What are the primary categories of materials used in manufacturing?

The primary categories of materials used in manufacturing include metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites due to their distinct properties and applications in various industries.

Metals are known for their strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity, making them suitable for structural components and electrical applications. Polymers, or plastics, provide versatility with their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and varying mechanical properties, allowing for a broad range of uses from packaging to automotive parts. Ceramics are valued for their hardness, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, often used in applications such as cutting tools and insulators. Composites combine two or more different materials to produce enhanced properties, allowing for applications that require improved strength-to-weight ratios or specific performance characteristics.

This classification provides a comprehensive overview of the materials that drive innovation and functionality in manufacturing processes, while the other options present combinations that do not cover the broad spectrum of primary material types as effectively.