You need to understand the differences between ferrous metals and non-ferrous ones if you are interested in the scrap metal or scrap iron business. Not only can you earn money by trading metals but you can also contribute to the environment through ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling.
It’s crucial to understand the differences between ferrous and nonferrous metals if you are a local company interested in recycling scrap.
Different industries use them in different ways. Iron is the key to understanding the difference. Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron.
Ferrous metals are very strong and can be used for projects that require durability and strength. These include parts used to construct new buildings and railroad tracks, as well as for building cars.
Non-ferrous metals that do not contain iron are perfect for items that are repeatedly exposed to water or the elements. Non-ferrous metals can be used to make gutters, pipes and roofing components.
Let’s look closer at the use of both metals today.
What is the use of ferrous metals?
Each metal has its own unique properties. This helps to determine their use and applications.
Alloys include ferrous metals. This means they are a mixture of different metals.
The only thing that links them together is the iron. A magnet will adhere to an object containing iron but not to, say, an aluminum can which does not contain iron.
Around 1,200 BC, the use of ferrous materials began. Around 1,200 BC, iron production began to be widespread and the Iron Age was born.
Ferrous metals, which are known for their strength and durability in construction, are widely used. Carbon steel is used in skyscrapers, long bridges, industrial piping, and shipping containers.
Magnetism is a key feature of ferrous metals, making them ideal for electrical applications. The high carbon content of ferrous metals can be a problem. This means that they rust more readily when exposed to moisture.
Ferrous Metal Recycling
Some ferrous metals, such as wrought iron and stainless steel that is protected against rust due to its chromium content, do not fall into this category.
Ferrous metals can also include:
- Steel is made by adding carbon to iron, which hardens the iron.
- Carbon Steel is a steel with a high carbon content. It is used in many machine tools.
- Alloy Steel is made from chromium, and includes stainless steel. It’s a metal that’s popular in construction.
- Cast Iron is an alloy of iron, silicon and carbon that is resistant to wear. It’s commonly found in automobile engines and water pipes.
- Wrought Iron is an alloy that contains very little carbon, and is primarily pure iron. It’s used to make nails, chains, and barbed wire.
- Scrap Iron and other irons that are found in industry, machinery and component parts
What is the use of non-ferrous metals?
Consider this paradox: Non-ferrous Metals are very strong and light. This great strength makes these metals durable. This combination of strength and durability, combined with their low weight, makes them appealing to a wide range of manufacturers including the airline industry.
Metals that are non-ferrous are harder to find than metals made of iron. Their greatest advantage is that they can be bent without breaking.
They are more resistant to corrosion and rust due to their lack of iron. They are often used for roofing projects and outdoor signs. Because they’re non-magnetic and are used for electronic and wiring purposes, they are often used.
Non-ferrous metal recycling
Non-ferrous metals can also include:
- Aluminum is lightweight, and used to make food cans or aircraft. Also, it’s used to build cars, trains and kitchen utensils.
- Copper primarily used in the electrical industry as a conductor, sheet roofing, statues, bearings, and brass.
- Lead can resist corrosion by moisture and is used for electrical cables, batteries, as well as the construction of building.
- Zinc is used widely in galvanizing. This is the process by which a protective zinc coat is applied to iron or steel, to prevent corrosion.
- Tin can be used to protect steel from corrosion and to produce tin-plated steel food cans.
How to Tell the Difference Between Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals
Ferrous and nonferrous materials are used by a variety of industries. If you are a business owner and want to recycle the scrap metals that no longer get used, knowing the differences between ferrous and nonferrous metals is important.
Knowing which metals are used by which industries and why is also useful.
Ferrous and nonferrous metals can be found in many products. You can find them in your home, car, or office building.
If your business is remodeling, re-building, or replacing old pipes or electrical equipment, you may have scrap metal that can be recycled.
