Far Eastern University

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

BGTECH 1
RESEARCH PAPER

FERROUS AND
NON FERROUS
METALS

Submitted By:
Pierre Louis, Rousseau
Submitted to:
Engr. Guevarra
I. What is a ferrous metal ?

The basic substance used in ferrous metals such as steel

and cast iron (gray and malleable) is iron. It is used in
the form of pig iron.Iron is a base metal, meaning that it
is an alloying agent in many different metals.
Iron is produced from iron ore that occurs chiefly in
nature as an oxide, the two most important oxides
being hematite and magnetite. Iron ore is reduced to
pig iron in a blast furnace, and the impurities are
removed in the form of slag. Raw materials charged
into the furnace include iron ore, coke, and limestone.
The pig iron produced is used to manufacture steel or
cast iron.
II. Properties of Ferrous
Materials:
Ferrous metals include mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron,
and wrought iron. These metals are primarily used for their tensile
strength and durability, especially mild steel which helps hold up the
tallest skyscrapers and the longest bridges in the world. You can also
find ferrous metals in housing construction, industrial containers, large-
scale piping, automobiles, rails for railroad and transportation, most of
tools and hardware you use around the house, and the knives you cook
with at home.
Due to the high amounts of carbon used when creating them, most
ferrous metals and alloys are vulnerable to rust when exposed to the
elements. While this isnt true of wrought iron, which is so iron pure that
it resists oxidization, or stainless steel, which is protected thanks to its
high chromium content, its a good rule of thumb that if you see rust,
its a ferrous metal.
Most ferrous metals also have magnetic properties, which makes them
very useful in the creation of large motors and electrical appliances. The
reason you can tack your childs artwork to the refrigerator with that
magnet with the local pizza places phone number on it? Ferrous metal.
Most importantly, ferrous metals make up the most recycled materials
in the world. In 2008 alone, 1.3 billion tons of steel were produced, and
500 million tons of that was made from scrap materials.

III. Types of ferrous

metals
Steel
Plain carbon steel are ferrous metals that consists of iron and carbon.
Carbon is the hardening element. Tougher alloy steel contains other
elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Cast iron is
nothing more than basic carbon steel with more carbon added, along
with silicon. The carbon content range for steel is 0.03 to 1.7 percent,
and 4.5 percent for cast iron.
Steel is produced in a variety of melting furnaces, such as open-hearth,
Bessemer converter, crucible, electric-arc, and induction. Most carbon
steel is made in open-hearth furnaces, while alloy steel is melted in
electric-arc and induction furnaces. Raw materials charged into the
furnace include mixtures of iron ore, pig iron, limestone, and scrap.
After melting has been completed, the steel is tapped from the furnace
into a ladle and then poured into ingots or patterned molds. The ingots
are used to make large rectangular bars, which are reduced further by
rolling operations. The molds are used for castings of any design.
Cast Iron
Cast Iron Engine Block

Cast iron is produced by melting a charge of pig iron, limestone, and

coke in a cupola furnace.It is a brittle and hard metal with above
average levels of wear resistance. It is widely used in machine tools and
automotive parts such as engines.
It is then poured into sand or alloy steel molds. When making gray cast
iron castings, the molten metal in the mold is allowed to become solid
and cool to room temperature in open air. Malleable cast iron, on the
other hand, is made from white cast iron, which is similar in content to
gray cast iron except that malleable iron contains less carbon and
silicon. White cast iron is annealed for more than 150 hours at
temperatures ranging from 1500 to 1700F (815 to 927C). The result is a
product called malleable cast iron.
The desirable properties of cast iron are less than those of carbon steel
because of the difference in chemical makeup and structure. The carbon
present in hardened steel is in solid solution, while cast iron contains
free carbon known as graphite. In gray cast iron, the graphite is in flake
form, while in malleable cast iron the graphite is in nodular (rounded)
form. This also accounts for the higher mechanical properties of
malleable cast iron as compared with gray cast iron.
Iron Ore
Iron ore is smelted with coke and limestone in a blast furnace to remove
the oxygen (the process of reduction) and earth foreign matter from it.
Limestone is used to combined with the earth matter to form a liquid
slag. Coke is used to supply the carbon needed for the reduction and
carburization of the ore. The iron ore, limestone, and coke are charged
into the top of the furnace. Rapid combustion with a blast of preheated
air into the smelter causes a chemical reaction, during which the oxygen
is removed from the iron. The iron melts, and the molten slag consisting
of limestone flux and ash from the coke, together with compounds
formed by reaction of the flux with substances present in the ore, floats
on the heavier iron liquid. Each material is then drawn off separately

All forms of cast iron, steel, and wrought iron consist of a mixture of
iron, carbon, and other elements in small amounts. Whether the metal
is cast iron or steel depends entirely upon the amount of carbon in it.

