Nonferrous Metals 101: The Basics

Nonferrous metals are those that contain no iron. They are found in an alloy, or mixed form, with other metals and can be divided into two categories: base metals and precious metals. Some examples of nonferrous metals include copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, lead and gold. Nonferrous alloys have a vast number of applications in both industrial and consumer products.

In this post we will take a closer look at the basics of nonferrous alloys.

Call 1-888-586-5322 to Speak With Certified Copper Buyers in Indianapolis Indiana!
Call 1-888-586-5322 to Speak With Certified Copper Buyers in Indianapolis Indiana!

Fundamental Facts About Non-Ferric Metal

Nonferrous metals are categorized by their lack of iron and instead contain other prevalent materials like aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, or zinc. Because of the distinct properties nonferrous metals exhibit, they have a wide range of applications in various industries.

Some of the key benefits of nonferrous metals include:

☑ They are resistant to corrosion
☑ They are lightweight-They conduct electricity well
☑ They have a high resistance to heat

Nonferrous metals are used in a variety of industries and applications, including:

▷ Automotive Industry: aluminum is used in the production of car bodies and engines

▷ Construction Industry: copper and aluminum are used in the construction of buildings

▷ Electrical Industry: copper is used in the production of electrical cables and wires

▷ Medical Industry: titanium is used in the production of artificial hips and knees

Nonferrous Metal Applications and Benefits

Nonferrous metals play an essential role in our everyday lives, and we rely on them for a wide range of applications. From the aluminum in our soda cans to the copper in our electrical wiring, nonferrous metals are an important part of our world. In addition to their widespread use in industry, nonferrous metals are also used in a variety of medical and dental applications. For example, gold is commonly used in dental fillings, and titanium is used to create artificial hip joints. Nonferrous metals are also becoming increasingly popular in the jewelry industry, as they are less likely to cause skin reactions than their ferrous counterparts.

As we continue to discover new uses for nonferrous metals, it is clear that they will remain an integral part of our lives for years to come. Nonferrous metals are an important part of our everyday lives and have a wide range of applications. This is one very important reason why we need to recycle metal at every given opportunity.

To sell your scrap metal and junk metal items for cash on the spot, choose the best scrap metal recycling complex in Indy. Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for a free quote. You can speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars and boats.

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Interesting Facts About Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Metal recycling is an excellent initiative that can be accomplished by just about anyone and with very few resources. If you are interested in getting started with a scrap metal recycling program, whether at home or for the business, it helps to start with an understanding of ferrous and nonferrous metal materials. After all, these metals will be the basis of everything you select for recycling.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling, including the types of metals that fit within these categories, where to recycle metal in your town, and the various benefits that come along with the entire endeavor.

Indianapolis IN Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322
Indianapolis IN Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

The Difference Between Nonferrous and Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals, or ferric metals, are distinctive from nonferrous metals because they contain iron; nonferrous metals do not contain iron. The word ferrous actually translates to iron, giving you an easy way to remember this difference. Although metals are not immediately distinguishable as ferrous or nonferrous simply by sight, there is a very simple way to make the determination. All you need is a strong magnet!

That’s right; ferrous metals, or metals that contain traces of iron, are magnetic. Iron and steel are not magnetic, and most ferrous metal objects contain both iron and steel. If the magnet sticks, the metal object contains traces of iron. In some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. Look below to learn some examples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their common applications.

Types of Ferric and Non-Ferric Metals

Ferrous metal contains iron, but they can also contain other metals, making it an alloy. Common ferrous metal alloys include cast iron, wrought iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and mild steel. Common nonferrous metals are copper, aluminum, lead, chromium, titanium, cobalt, brass, zinc, nickel, and precious metals.

Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Because nonferrous metals are lower in volume than ferrous metals, it may seem like they are worth less, but in fact, they are worth more in most cases. Nonferrous metals generally have a higher value per pound compared to steel and iron metals. For this reason, they tend to make up the majority of the metal recycled in the country.

Here in the United States, on an annual basis, research suggests that nonferrous metal recycling centers process an average of:

▶ 1.3 Million Tons of Lead Scrap
▶ 1.5 Million Tons of Copper Scrap
▶ 2.5 Million Tons of Aluminum Scrap
▶ 300 Tons of Zinc Scrap

Why Recycle Metal?

Whether ferrous or nonferrous, all metal should be recycled. Both categories of metal are 100% recyclable and can be reprocessing over and over again. This has many environmental and economic advantages. Not only does metal recycling help us preserve our planet’s natural resources by reducing our need to mine for new ores, but it also reduces air pollution generated by the metal refining process, decrease waste in landfills, boost our local and global economies, creates employment opportunities, promotes energy savings, and even puts cash in your wallet!

How does metal recycling pay off with real cash? Just choose a responsible and professional metal recycling center in Indiana to sell your scrap metal to! Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars.

Related Posts:

The Discerning Attributes of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal
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