An alloy is a metallic substance created by combining at least one other metal or non-metallic element with a base metal. Most alloys are composed solely of metal components although elements like carbon, silicon, boron and sulfur can also combine with metals to form alloys. Alloys can be binary or ternary, as well as refractory or non-refractory. Different type of materials can bused in a variety of combinations to achieve particular alloy properties. While alloy steel is perhaps the most widely known and used alloy represent the forefront of alloy technology.

Binary and Ternary Alloys
Alloys that are primarily composed of two elements are considered binary, while alloys composed of three primary elements are considered ternary. Brass and bronze are both common examples of binary alloys. The former is comprised of copper and zinc, while the latter is made up of copper and tin. Alnico, known for its magnetic resilience, is an example of a ternary alloy and is comprised of aluminum, cobalt and nickel.
Refractory vs. Non-Refractory Alloys
Alloys that are non-refractory are malleable, or easy to flatten when it comes to hammering or rolling. Oppositely, refractory alloys are extremely hard and have much higher melting points (over 4000 degrees F). Columbium, molybdenum, tungsten and tantalum are all commonly used in refractory alloys.
Production
Alloys can be produced through a wide variety of methods. Most can be produced through both hot and cold processes, however this depends on the materials used and the intricacy of the alloy being created. While ancient steel making techniques relied on muscle and flame, modern alloy production utilizes such conveniences as the electric induction furnace.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steels are carbon-based steels that have specific chemical materials added to improve or alter properties. They are designed for use in particular applications and are often comprised of copper, phosphorus, manganese, sulfur and chromium in addition to carbon.
Modern alloy research has lead to the developed of metallic glass alloys, the first of which, created in 1957, was a combination of silicon and gold. New alloy-manufacturing techniques and a wider availability of materials has led to new innovations in alloy development. Today, most new alloys are first simulated on computers to determine what properties they will display, long before they are ever produced.