Cast iron differs from steel mainly because its excess of carbon (more
than 1.7 percent) is distributed throughout as flakes of graphite, causing
most of the remaining carbon to separate. These particles of graphite
form the paths through which failures occur, and are the reason why
cast iron is brittle. By carefully controlling the silicon content and the
rate of cooling, it is possible to cause any definite amount of the carbon
to separate as graphite or to remain combined. Thus, white, gray, and
malleable cast iron are all produced from a similar base.
Wrought Iron
Wrought Iron Home Decor

Wrought iron is one of the ferrous metals that is an alloy that is almost
pure iron. It is made from pig iron in a puddling furnace and has a carbon
content of less than 0.08 percent. Carbon and other elements present in
pig iron are taken out, leaving almost pure iron. In the process of
manufacture, some slag is mixed with iron to form a fibrous structure in
which long stringers of slag, running lengthwise, are mixed with long
threads of iron. Because of the presence of slag, wrought iron resists
corrosion and oxidation, which cause rusting.
Uses: Wrought iron is used for porch railings, fencing, farm implements,
nails, barbed wire, chains, modern household furniture, ornaments and
decorations.
Capabilities: Wrought iron can be gas and arc welded, machined,plated,
and is easily formed.
Advantages: Wrought iron is bends easily when cold or when heated. It
is easy to weld and rusts slowly.
Limitations: Wrought iron has low hardness and low fatigue strength.
Properties: Wrought iron has Brinell hardness number of 105; tensile
strength of 35,000 psi; specific gravity of 7.7; melting point of 2750F
(1510C); and is ductile and corrosion resistant.
Appearance test: The appearance of wrought iron is the same as that of
rolled, low-carbon steel.
Fracture test: Wrought iron has a fibrous structure due to threads of
slag. As a result, it can be split in the direction in which the fibers run.
The metal is soft and easily cut with a chisel, and is quite ductile. When
nicked and bent, it acts like rolled steel. However, the break is very
jagged due to its fibrous structure. Wrought iron cannot be hardened.
Spark test: When wrought iron is ground, straw-colored sparks form
near the grinding wheel, and change to white, forked sparklers near the
end of the stream.
Torch test: Wrought iron melts quietly without sparking. It has a
peculiar slag coating with white lines that are oily or greasy in
appearance.
Cast Iron (Gray, White and Malleable)
Cast iron is a man made alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon. A portion of
the carbon exists as free carbon or graphite. Total carbon content is
between 1.7 and 4.5 percent.
Uses: Cast iron is used for water pipes, machine tool castings,
transmission housing, engine blocks, pistons, stove castings, etc.
Capabilities: Cast iron may be brazed or bronze welded, gas and arc
welded, hardened, or machined.

Limitations: Cast iron must be preheated prior to welding. It cannot be

worked cold.
Properties: Cast iron has a Brinell hardness number of 150 to 220 (no
alloys) and 300 to 600 (alloyed); tensile strength of 25,000 to 50,000 psi
(172,375 to 344,750 kPa) (no alloys) and 50,000 to 100,000 psi (344,750
to 689,500 kPa) (alloyed); specific gravity of 7.6; high compressive
strength that is four times its tensile strength; high rigidity; good wear
resistance; and fair corrosion resistance.
Other types of cast iron ferrous metals are described below:

