Ferrous metals, known for containing iron, have distinct properties and uses, contrasting with non-ferrous metals, which are iron-free.
Understanding the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is essential for professionals in industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering.
What is Ferrous Metal?
A ferrous metal is a classification of metals that is primarily composed of iron. This category includes a wide range of materials, with iron being the predominant element. The term “ferrous” is derived from the Latin word “ferrum,” which means iron.
Ferrous metals are known for their exceptional mechanical properties, making them valuable in numerous industrial applications.
They are celebrated for their high strength, durability, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for demanding environments.
The magnetic properties of ferrous metals are another distinguishing feature attributed to the presence of iron.
Despite their many advantages, ferrous metals, particularly those with high iron content, are susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
This limitation necessitates protective measures such as coatings or alloys to enhance their oxidation resistance.
Ferrous metals are the backbone of many industries, including construction, automotive, machinery manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Their strength, durability, and magnetic properties make them indispensable in various applications where reliability and performance are paramount.
What is Non Ferrous Metals?
Non-ferrous metals or alloys are defined as materials that are not iron-based like their ferrous counterparts. Common non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum and lead.
Ferrous metals contain iron making most of these metals have a magnetic property. Non-ferrous metals are found in the Earth as chemical compounds. The most essential non-ferrous metals happen to be oxides or sulfides.
In metallurgy, non-ferrous metals are metals or alloys that do not contain iron (allotropes of iron, ferrite, and so on) in appreciable amounts.
Generally more costly than ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals are used because of desirable properties such as low weight (e.g. aluminium), higher conductivity (e.g. copper), non-magnetic properties or resistance to corrosion (e.g. zinc).
Some non-ferrous materials are also used in the iron and steel industries. For example, bauxite is used as flux for blast furnaces, while others such as wolframite, pyrolusite, and chromite are used in making ferrous alloys.
Important Non-Ferrous Metals Include
- Aluminium,
- Copper,
- Lead,
- Tin,
- Titanium,
- And Zinc, And
- Alloys Such As Brass.
Precious Metals Such As
- Gold,
- Silver, And
- Platinum And
Exotic Or Rare Metals Such As
- Mercury,
- Tungsten,
- Beryllium,
- Bismuth,
- Cerium,
- Cadmium,
- Niobium,
- Indium,
- Gallium,
- Germanium,
- Lithium,
- Selenium,
- Tantalum,
- Tellurium,
- Vanadium, And
- Zirconium Are Also Non-Ferrous.
They are usually obtained through minerals such as sulfides, carbonates, and silicates. Non-ferrous metals are usually refined through electrolysis.
Ferrous Vs Non Ferrous Metal
Magnetism
Iron is magnetic, so ferrous metals have magnetic properties. Non-ferrous metals do not have magnetic properties. Iron has magnetic properties due to its electrons becoming easily aligned to a magnetic field.
This property allows ferrous metals to be ideal for electrical projects – a prime example is induction heating.
Corrosion Resistance
Ferrous metals are often not ideal for applications where corrosion is a concern. Iron reacts with water to form a layer called hydrated iron (III) oxide, commonly known as rust.
One notable exception to ferrous metals is stainless steel. This material was designed, among other things, to provide corrosion resistance
Non-ferrous metals form oxide layers that function as barriers to water. These layers provide a high degree of corrosion resistance. This is a major reason copper pipping has traditionally been used for water pipes in homes, for example.
Strength
Ferrous metals are typically stronger than non-ferrous metals. Steel is a prime example of one of the strongest metals. Combine that with its low cost and steel is a natural choice for building structures and other projects requiring high degrees of tensile strength.
Titanium is stronger than other non-ferrous metals, but due to its high price, it typically makes for a poor selection for large projects like building structures.
Weight
Ferrous metals are often heavier compared to non-ferrous metals. The main reason is that ferrous metals are higher in density. It can be beneficial for applications that require more stability, such as construction.
In contrast, non-ferrous metals are lighter, making them ideal for applications that focus on weight without compromising strength.
Cost
Ferrous metals are cost-effective because they are abundant and easily sourced. Iron is the fourth most common element in the Earth’s crust, making it a readily available material for construction and engineering projects.
Additionally, ferrous metal fabrication processes are relatively inexpensive, allowing manufacturers to create high volumes of products at low prices.
On the other hand, non-ferrous metals are more expensive, which can be a disadvantage when dealing with large projects because they have become increasingly popular in various industries due to their desirable properties.
The key features that make them attractive are their strength and durability, low weight, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity.
For instance, automotive manufacturers are shifting towards lighter vehicles that require more lightweight components from nonferrous materials such as aluminum or magnesium instead of heavier steel or iron alloys.
Recyclable
In general, ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be recycled. However, ferrous metals require a more detailed process since they need to be purified, melted, and made into blocks.
Meanwhile, you can recycle non-ferrous metals repeatedly without worrying about degrading or losing their chemical properties. Plus, they are relatively scarce. So recycling them is advisable.