The two types of metals ever known are ferrous and nonferrous metals with vast differences and few similarities. They have different qualities, properties, and uses due to what they are made of. Nonferrous metals don’t contain iron whilst ferrous contain iron in them.
Ferrous metals have iron as their primary element such as steel cast iron, and wrought iron whereas non-ferrous metals or alloys does not contain iron like their ferrous counterparts. Examples of non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, and lead.
The major difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is in their magnetic property and non-ferrous metals are found in the earthe as chemical compounds. Learn about ferrous metals here!
Now, let’s go deep to explain the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals!
Contents
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals containing iron. They are used mostly in fabrication industries and shops in the production of items such as skyscrapers, bridges, vehicles, and railroads. They are also used in engines due to their mechanical properties, they also have high carbon content, which makes them prone to rust.
Ferrous metals are magnetic which makes their applications to electrical appliances. Some metals like stainless steel contain wrought iron and chromium which makes them highly pure iron.
Some types of ferrous metals include:
Carbon steel: this is an exceptional hard metal, containing higher carbon content added to iron.
Stainless steels: these types of ferrous metals are completely free from rust even when exposed to moisture. they are made of alloy steel and chromium.
Cast iron: it is also a very hard metal that can resist wear. Cast iron is a combination of iron, chromium, and silicon.
Steel: these types of ferrous metals are widely used in metal fabrication and construction sites. They are made of iron and carbon.
Other alloy steel: these are added to metals in order to strengthen them without weight. These lightweight metals include chromium, nickel, titanium, etc.
Non-ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are types of metals or alloys that do not have an appreciable amount of iron in them. These metals are special due to their properties that include: malleability, non-magnetic, high conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and low weight.
Even though non-ferrous are more costly than ferrous metals, they are used in industrial applications such as roofing pipes, electrical, and gutters. The nonferrous metal types are suitable for highly corrosive environments such as liquid, chemical, and sewage pipelines. Due to the non-magnetism of nonferrous metals, they are used in many electrical and electronic appliances. Some nonferrous metals like Aluminum have low weight, Copper has higher conductivity, zinc is non-magnetic, and is resistant to corrosion.
The most common and important types of nonferrous metals include Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Tin, Titanium, Zinc, and Brass. They are used in industrial processes. Some precious nonferrous metals include Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Learn about different types of metals here!
Key Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are known to contain iron as their primary component, having a distinct characteristics such as magnetic properties and can corrode and rust. The most common examples of ferrous metals are steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
These metals have strength and durability, making them useful in automotive, construction, and tool manufacturing. However, they are heavier, and have lower electrical and thermal conductivity compared to non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are more cost-effective due to the availability of iron ore.
On the other hand, non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, which means they are more resistant to rust and corrosion. This is why they are usuful in applications where durability in harsh environments is important.
The common examples of non-ferrous metals are aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, tin, and gold. These metals are lighter and have higher electrical and thermal conductivity, which is useful in elctrical wiring, aerospace, packaging, etc.
Non-ferrous metals are more expensive than ferrous metals due to their essential properties which is why they are used in high-tech and specialized applications.
Here’s a table comparing ferrous and non-ferrous metals:
| Aspect | Ferrous Metals | Non-Ferrous Metals |
| Composition | Contains iron | Does not contain iron |
| Examples | Steel, Cast Iron, Wrought Iron | Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Gold |
| Magnetic Properties | Usually magnetic | Generally non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Prone to rust and corrosion | More resistant to rust and corrosion |
| Weight | Heavier, higher density | Lighter, lower density |
| Strength | Generally strong and durable | Variable, can be strong but usually less than ferrous |
| Conductivity | Lower electrical and thermal conductivity | Higher electrical and thermal conductivity |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Usually more expensive |
| Recyclability | Highly recyclable | Also highly recyclable |
| Common Uses | Construction, automotive, tools | Electrical wiring, aircraft, packaging, coins |
Learn about metals and non-metals here!
That is all for this article, where I explained the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share with others. Thanks for reading, see you around!
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