Gray Cast Iron

If the molten pig iron is permitted to cool slowly, the chemical
compound of iron and carbon breaks up to a certain extent. Much of the
carbon separates as tiny flakes of graphite scattered throughout the
metal. This graphite-like carbon, as distinguish from combined carbon,
causes the gray appearance of the fracture, which characterizes
ordinary gray cast iron. Since graphite is an excellent lubricant, and the
metal is shot throughout with tiny, flaky cleavages, gray cast iron is easy
to machine but cannot withstand a heavy shock. Gray cast iron consists
of 90 to 94 percent metallic iron with a mixture of carbon, manganese,
phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon.
Special high-strength grades of this metal also contain 0.75 to 1.50
percent nickel and 0.25 to 0.50 percent chromium or 0.25 to 1.25
percent molybdenum. Commercial gray iron has 2.50 to 4.50 percent
carbon. About 1 percent of the carbon is combined with the iron, while
about 2.75 percent remains in the free or graphitic state. In making gray
cast iron, the silicon content is usually increased, since this allows the
formation of graphitic carbon. The combined carbon (iron carbide),
which is a small percentage of the total carbon present in cast iron, is
known as cementite. In general, the more free carbon (graphitic carbon)
present in cast iron, the lower the combined carbon content and the
softer the iron.
Appearance Test
The unmachined surface of gray cast iron castings is a very dull gray in
color and may be somewhat roughened by the sand mold used in
casting the part. Cast iron castings are rarely machined all over.
Unmachined castings may be ground in places to remove rough edges.
Fracture Test
Nick a corner all around with a chisel or hacksaw and strike the corner
with a sharp blow of the hammer. The dark gray color of the broken
surface is caused by fine black specks of carbon present in the form of
graphite. Cast iron breaks short when fractured. Small, brittle chips
made with a chisel break off as soon as they are formed.
Spark Test
A small volume of dull-red sparks that follow a straight line close to the
wheel are given off when this metal is spark tested. These break up into
many fine, repeated spurts that change to a straw color.
Torch Ferrous Metals Test
The torch test results in a puddle of molten metal that is quiet and has a
jelly like consistency. When the torch flame is raised, the depression in
the surface of the molts-puddle disappears instantly. A heavy, tough
film forms on the surface as it melts. The molten puddle takes time to
harden and gives off no sparks.
White Cast Iron
When gray cast iron is heated to the molten state, the carbon
completely dissolves in the iron, probably combining chemically with it.
If this molten metal is cooled quickly, the two elements remain in the
combined state, and white cast iron is formed. The carbon in this type of
iron measures above 2.5 to 4.5 percent by weight, and is referred to as
combined carbon. White cast iron is very hard and brittle, often
impossible to machine, and has a silvery white fracture.
Malleable Cast Iron
Malleable cast iron is made by heating white cast iron from 1400 to
1700F (760 and 927C) for abut 150 hours in boxes containing hematite
ore or iron scale. This heating causes a part of the combined carbon to
change into the free or uncombined state. This free carbon separates in
a different way from carbon in gray cast iron and is called temper
carbon. It exists in the form of small, rounded particles of carbon which
give malleable iron castings the ability to bend before breaking and to
withstand shock better than gray cast iron. The castings have properties
more like those of pure iron: high strength, ductility, toughness, and
ability to resist shock. Malleable cast iron can be welded and brazed.
Any welded part should be annealed after welding.
Appearance Test
The surface of malleable cast iron is very much like gray cast iron, but is
generally free from sand. It is dull gray and somewhat lighter in color
than gray cast iron.
Fracture Test
When malleable cast iron is fractured, the central portion of the broken
surface is dark gray with a bright, steel-like band at the edges. The
appearance of the fracture may best be described as a picture frame.
When of good quality, malleable cast iron is much tougher than other
cast iron and does not break short when nicked.
Spark Test
When malleable cast iron is ground, the outer, bright layer gives off
bright sparks like steel. As the interior is reached, the sparks quickly
change to a dull-red color near the wheel. These sparks from the interior
section are very much like those of cast iron; however, they are
somewhat longer and are present in large volume.
Torch Test
Molten malleable cast iron boils under the torch flame. After the flame
has been withdrawn, the surface will be full of blowholes. When
fractured, the melted parts are very hard and brittle, having the
appearance of white cast iron (they have been changed to white or
chilled iron by melting and fairly rapid cooling). The outside, bright,
steel-like band gives off sparks, but the center does not.
Steel
Steel Tool Ferrous Metals

A form of iron, steel is one of the ferrous metals that contains less
carbon than cast iron, but considerably more than wrought iron. The
carbon content is from 0.03 to 1.7 percent. Basic carbon steels are
alloyed with other elements, such as chromium and nickel, to increase
certain physical properties of the metal.
Uses: Steel is used to make nails, rivets, gears, structural steel, roles,
desks, hoods, fenders, chisels, hammers, etc.
Capabilities: Steel can be machined, welded, and forged, all to varying
degrees, depending on the type of steel.

