Top 2 Ways to Confirm Ferrous Metal

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.

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

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 Price Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal
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Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Top 2 Technologies Used to Determine Metal Composition

The need to ascertain metal composition accurately and expediently is vital to the evolving scrap metal recycling enterprises today. When you take your scrap metal to a local metal recycling center, they will analyze your freight of metal and metal-containing commodities using a wide range of technologies, including XRF analyzers and x-ray radiation technologies like laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Continue reading to learn more about these two types of metal analyzing technologies, and who to trust with highest payouts for your scrap in Indiana.

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

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

XRF metal analyzers, or X-Ray Fluorescence-based technology, one the most commonly-applied metal analyzing process used among modern day scrap yards and metal recycling centers. Not only is an excerpt metal in lesser nondestructive method of confirming a metals composition, but as a handheld device, it is convenient and easy to use by anyone who is trained in the technology. Although these devices have remained a primary and go-to source of metal analyzation in the past few decades, a new metal analyzing technology has emerged in the scrap metal recycling industry known as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, or simply LIBS.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Recently, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology has been introduced to the metal scrubbing industry. As an innovative x-ray radiation technology, LIBS can help scrap metal recycling centers pinpoint and verify the metal composition within a commodity. The device accomplishes this by using short-pulse low-energy laser beams that trigger laser ablation; as a result, scrappers get a precise sample analysis without the risk of radiation exposure. It is most applied to nonferrous metal analyzation processes, namely aluminum.

Primary Differences Between the Two Metal Analyzing Technologies

LIBS is most suitable for analyzing and sorting nonferrous materials like aluminum, magnesium, and titanium grade metals. As for most other metal analyzing applications, x-ray radiation technologies are still the best option, especially for heavy metals, positive material identification precision requirements, stainless steel, and high temperature alloys.

Do you have left over metal materials or scrap metal to recycle for cash in Indiana? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis and make the most profit in town. We accept all metal and metal commodities, especially vehicles!

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Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322