Did you know that the choice between ferrous and non-ferrous metals can make or break a project? Both metal groups have useful properties, such as strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion, so choosing the right metal is vital to the success of any project. This latest blog post will cover the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including their characteristics and key differences.
What are Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals?
Metals are divided into two main groups: ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They are grouped based on their iron content, directly impacting their properties, behaviours, and applications.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals have many characteristics, the main ones being that they are hard, heavy, and magnetic. They are also known to be prone to rusting.
Characteristics
- Contain Iron
- Magnetic
- Durable
- Strong
- Dense
- Conducts electricity
- Prone to rust
- Silver in Colour
- Recyclable
Metals
- Cast Iron is often used in cookware, pots and pans, engine parts, automotive parts, pumps and valves, water pipes, and building structures.
- Stainless Steel is often used in medical instruments, MRI scanners, kitchen and catering equipment, construction, and power plants.
- Carbon Steel is often used in construction for bridges and buildings, automotive for engine parts and vehicle bodies, and aerospace.
- Alloy Steel is often used in building work for structural components, in aerospace for components used in the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft, and in automotive, chemical processing, and medical implants.
- Mild Steel is often used in construction for structural components, in manufacturing machinery, cookware, signs, and in transporting cars and trailer components.
Example Uses
- Construction – used in building houses and large-scale piping.
- Engineering – used in industrial containers.
- Electrical Projects – used in magnetic cores of transformers.
- Piping – used to carry oil, gas, water and chemicals.
Non-Ferrous Metals
These metals do not contain iron, are lightweight and are resistant to corrosion:
Characteristics:
- Do Not Contain Iron
- Non-Magnetic
- Low Density
- Good Conductivity
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy to fabricate
- Rustproof
- Recyclable
Metals:
- Copper is often used for electrical wiring, automotive, architecture, money, and tube/pipe fittings.
- Aluminium is often used to construct aircraft and spacecraft, vehicle bodies, food and beverage packaging, and electrical products.
- Nickel is used in batteries, alloys for armour plating, chemical processing, power generation, and consumer products such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
- Titanium is used in medicine for devices and implants, in aerospace for frames and engines, in the automotive industry for car parts, in the marine industry for ship components, and in industrial components.
- Precious Metals are commonly used in jewellery for rings, necklaces and bracelets; electronics for use in smart devices like smartphones and computers; and medicine in dental crowns and bridges as well as coins.
- Brass is commonly used in heating systems, electrical components such as switches and sockets, mechanical components such as bearings and gears, and decorative items like door handles.
Example Uses
- Aircraft / Spacecraft – used in wing structures, engine components and landing gear.
- Wind Turbines – used in the working parts of generators and the outer structure.
- Electrical Projects – used in wiring and electrical components.
- Automotive – used to reduce vehicle weight, in engine parts, body panels and heat sinks.
Applications in Industries
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals have their strengths, making them ideal for different uses in different industries.
Ferrous Metals
Due to their properties, such as strength and durability, ferrous metals are often used in various industries. Materials such as steel are often used in construction to construct skyscrapers, bridges, and other large structures. They are also used to manufacture machinery, tools, car parts, and engine parts, among other things. Due to their low corrosion resistance, ferrous metals are often coated in paint or other protective coatings to protect against corrosion and rust.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are used in various industry applications, such as aerospace, where they are used to make aircraft; the automotive industry, where they are used to make car components; and electrical components, such as circuits and wiring. They are used in these industries because they are highly corrosion-resistant, can conduct heat and electricity, and are non-magnetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ferrous metals are considered to be good conductors of heat however non-ferrous metals are considered better conductors of heat.
Ferrous metals are made up of carbon and iron which reacts with the moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere, this is a process called oxidation.
Yes, non-ferrous metals are great conductors of electricity. Making them ideally suited for electrical wiring components.
No, non-ferrous metals cannot become magnetic due to their lack of iron content.
Non ferrous metals are typically more expensive due to the fact they are less abundant in the Earth’s crust
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals in Fabrication
When it comes to metal fabrication, ferrous and non-ferrous metals have very different uses. Ferrous metals are typically used for applications that require high strength and durability, such as structural components, machinery parts, and chassis. Non-ferrous metals are typically used in instances where applications require lightweight structures and are corrosion resistant, such as aerospace, automotive and roofing materials.
Here at D&M, we provide a wide range of sheet metal fabrication services using ferrous and non-ferrous materials. We offer high-quality laser cutting, deburring, folding, welding, finishing and powder coating services. Our expert team are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and has the industry know-how to turn your ideas into reality. Give us a call on 01765 522 222 or email sales@dmdesignfabrication.co.uk to find out more.