Limitations: Highly alloyed steel is difficult to produce.

Properties: Steel has tensile strength of 45,000 psi (310,275 kPa) for low-
carbon steel, 80,000 psi (551,600 kPa) for medium-carbon steel, 99,000
psi (692,605 kPa) for high-carbon steel, and 150,000 psi (1,034,250 kPa)
for alloyed steel; and a melting point of 2800 F (1538C).
Low-carbon steel (carbon content up to 0.30 percent. This steel is soft
and ductile, and can be rolled, punched, sheared, and worked when
either hot or cold. It is easily machined and can readily be welded by all
methods. It does not harden to any great amount; however, it can easily
be case hardened.

Appearance Test
The appearance of the steel depends upon the method of preparation
rather than upon composition. Cast steel has a relatively rough, dark-
gray surface, except where it has been machined. Rolled steel has fine
surface lines running in one direction. Forged steel is usually
recognizable by its shape, hammer marks, or fins.

Fracture Test
When low-carbon steel is fractured, the color is bright crystalline gray. It
is tough to chip or nick. Low carbon steel, wrought iron, and steel
castings cannot be hardened.
Spark Test
The steel gives off sparks in long yellow-orange streaks, brighter than
cast iron, that show some tendency to burst into white, forked
sparklers.
Torch Test
The steel gives off sparks when melted, and hardens almost instantly.
Medium-carbon Steel (carbon content ranging from .30% to .50%)
This steel may be heat-treated after fabrication. It is used for general
machining and forging of parts that require surface hardness and
strength. It is made in bar form in the cold-rolled or the normalized and
annealed condition. During welding, the weld zone will become
hardened if cooled rapidly and must be stress-relieved after welding.
High-carbon Steel (carbon content ranging from .50% to .90%)
High-carbon steel (carbon content ranging from 0.50 to 0.90 percent).
This steel is used for the manufacture of drills, taps, dies, springs, and
other machine tools and hand tools that are heat treated after
fabrication to develop the hard structure necessary to withstand high
shear stress and wear. It is manufactured in bar, sheet, and wire forms,
and in the annealed or normalized condition in order to be suitable for
machining before heat treatment. This steel is difficult to weld because
of the hardening effect of heat at the welded joint.
High-Carbon Steel Tests
Appearance Test
The unfinished surface of high-carbon steel is dark gray and similar to
other steel. It is more expensive, and is usually worked to produce a
smooth surface finish.
Fracture test
High-carbon steel usually produces a very fine-grained fracture, whiter
than low-carbon steel. Tool steel is harder and more brittle than plate
steel or other low-carbon material. High-carbon steel can be hardened
by heating to a good red and quenching in water.
Spark test
High-carbon steel gives off a large volume of bright yellow-orange
sparks.
Torch test
Molten high-carbon steel is brighter than low carbon steel, and the
melting surface has a porous appearance. It sparks more freely than
low-carbon (mild) steels, and the sparks are whiter.
High Carbon Tool Steel
Tools Steels

