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What Are Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metals?

What are Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals?

Different types of iron and metal

To put it simply, ferrous metals contain iron; non-ferrous metals do not contain iron.

Ferrous Metals

The following are examples of ferrous metals and some of their uses:

Mild Steel

Carbon content of 0.1 to 0.3% and Iron content of 99.7 – 99.9%. Used for engineering purposes and in general, none specialised metal products.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel used for drill bits and other cutting tools.

Carbon content of 0.6 to 1.4% and Iron content of 98.6 to 99.4 %. Used to make cutting tools such as drill bits.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel piping

Ferritic and martensitic stainless steels are still magnetic. Made up of Iron, nickel and chromium, stainless steel resists staining and corrosion and is therefore used for the likes of cutlery and surgical instrumentation.

Cast Iron

Carbon 2 – 6% and Iron at 94 to 98%. Very strong but brittle. Used to manufacture items such as engine blocks and manhole covers.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron used to manufacture gates.

Composed of almost 100% iron. Used to make items such as ornamental gates and fencing. Not used as widely in today’s market due to steel replacing it.

Non-Ferrous Metals

These are the non-ferrous metals and their uses:

Aluminium Alloy

Aluminum Alloy used in screws.

An alloy of aluminium, copper and manganese. Very lightweight and easily worked. Used in aircraft manufacture, window frames and some kitchenware.

Copper

Copper pipping and fitting is commonly used in plumbing.

Copper is a naturally occurring substance. The fact that it conducts heat and electricity means that it is used for wiring, tubing and pipe work.

Brass

A combination of copper and zinc, usually in the proportions of 65% to 35% respectively. Is used for ornamental purposes and within electrical fittings.

Silver

Silver metals

Mainly a natural substance, but mixing with copper creates sterling silver. Used for decorative impact in jewellery, ornaments and also to solder different metals together.

Lead

Lead used on roofing

Lead is a naturally occurring substance. It is heavy and very soft and is often used in roofing, in batteries and to make pipes. Austenitic stainless steel – With high concentrations of chromium, austenitic stainless steels are used for “non-magnetic” applications and are classed as non-ferrous.

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