What’s the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal
Don’t you just love a ride on the Ferris wheel? Kids love them too…
Stop stop … we’re not talking about Ferris wheels, we’re talking about ferrous. Admittedly ferrous and Ferris wheels are both metal but that’s where the similarities end.
There are 2 types of metals:
Ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals
Both are recyclable.
What’s the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal?
Ferrous metals contain iron.
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron.
Non-ferrous metals are more valuable and rarer than ferrous. And they’re resistant to corrosion.
How can you tell the difference between the two?
It’s easy to tell which is which – just grab a magnet.
Ferrous metals are magnetic.
Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic.
Ferrous metals
Examples include:
Stainless steel
Carbon steel
Engineering steel
Cast and wrought iron
The iron in ferrous metals makes them super strong, hard and durable. But, when there are small amounts of iron in the metal and it’s made of different metals, it’s weaker.
Ferrous metals, like mild steel, are used in the construction of the world’s longest bridges and largest skyscrapers. Obviously, it needs to be pretty damn strong for that. No-one wants to be standing on top of a fragile high-rise building or a flimsy bridge.
You’ll also find ferrous metals in housing, vehicle production, railways, industrial containers and large-scale piping. High-quality chef’s knives and electrical appliances are also made from ferrous metals. That’s what makes chefs so good in the kitchen…
Ferrous metal is currently one of the most recycled materials in the world.
Around 500 million tonnes of recycled metals make over a billion tonnes of steel every year.The downside of ferrous metals is that they can rust when damp for a period of time.
The exceptions are wrought iron because it’s pure iron and stainless steel which has a high chrome content (no, we’re not talking about a website browser here. Stay on topic – it’s a metal).
Non-ferrous metals
Examples include:
Aluminium
Brass
Copper
Nickel
Tin
Lead
Zinc
Gold
Silver
Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron. They’re not magnetic and usually more pliable and lighter.
These metals are popular because they can still be extremely strong but light-weight. Think, food tins, drinks cans, cutlery, electrical cables and … constructing aircraft. Eerrmm, yep. It kinda seems scary flying in the sky in something made out of the same metal as a coke can
Non-ferrous metals are often used outside because they’re very resistance to rust and corrosion. It makes them ideal for things like road signs, water pipes, roofing and as well as small electronics and wiring.
Call Chilcorp today to talk more about ferrous and non-ferrous metals
Ferrous scrap metals are usually in good supply which means they’re priced lower than non-ferrous metals.
To get a realistic, honest price – give us a call today.