Tool steel (carbon content ranging from 0.90 to 1.55 percent) is one of
the ferrous metals that are used in the manufacture of chisels, shear
blades, cutters, large taps, wood-turning tools, blacksmiths tools,
razors, and similar parts where high hardness is required to maintain a
sharp cutting edge. It is difficult to weld due to the high carbon content.
A spark test shows a moderately large volume of white sparks having
many fine, repeating bursts.
The advantages of tool steels are their ability to hold a cutting edge.
Frequently used for applications such as drill bits punches, dies and
cutters.
Cast Steel
Welding is difficult on steel castings containing over 0.30 percent
carbon and 0.20 percent silicon. Alloy steel castings containing nickel,
molybdenum, or both of these metals, are easily welded if the carbon
content is low. Those containing chromium or vanadium are more
difficult to weld. Since manganese steel is nearly always used in the
form of castings, it is also considered with cast steel. Its high resistance
to wear is its most valuable property.
Cast Steel Tests
Appearance test
The surface of cast steel is brighter than cast or malleable iron and
sometimes contains small, bubble-like depressions.
Fracture test
The color of a fracture in cast steel is bright crystalline gray. This steel is
tough and does not break short. Steel castings are tougher than
malleable iron, and chips made with a chisel curl up more. Manganese
steel, however, is so tough that is cannot be cut with a chisel nor can it
be machined.
Spark test
The sparks created from cast steel are much brighter than those from
cast iron. Manganese steel gives off marks that explode, throwing off
brilliant sparklers at right angles to the original-path of the spark:
Torch test
When melted, cast steel sparks and hardens quickly.
Steel Forgings
Steel forgings may be of carbon or alloy steels. Alloy steel forgings are
harder and more brittle than low carbon steels.
Steel Forging Tests
Appearance test
The surface of steel forgings is smooth. Where the surface of drop
forgings has not been finished, there will be evidence of the fin that
results from the metal squeezing out between the two forging dies. This
fin is removed by the trimming dies, but enough of the sheared surface
remains for identification. All forgings are covered with reddish brown
or black scale, unless they have been purposely cleaned.
Fracture test
The color of a fracture in a steel forging varies from bright crystalline to
silky gray. Chips are tough; and when a sample is nicked, it is harder to
break than cast steel and has a finer grain. Forgings may be of low-or
high-carbon steel or of alloy steel. Tool steel is harder and more brittle
than plate steel or other low-carbon material. The fracture is usually
whiter and finer grained. Tool steel can be hardened by heating to a
good red and then quenching in water. Low-carbon steel, wrought iron,
and steel castings cannot be usefully hardened.
Spark test
The sparks given off are long, yellow-orange streamers and are typical
steel sparks. Sparks from high-carbon steel (machinery and tool steel)
are much brighter than those from low-carbon steel.
Torch test
Steel forgings spark when melted, and the sparks increase in number
and brightness as the carbon content becomes greater.
Alloy Steel
Steel Alloy Examples

