Ferrous VS Non-Ferrous Metals: Uses, Benefits and more
Metals are obviously a vital part of a plethora of different industries across the modern world, and they typically come in two forms: ferrous and non-ferrous. What differentiates these types from each other? Ferrous metals are those metals which contain iron, a characteristic that they do not share with non-ferrous metals such as titanium alloy. We at Kalapurna have put together this blog to further explore the differences between these metals, while also getting a better understanding of how they are used.
Ferrous Metals
Properties
Apart from the obvious use of iron, there are a wide variety of other elements which are used to create ferrous metals. These elements are what determine the different characteristics and properties that ferrous metals possess. Some of the main characteristics of iron are its density and its ample availability. It is also a metal that is relatively easy to refine, while being magnetic but vulnerable to getting corroded. One of the main reasons for forming ferrous metals by mixing iron with other elements is to help remove certain characteristics or to increase them.
Ferrous metals are known to be incredibly durable and showcase a remarkable level of resistance to heavy tension, making them a very useful material for construction. These metals are also known to be very good conductors of electricity. Ferrous metals are usually iron alloys which have been mixed with elements such as nickel, vanadium, chromium, as well as manganese. These are all some of the leading components of stainless steel, which happens to have a much higher resistance to corrosion than most ferrous metals.
Applications
As mentioned above, ferrous metals are known for their high density, remarkable durability and strength, which makes it a great option for large scale construction uses. One of the most common uses of ferrous metals is in the creation of steel alloys which contain carbon in low amounts (less than 0.25 percent), which are typically used to make nuts and bolts as well as in forging.
Ferrous metals also include steel alloys which are high in carbon (up to 1 percent), which are commonly known for their impressive strength and resistance to high levels of damage. Such materials are often used to make items such as springs, blades, as well as wire ropes. Steel is known to be alloyed with a range of different materials to form various ferrous metals. For instance, it is mixed with chromium to form stainless steel, which is used in cutlery and silverware, kitchen fittings, as well as medical equipment.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Properties
It is often the case that non-ferrous metals are relatively more expensive than ferrous metals, mainly due to the desirable properties that they possess. One of the more well-known characteristics of non-ferrous metals is their resistance to getting corroded. There are many non-ferrous metals which tend to form a layer on their outside surface, which stops them from easily forming any rust on the outside due to moisture or oxidation. Another major characteristic of non-ferrous metals is their high conductivity of electric currents. Some of the most commonly used metals for this purpose are copper as well as aluminum.
Non-ferrous metals are also known for their low density and lightweight nature, making them highly important when it comes to applications where maintaining weight is important. Other major properties of non-ferrous metals include their impressive malleability and ductility. This means that it is relatively easy to bend and shape them into different forms without them completely breaking. This has proven to be incredibly useful in both functional applications as well as for decorative purposes.
Applications
Non-ferrous metals are used in a number of industries, which includes the aerospace field. Materials such as titanium as well as aluminum are some of the most commonly used metals in aerospace systems. They are particularly useful in this regard due to their lightweight nature while still being very strong, and they are typically found in aircraft frames and engine components. Due to the high electrical conductivity of non-ferrous metals, it should come as no surprise that these metals are commonly found in electronics. Materials such as copper are often the main component in wiring systems and circuitry, as they can effectively transmit currents.
As mentioned earlier, non-ferrous metals are also known to be used for decorative purposes, and not solely for their functional and utility applications. This is mainly due to their malleability and ductility, specifically when it comes to metals such as brass and bronze which are often seen in art and decorative pieces. With the ability of these metals to bend and shape while still maintaining their structural integrity make them very desirable for decorative pieces.