Metals can be divided into two types, ferrous and non-ferrous. Humanity has been using the materials for thousands of years, becoming an essential part of construction and fabrication. But what is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?
Read on to find out more about how these two metal types are classified.
What’s The Difference?
The short answer is that ferrous metals are metals that contain steel and iron. Non-ferrous metals do not have any iron or iron components.
Non-Ferrous
Some of the most well-known examples of non-ferrous metals are aluminium, zinc, lead, tin, copper and nickel. Some of the more valuable precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum are also non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are primarily used in certain applications due to being more malleable and lighter than ferrous metals.
Copper is commonly used in the electrical industry due to its malleability, ductility and high conductivity. Non-ferrous metals are all less likely to rust than ferrous metals, usually added to ferrous metals to prevent rust, either as an alloy or to coat it.
Ferrous
The Latin word ferrum means ‘containing iron’ and has developed over time to become ferrous. Any form of iron and steel are considered ferrous, even when other non-ferrous metals are added to it, such as adding nickel or copper to increase strength and corrosion resistance respectively. Ferrous metals must be anodized if they are to be exposed to the elements.
The most common ferrous metals are carbon steel, alloy steel, wrought iron and cast iron. Ferrous materials are usually quite heavy and harder to manipulate but are commonly used because of their strength. Carbon steel is one of the most used building materials in the world, trusted to build some of the tallest buildings and make them structurally sound.
Alloys
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are commonly mixed together to create alloys. Adding chromium with steel makes stainless steel, increasing the strength of the material. Alloys are commonly made using ferrous metals to make them a lighter material that is easier to fabricate and build with.
Metal Disposal At A Waste Transfer Station
Whether you have ferrous or non-ferrous metals to get rid of, you can work with Batesy Skip Hire for the disposal of either. We offer a green waste removal service and aim to recycle 95% of the waste that we manage at our waste transfer station. Along with ferrous and non-ferrous metals, we accept a variety of other waste including timber, plastics, cardboard, masonry, green and general waste.
So if you or your business are in Belfast, Antrim, Bangor or the greater Belfast Area, get in touch today on 028 90111 111 for bespoke waste services tailored to your specific needs. If you want to find out more about our waste transfer station, or hire a skip, visit our website now.
