The difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals

The difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals

The simple answer is that ferrous metals do not contain iron and non-ferrous metals. A more in-depth answer is that both ferrous and non-ferrous metals have their own distinct properties. These characteristics determine which applications are most suitable for them. Non-ferrous metals have been used since the beginning of civilization. The discovery of copper in 5000 BC marked the end of the Stone Age and the beginning of the Copper Age. The invention of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, began in the Bronze Age. The use of ferrous metals began around 1200 BC when iron production began to spread. This ushered in the Iron Age. 

 

• Metallic minerals: 

Some common ferrous metals include engineering steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. These metals are valued for their tensile strength and durability. Carbon steel – also known as structural steel – is a staple in the construction industry and is used on the tallest skyscrapers and tallest bridges. Ferrous metals are also used in shipping containers, industrial pipes, automobiles, railroads, and many commercial and domestic tools. Ferrous metals have a high carbon content which generally makes them susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture. There are two exceptions to this rule: wrought iron resists rust due to its purity and stainless steel is protected from rust by the presence of chromium. Most ferrous metals are magnetized which makes them very useful for kinetic and electrical applications. Using ferrous metals on the refrigerator door allows you to attach your shopping list to it with magnets. Any form of iron and steel is considered ferrous metals. Small amounts of other elements can be added to iron and steel to obtain the desired property. For example, copper is added to steel to increase corrosion resistance. Adding nickel to steel increases strength and durability, which is a characteristic of stainless steel. Small amounts of each metal do not change the composition of the steel into a non-ferrous metal, however, they only turn into alloy steels. 

 

• Steel: 

Steel is made by adding iron to carbon, which strengthens iron. Engineering steels become stiffer as other elements such as chromium and nickel are introduced. Steel is made by heating and smelting iron ore in furnaces. The steel case is pulled out of the furnaces and cast into molds to form steel bars. Steel is widely used in the construction and manufacturing industries. 

 

• Carbon steel: 

Carbon steel has a higher carbon content compared to other steels which makes it very hard. It is commonly used in the manufacture of machine tools, drills, blades, taps, and springs. It can keep the sharp cutting edge. 

 

• Engineering Steel: 

Engineering steel incorporates elements such as chromium, nickel and titanium to give greater strength and durability without adding weight. Stainless steel is an important engineering steel made of chromium. Engineering steel is used in construction, machine tools, and electrical components. 

 

• Cast iron: 

Cast iron is an alloy made of iron, carbon and silicon. Cast iron is brittle, hard and wear-resistant. It is used in water pipes, machine tools, car engines, and stoves. 

 

• Wrought iron: 

Wrought iron is an alloy with very little carbon content and is almost pure iron. During the manufacturing process, some slag is added which gives wrought iron excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation, however, it is low in hardness and fatigue strength. Wrought iron is used for fencing and handrails, agricultural implements, nails, barbed wire, chains, and various ornaments. 

 

• Non-ferrous metals: 

Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin, as well as precious metals such as gold and silver. Its main advantage over iron materials is its malleability. It also has no iron content, which gives it a higher resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for gutters, fluid pipes, roofs, and outdoor signage. Finally, it is non-magnetic, which is important for many electronic and wiring applications. Aluminum, for example, is lightweight and can easily be cast, shaped, machined, and welded. Airplanes are made of aluminum, as are fenders, tires, pistons, radiators, and similar parts used to build cars, trucks, boats, and bicycles. Copper’s ductility, malleability, and high conductivity make it the primary metal in roofing panels, bearings, tubes, figurines, and the electrical industry in the form of wires and other conductors. Zinc is widely used for galvanizing the protective coating of iron or steel to prevent rust. Making alloys of ferrous and non-ferrous metals is a common practice. Chrome mixed with steel makes stainless steel, which provides increased strength and gives it resistance to corrosion. Other alloys are widely used to reduce material costs, and other alloys are used to make a lighter material.

 

• Aluminium: 

Aluminum is lightweight, soft, and has low strength. Aluminum is easy to cast, shaped, machined and welded. It is not suitable for high temperature environments. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is a good choice for making airplanes and food cans. Aluminum is also used in castings, pistons, railways, automobiles, and kitchen appliances. 

 

• Copper: 

Copper is red in color, highly malleable, malleable and has a high conductivity of electricity and heat. Copper is mainly used in the electrical industry in the form of wires and other conductors. It is also used in roofing panels, cartridge cases, liners and bearings. Copper is also used to make brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. 

 

• Lead: 

Lead is a soft, heavy, malleable metal that has a low melting point and low tensile strength. It can withstand corrosion from moisture and many acids. Lead is widely used in electrical power cables, batteries, building construction, and welding. 

 

• Zinc: 

Zinc is a medium to low strength metal with a very low melting point. It can be easily machined, but heating may be required to avoid cracking of the crystals. Zinc is widely used in galvanizing, which is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent rust. 

 

• Tin: 

Tin is very soft, malleable and paintable with low tensile strength. It is often used to coat steel to prevent corrosion. Steel plate is used to make tin cans for food preservation. In the late 19th century, tin foil was most commonly used to wrap food products, but it has since been largely replaced by aluminum foil. Tin can also be mixed with copper to produce tin brass and bronze.

 

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