About the only grades of metals I know are 310 and 316 stainless (And how much 316 is! £50 for 80mm^2 x 2mm deep!). First of all, what is a duplex steel? And secondly has anyone ever seen a book that gives things like simple explanations of what a metal is useful for (Mainly the steel grades). So, for example, it would tell me that 316 is a highly corrosion resistant metal that withstands very high temperatures. Not the complete physics of the metal. I'm already rather pesamistic because I think I've seen 'books' (If a book can be more than 3" thick) for a couple of hundred pounds on stuff like this. I'd really like something I could look up the grades in without having to bother people for just one thing. If you've seen one on Aluminium that'd be good as well. Preferably with the different finishes. When I went to buy some sheet metal recently the man told me that, if I remember right, I should get the hot rolled, the same as bright drawn I assume. He said that it would be more malleable (Sp?), is that because the metal has annealed after being drawn? Is cold rolled cheaper? It's not really that important I was just wondering about it that's all.

Best wishes,
John