Nonferrous Metals 101: The Basics

Posted on November 22, 2022 by gardencity

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.

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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.

Top 2 Ways to Confirm Ferrous Metal

Posted on October 28, 2021 by gardencity

If you are trying to determine whether an object of metal is ferrous or not, these two quick and simple methods will confirm results in no time.

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What is Ferrous Metal?

Ferrous simply means iron, which means that ferritic metals contain nominal traces of iron. Common examples of ferrous metal include steel, stainless steel (unless it is a high-caliber stainless steel heavily galvanized with nickel), carbon steel, and tin. Nonferrous metals, like aluminum, brass, and copper, do not contain iron.

So, how do you know if something made of metal contains ferritic properties? Try these two fast and easy tests to make your confirmation.

► Magnet Test

Ferrous metals are attracted to magnets. Your refrigerator is donned with a cluster of magnets because it contains iron metal. So, the next time you need to test metal to tell if it is ferrous or nonferrous, simply grab one of your refrigerator magnets and see if it sticks. If the magnet drops off instantly, the object does not contain iron and therefore, is not ferrous, or nonferrous.

► Rust Observation Test

Another test that might be even quicker than the first is the rust observation test. You see, ferrous metal does not rust, which is caused by a process known as oxidation. When the properties of nonferrous metal are exposed to oxygen, rust will begin to form. If you examine your object for rust and find none, you are likely dealing with a ferrous metal. But to be sure, try the magnet test too.

Using X-Ray Metal Analyzers

For some metal objects and commodities, deciphering the metal composition in detail is not so cut and dry. Metal analyzing equipment and technologies, such as XRF analyzers, are used to precisely confirm the metal constituents within an object.

Are you ready to sell your ferrous and nonferrous metals for cash on the spot? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all metals.

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The Discerning Attributes of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

Posted on June 8, 2017 by gardencity

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There are various types of metal found all around the world, but all metals can be placed into one of two categories: ferrous or non-ferrous. The most distinguishing difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal is iron. Iron is among the most common chemical elements on the planet, and found primarily in the Earth’s crust. When metal contains iron, regardless of how little the content, it is considered a ferrous metal. In contrast, non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron content. An easy way to remember this rule is to remember that non-ferrous means non-iron.

So how do you tell the difference between a ferrous and non-ferrous metal?

The answer is a magnet! If the magnet sticks to the metal, the metal contains iron, which would make it ferrous. You see, iron is a magnetic metal, so if a magnetic sticks, it must contain a sufficient amount of iron content. 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.

Ferrous Metals

Wrought Iron: Composition is virtually 100% iron content. Common applications include fencing and ornamental gates.

Cast Iron: This strong but brittle metal contains mostly iron, but also contains anywhere from 2 to 6% carbon. It is commonly used to make engine blocks and sewer covers.

Mild Steel: Mild steel has a mostly iron composition, but also contains between 0.1 to 0.3% of carbon. Its primary application is engineering, but also non-specialized metal products manufacturing.

Carbon Steel: Iron metal containing 0.6 to 1.4% carbon content. It is commonly used to make metal cutting tools and tool parts, like drill bits and bushings.

Stainless Steel: A popular finish for home appliances, stainless steel contains iron, nickel, and chromium. Because it is stain and corrosion-resistant, it is commonly used to make surgical instruments and cutlery.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Copper: A naturally-occurring element, copper contains no iron content. Because of its electricity and heat-transfer attributes, it is commonly used to make electrical wiring, tubing, and plumbing pipes.

Aluminum: Aluminum contains manganese, copper, and aluminum content. It is highly malleable and lightweight, so it is commonly used in the aircraft manufacturing industry, but also for kitchenware, window frames, and more.

Lead: Also a naturally-occurring element, lead is a soft, but heavy, metal. It is primarily used to make batteries, roofing materials, and pipework.

Brass: Brass is made up of mostly copper, but contains up t0 35% zinc as well. It is commonly used to make ornamental commodities and electrical fittings.

Recycle Your Scrap Metal for Cash

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Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.