What is Non-Ferrous Metal?

What Are The characteristics of non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals include aluminium, brass, copper, nickel, tin, lead, and zinc, as well as precious metals like gold and silver. It does not contain iron. 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 are also much lighter, making them more suitable 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 you’ll find these materials in use for gutters, water pipes, roofing, and road signs. Lastly, they are also non-magnetic, which makes them perfect for use in small electronics and as electrical wiring.

As regards recycling, aluminium 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 products. 

This brings us to the price difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The pricing difference

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 world, the prices for these materials stay fairly constant on a month-to-month basis, dropping or raising only slightly.

For non-ferrous scrap, they are relatively 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 aluminium prices don’t fluctuate often due to recycling efforts, others like copper and brass can change drastically in just a month’s time depending on the needs of the market.

Non Ferrous Metals and Their uses:

1 Aluminium – An alloy of aluminium, copper and manganese. It is very lightweight and easily worked. Used in aircraft manufacture, window frames and some kitchen ware.

2 Copper – Copper is a natural occurring substance. The fact that it conducts heat and electricity means that it is used for wiring, tubing and pipe work.

3 Brass – A combination of copper and zinc, usually in the proportions of 65% to 35% respectively. It is used for ornamental purposes and within electrical fittings.

4 Silver – Mainly a natural substance, but mixing with copper creates sterling silver. Used for decorative impact in jewellery and ornaments, and also to solder different metals together.

5 Lead – Lead is a naturally occurring substance. It is heavy and very soft and is often used in roofing, in batteries and to make pipes.

Enough about differences

In the end, the greatest similarity ferrous and non-ferrous metal have is their importance to the metal recycling industry.