Metals can be categorized into two apparent types; ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Let us have a glimpse at them below:
Ferrous Metals:
This category of ore consists of steel, wrought iron, cast iron, carbon steel, and iron steel. They are made up of mainly Carbon due to which they are not protected from rusting. The magnetic properties of such minerals are high. Hence they are used in making motor parts and electric appliances.
The density of these material
is comparatively higher. Also, they form strong alloys as they contain quite a bit of strength.
Non-Ferrous Metals:
The second category of metals includes copper, lead, aluminum, zinc, and valuables like gold and silver. They are malleable (can change shape without breaking) which enables their use in making wires.
They are secured against rust and corrosion because of no iron content. However, they are non-magnetic.
Main Differences:
- Both of these types have their own usage, whereas they are somehow different from one another. The ferrous are preferred in making stronger objects like metal car bodies, and railroad tracks due to their amazing strength. However, non-ferrous metals are used in aircraft as they have a lighter weight.
- Non-ferrous scrap, as we mentioned before, are somewhat harder to come by and more difficult to create
- 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 hard metals. While aluminum 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.
- Ferric metals are made of a mixture of different material while non-ferrous are not preferred for alloying.
- Moreover, non-ferrous materials such as copper and aluminum are excellent heat and electrical conductors, while the ferrous material like steel are used more as an insulator.
- Gold and silver are rare and expensive metals. They are harder to obtain, but steel and iron are much more easily available.
- The non-ferrous metals have higher melting points, and the ferrous usually have lower melting and boiling point.