Machines made with Steel Alloy (left to right, vandium, tungsten

and chromium)
Alloy steel is one of the ferrous metals is frequently recognizable by its
use. There are many varieties of alloy steel used in the manufacture of
different types of equipment . They have greater strength and durability
than carbon steel, and a given strength is secured with less material
weight. Manganese steel is a special alloy steel that is always used in the
cast condition
Nickel, chromium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and silicon are
the most common elements used in alloy steel.
Chromium is used as an alloying element in carbon steels to
increase hardenability, corrosion resistance, and shock resistance.
It imparts high strength with little loss in ductility.
Nickel increases the toughness, strength, and ductility of steels,
and lowers the hardening temperatures so than an oil quench,
rather than a water quench, is used for hardening.
Manganese is used in steel to produce greater toughness, wear
resistance, easier hot rolling, and forging. An increase in
manganese content decreases the weldability of steel.
Molybdenum increases hardenability, which is the depth of
hardening possible through heat treatment. The impact fatigue
property of the steel is improved with up to 0.60 percent
molybdenum. Above 0.60 percent molybdenum, the impact
fatigue property is impaired. Wear resistance is improved with
molybdenum content above 0.75 percent. Molybdenum is
sometimes combined with chromium, tungsten, or vanadium to
obtain desired properties.
Titanium and columbium (niobium) are used as additional
alloying agents in low-carbon content, corrosion resistant steels.
They support resistance to intergranular corrosion after the metal
is subjected to high temperatures for a prolonged time period.
Tungsten, as an alloying element in tool steel, produces a fine,
dense grain when used in small quantities. When used in larger
quantities, from 17 to 20 percent, and in combination with other
alloys, it produces a steel that retains its hardness at high
temperatures.
Vanadium is used to help control grain size. It tends to increase
hardenability and causes marked secondary hardness, yet resists
tempering. It is also added to steel during manufacture to remove
oxygen.
Silicon is added to steel to obtain greater hardenability and
corrosion resistance, and is often used with manganese to obtain
a strong, tough steel. High speed tool steels are usually special
alloy compositions designed for cutting tools. The carbon content
ranges from 0.70 to 0.80 percent. They are difficult to weld except
by the furnace induction method.
High yield strength, low alloy structural steels (often referred to
as constructional alloy steels) are special low carbon steels
containing specific small amounts of alloying elements. These
steels are quenched and tempered to obtain a yield strength of
90,000 to 100,000 psi (620,550 to 689,500 kPa) and a tensile
strength of 100,000 to 140,000 psi (689,500 to 965,300 kPa),
depending upon size and shape. Structural members fabricated
of these high strength steels may have smaller cross sectional
areas than common structural steels, and still have equal
strength. In addition, these steels are more corrosion and
abrasion resistant. In a spark test, this alloy appears very similar
to the low carbon steels.
Alloy Steel Tests
Appearance test
Alloy steel appear the same as drop-forged steel.
Fracture test
Alloy steel is usually very close grained; at times the fracture appears
velvety.
Spark test
Alloy steel produces characteristic sparks both in color and shape. Some
of the more common alloys used in steel and their effects on the spark
stream are as follows:
Chromium. Steels containing 1 to 2 percent chromium have no
outstanding features in the spark test. Chromium in large
amounts shortens the spark stream length to one-half that of the
same steel without chromium, but does not appreciably affect
the streams brightness. Other elements shorten the stream to
the same extent and also make it duller. An 18 percent chromium,
8 percent nickel stainless steel produces a spark similar to that of
wrought iron, but only half as long. Steel containing 14 percent
chromium and no nickel produces a shorter version of the low-
carbon spark. An 18 percent chromium, 2 percent carbon steel
(chromium die steel) produces a spark similar to that of carbon
tool steel, but one-third as long.
Nickel. The nickel spark has a short, sharply defined dash of
brilliant light just before the fork. In the amounts found in S. A. E.
steels, nickel can be recognized only when the carbon content is
so low that the bursts are not too noticeable.
High chromium-nickel alloy (stainless) steels. The sparks given off
during a spark test are straw colored near the grinding wheel and
white near the end of the streak. There is a medium volume of
streaks having a moderate number of forked bursts.
Manganese. Steel containing this element produces a spark
similar to a carbon steel spark. A moderate increase in
manganese increases the volume of the spark stream and the
force of the bursts. Steel containing more than the normal
amount of manganese will spark in a manner similar to high-
carbon steel with low manganese content.
Molybdenum. Steel containing this element produces a
characteristic spark with a detached arrowhead similar to that of
wrought iron. It can be seen even in fairly strong carbon bursts.
Molybdenum alloy steel contains nickel, chromium, or both.
Molybdenum with other elements. When molybdenum and other
elements are substituted for some of the tungsten in high-speed
steel, the spark stream turns orange. Although other elements
give off a red spark, there is enough difference in their color to tell
them from a tungsten spark.
Tungsten. Tungsten will impart a dull red color to the spark
stream near the wheel. It also shortens the spark stream,
decreases the size, or completely eliminates the carbon burst.
Steel containing 10 percent tungsten causes short, curved,
orange spear points at the end of the carrier lines. Still lower
tungsten content causes small white bursts to appear at the end
of the spear point. Carrier lines may be anything from dull red to
orange in color, depending on the other elements present, if the
tungsten content is not too high.
Vanadium. Alloy steels containing vanadium produce sparks with
a detached arrowhead at the end of the carrier line similar to
those arising from molybdenum steels. The spark test is not
positive for vanadium steels.
High speed tool steels. A spark test in these steels will impart a
few long; forked sparks which are red near the wheel, and straw-
colored near the end of the spark stream.
Special steel. Plate steel is used in the manufacture of built-up
welded structures such as gun carriages. In using nickel plate
steel, it has been found that commercial grades of low-alloy
structural steel of not over 0.25 percent carbon, and several
containing no nickel at all, are better suited to welding than those
with a maximum carbon content of 0.30 percent. Armorplate, a
low carbon alloyed steel, is an example of this kind of plate. Such
plate is normally used in the "as rolled" condition. Electric arc
welding with a covered electrode may require preheating of the
metal, followed by a proper stress-relieving heat treatment (post
heating), to produce a structure in which the welded joint has
properties equal to those of the plate metal.

