The two types of metals ever known are ferrous and nonferrous metals, with vast differences and few similarities. Due to their composition, they possess distinct qualities, properties, and applications. Nonferrous metals don’t contain iron, while ferrous metals contain iron in them.
Ferrous metals have iron as their primary element, such as steel, cast iron, and wrought iron, whereas nonferrous metals or alloys do not contain iron like their ferrous counterparts.
Examples of non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, and lead. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore the differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Let’s begin!
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What is the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals?
The key difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is in their magnetic property and non-ferrous metals are found in the earth as chemical compounds.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals containing iron. Most fabrication industries and shops use them to produce items like skyscrapers, bridges, vehicles, and railroads.
Their mechanical properties also find application in engines. They also have high carbon content, which makes them prone to rust.
Ferrous metals are magnetic, which makes them applicable to electrical appliances. Some metals, like stainless steel, contain wrought iron and chromium, which makes them highly pure iron.
Some types of ferrous metals include
- Carbon steel: this is an exceptionally tough metal, containing higher carbon content added to iron.
- Stainless steels: these types of ferrous metals are completely free from rust even when exposed to moisture. they are made of alloy steel and chromium.
- Cast iron: it is also a very hard metal that can resist wear. Cast iron is a combination of iron, chromium, and silicon.
- Steel: these types of ferrous metals are widely used in metal fabrication and construction sites. They are made of iron and carbon.
- Other alloy steel: these are added to metals to strengthen them without adding weight. These lightweight metals include chromium, nickel, titanium, etc.
Related: The Difference Between Metal and Non-Metals
Non-ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are types of metals or alloys that do not have an appreciable amount of iron in them. These metals are special due to their properties that include malleability, non-magnetism, high conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and low weight.
Despite their higher cost compared to ferrous metals, industrial applications like roofing pipes, electrical systems, and gutters utilize non-ferrous metals.
The nonferrous metal types are suitable for highly corrosive environments such as liquid, chemical, and sewage pipelines. Numerous electrical and electronic appliances utilize nonferrous metals due to their nonmagnetic nature.
Some nonferrous metals like Aluminum have low weight, Copper has higher conductivity, and zinc is nonmagnetic and is resistant to corrosion.
The most common and important types of nonferrous metals include Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Tin, Titanium, Zinc, and Brass. They are used in industrial processes. Some precious nonferrous metals include Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
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Ferrous Metals Vs Non-Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are known to contain iron as their primary component, having distinct characteristics such as magnetic properties and can corrode and rust. The most common examples of ferrous metals are steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
These metals have strength and durability, making them useful in automotive, construction, and tool manufacturing.
However, they are heavier and have lower electrical and thermal conductivity compared to non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are more cost-effective due to the availability of iron ore.
On the other hand, non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, which means they are more resistant to rust and corrosion. This is why they are useful in applications where durability in harsh environments is important.
The common examples of non-ferrous metals are aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, tin, and gold. These metals are lighter and have higher electrical and thermal conductivity, which is useful in electrical wiring, aerospace, packaging, etc.
High-tech and specialized applications use non-ferrous metals because of their essential properties, which make them more expensive than ferrous metals.
The table below shows the key difference between the two metals:
| Ferrous Metals | Non-Ferrous Metals | |
| Composition | Contains iron | Does not contain iron |
| Examples | Steel, Cast Iron, Wrought Iron | Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Gold |
| Magnetic Properties | Usually magnetic | Generally non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Prone to rust and corrosion | More resistant to rust and corrosion |
| Weight | Heavier, higher density | Lighter, lower density |
| Strength | Generally strong and durable | Variable, can be strong but usually less than ferrous |
| Conductivity | Lower electrical and thermal conductivity | Higher electrical and thermal conductivity |
| Cost | Generally cheaper | Usually more expensive |
| Recyclability | Highly recyclable | Also highly recyclable |
| Common Uses | Construction, automotive, tools | Electrical wiring, aircraft, packaging, coins |
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