The most important distinction between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is the presence or absence of iron. Ferrous metals contain iron. Non-ferrous metals don’t.
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Understanding the practical differences between the two categories of metal isn’t quite as straightforward. Each of them has its own distinct set of properties that determines everything from appearance to applications. Read on to find out about these more nuanced distinctions.
The most common and easily-recognized non-ferrous metals are copper and bronze. These metals were first discovered at the end of the stone age and have been used by people for constructing tools, weapons, and structural components for millennia.
Iron wasn’t discovered until around 1,200 BC. This date marks the beginning of the iron age when ferrous metals became commonplace. Today, contractors and consumers alike can take advantage of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals in Custom Metal Fabrication.
Each type of ferrous and non-ferrous metal has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Materials in each of these categories tend to have more similarities than differences, though, so there are some advantages that span most or all metal types within the category.
The primary benefits of ferrous metals are their strength and durability. Materials like cast iron, wrought iron, and steel are well-known for their tensile strength. Some types of ferrous metal offer higher levels of fatigue strength than others, though, so it’s important to choose them carefully.
Ferrous metals are also resistant to heat. This can be a huge advantage when it comes to designing fire-proof structures or installing metal fixtures in heat-prone areas like commercial kitchens. Ferrous metals are also magnetic, which can offer an advantage for specific applications like manufacturing refrigerators, motors, and certain electrical components.
Non-ferrous metals are lighter weight and more malleable. They also have a higher level of rust and corrosion resistance since they contain no iron. They’re also non-magnetic, which gives them an advantage in wiring applications and some types of small electronics manufacturing.
Some types of non-ferrous metal have high electrical conductivity, while others have low melting points. Each non-ferrous metal is used for different applications.
Since every type of metal has different properties, they’re all suited to different applications. That goes for not just ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals, but also each material that falls into these two categories.
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Here are a few of the most common applications for different types of ferrous metals:
It’s common for non-ferrous metals to be used in outdoor applications like gutters, roofing, and the fabrication of pipes. Here are a few other applications:
Still not sure which type of metal will be best for a particular application? It’s always best to ask a metal fabricator.
Non-ferrous metals are used in countless manufacturing applications. You can find them in airplane fuselages as well automotive engines, fasteners, wiring kits, building roofs, pipes and more. Unlike ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals contain any meaningful amount of iron. They are characterized by the presence of little or no iron. And without any meaningful amount of iron, non-ferrous metals offer several benefits.
Non-ferrous metals are rustproof. They can still corrode, but they can’t rust. Rusting is the result of iron being exposed to oxygen. When iron is exposed to oxygen, it converts to a new compound known as rust oxide, which is simply rust. Rusting, however, is exclusive to iron. Only iron, as well as iron alloys, can rust. Since non-ferrous metals contain little or no iron, they are protected from this phenomenon.
The rustproof properties of non-ferrous metals make them an attractive choice for humid environments. Humidity is moisture vapor. While moisture vapor can cause ferrous metals to rust, it doesn’t have the same effects on non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals can withstand humidity because they don’t contain any meaningful amount of iron and, therefore, can’t rust.
Another benefit of non-ferrous metals is conductivity. They are typically more conductive than ferrous metals. Copper, for example, is a non-ferrous metal that’s used in electrical wiring. Of all the metals on the planet — including ferrous and non-ferrous metals — copper exhibits the highest electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity is a measurement of how easily electricity can flow through a material. Non-ferrous metals like copper are highly conductive, making them ideal for electrical wiring and other electrical applications.
In addition to higher conductivity, non-ferrous metals typically weigh less than their ferrous counterparts. All ferrous metals contain iron. The presence of iron is what distinguishes ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals. Because iron is a relatively heavy metal, ferrous metals are relatively heavy. Non-ferrous metals don’t contain any meaningful amount of iron, so they usually weigh less than ferrous metals. Aluminum, for instance, is lightweight. When compared to iron, steel and other ferrous metals, aluminum weighs less.
Non-ferrous metals are recyclable. They can be recycled through smelting. Smelting down non-ferrous metals will turn into a liquid. After allowing the liquid to cool, it’s reused for other applications. Most non-ferrous metals are completely recyclable. With that said, many ferrous metals are recyclable as well. For iron alloys, though, recycling can be a little more difficult.
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