IV. What is a non ferrous metal ?

Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper,
lead, zinc and tin, as well as precious metals like
gold and silver. Their main advantage over ferrous
materials is their malleability. They also have no
iron content, giving them a higher resistance to
rust and corrosion, and making them ideal for
gutters, liquid pipes, roofing and outdoor signs.
Lastly they are non-magnetic, which is important
for many electronic and wiring applications.
V. Properties of Non
Ferrous Materials:
Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, brass, copper,
nickel, tin, lead, and zinc, as well as precious metals like gold
and silver. While non-ferrous metals can provide strength, they
are primarily used where their differences from ferrous metals
can provide an advantage.
For instance, non-ferrous metals are much more malleable
than ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are also much lighter,
making them well-suited for use where strength is needed, but
weight is a factor, such as in the aircraft or canning industries.
Because they contain no iron, non-ferrous metals have a higher
resistance to rust and corrosion, which is why youll find these
materials in use for gutters, water pipes, roofing, and road
signs. Finally, they are also non-magnetic, which makes them
perfect for use in small electronics and as electrical wiring.
As far as recycling goes, aluminum is the third most recycled
material in the world. However, many other non-ferrous
materials like copper, brass and lead are relatively scarce, and
metallurgists rely heavily on scrap material recycling to make
new ones.

VI. Types of non ferrous

metals
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight, soft and low strength. Aluminum is
easily cast, forged, machined and welded. Its not suitable for
high-temperature environments. Because aluminum is
lightweight, it is a good choice for the manufacturing of
aircraft and food cans. Aluminum is also used in castings,
pistons, railways, cars, and kitchen utensils.
Copper
Copper is red in color, highly ductile, malleable and has high
conductivity for electricity and heat. Copper is principally used
in the electrical industry in the form of wire and other
conductors. Its also used in sheet roofing, cartridge cases,
statutes, and bearings. Copper is also used to make brass, an
alloy of copper and zinc.
Lead
Lead is a soft, heavy, malleable metal with a low melting point
and low tensile strength. It can withstand corrosion from
moisture and many acids. Lead is widely used in electrical
power cables, batteries, building construction and soldering.
Zinc
Zinc is a medium to low strength metal with a very low melting
point. It can be machined easily, but heating may be required
to avoid cleavage of crystals. Zinc is most widely used in
galvanizing, the process of applying a protective zinc coating
to iron or steel to prevent rust.
Tin
Tin is very soft and malleable, ductile with low tensile strength.
Its often used to coat steel to prevent corrosion. Tinplate steel
is used to make tin cans to hold food. In the late 19th century,
tin foil was commonly used to wrap food products, but has
since largely been replaced by aluminum foil. Tin is can also be
alloyed with copper to produce tin brass and bronze.

VII. Differences between ferrous

and non ferrous metals:

Whether youre an individual scrap collector

or a large company generating scrap through
construction or demolition, chances are
youre interested in selling that metal off. So
what can you expect when it comes to the
price youll get for your materials?
For the most part, ferrous scrap metals tend
to be in good supply, so the prices tend to be
lower than most non-ferrous metals. Because
steel and iron alloys are constantly being
recycled in high volume all over the globe, the
prices for these materials stay fairly constant
on a month-to-month basis, dropping or
raising only slightly.
Non-ferrous scrap, as we mentioned before,
are somewhat harder to come by and more
difficult to create. This makes the demand
higher, which drives up the price per pound
higher than ferrous metals. While aluminum
prices dont fluctuate often due to recycling
efforts, others like copper and brass can
change drastically in just a months time
depending on the needs of the market.
If youre an individual looking to sell scrap, its
always best to check with a scrap dealer in
your area to find out what prices theyre
offering before you bring your materials to
the yard.
Table of Contents
I. What is a ferrous metal?

II. Properties of ferrous metals

III. Types of ferrous metals

IV. What is a non ferrous metal?

V. Properties of non ferrous metals

VI. Types of non ferrous metals

VII. Differences between ferrous and non

ferrous metals

REFERENCES

http://www.castlemetalseurope.com/blog/fe
rrous-nonferrous-metals-uses/

http://www.altonmaterials.com/the-
differences-between-ferrous-and-non-
ferrous-scrap-metal/

http://www.bir.org/industry/ferrous-metals/

http://www.weldguru.com/ferrous-
metals.html
https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/the-
difference-between-ferrous-and-non-
ferrous-metal/