to obtain properties not found in the constituent elements, such as increased strength, hardness, toughness, machinability, or corrosion resistance.

Most alloys are metal-based and involve combining two or more elements, usually metals with other elements. Common categories include ferrous alloys (primarily iron and carbon, such as steel and cast iron) and non-ferrous alloys (such as aluminum, copper, and titanium alloys). Notable examples are bronze (copper and tin), brass (copper and zinc), and steel (iron and carbon, sometimes with chromium, nickel, or vanadium).

Manufacture generally involves melting the constituent elements, combining them in specified proportions, and forming the alloy by casting, rolling, forging, or powder metallurgy. Heat treatments such as annealing, quenching, and tempering are often used to adjust microstructure and properties.

Historically, alloying enabled advances from the Bronze Age to modern industry. Bronze and iron tools gave way to steel production, enabling greater strength and durability. Today, alloys are critical across sectors including construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods.

Standards and certification govern composition, performance, and safety, with organizations such as ISO and ASTM providing specifications.

See also: Alloys, Metallurgy, Materials science.