Examples of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

If you’re working with metals, you might have heard a variety of terms come up in your day-to-day communications. One of these terms will likely be non-ferrous, and ferrous metals – but exactly what are they, what’s the difference, and when do you use each type?

In this blog, we take a deep dive into a non-ferrous and ferrous metals list, discussing their features and properties to compare against each other. We’ll also discuss the role ferrous metals play within metal fabrication services.

What makes a metal ‘ferrous?’

What exactly makes a metal ‘ferrous’? Well, the key difference lies in the iron content. Ferrous metals (such as steel, cast iron) contain iron, making them strong, magnetic, and prone to rust. 

Meanwhile, non-ferrous metals (such as aluminium and copper) do not contain iron, meaning they are non-magnetic and have higher corrosion resistance.

List of ferrous metals

There are an abundance of ferrous metals out there that are used on a daily basis. The most common ones include:

• Mild Steel: Used to create structural beams, automotive parts, household appliances, machinery parts, and construction frameworks.
• Carbon Steel: Used to manufacture high-strength components like gears, shafts, and tools.
• Stainless Steel: Often found in kitchen utensils and cooking equipment. Also found in medical instruments and components that require corrosion resistance.
• Cast Iron: Can be found in engine blocks, pipes, manhole covers, machine parts, and other heavy-duty castings.
• Wrought Iron: Commonly used to create decorative railings, gates, and furniture. It is used for its malleability and aesthetic qualities.
• Tool Steel: Used for cutting tools, dies, moulds, and other high-wear parts due to its hardness and resistance to abrasion.
• Alloy Steel: Applications include structural components, aerospace parts, and automotive parts. 

List of non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals are just as important as ferrous metals when it comes to everyday usage. Typical non-ferrous metals individuals and businesses use include: 

• Aluminium: Used in aircraft and automotive components, as well as food packaging and lightweight structural parts. In the UK, aluminium dominates with a market share of 50%.
• Copper: Commonly found in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, roofing materials, heat exchangers, and (of course) coins.
• Brass: Used in plumbing fittings, musical instruments, electrical connectors, decorative items, and hardware components.
• Bronze: Its wear resistance and strength means bronze is commonly found in bearings, bushings, sculptures, coins, and marine hardware.
• Nickel: Used in the production of stainless steel. You can also find nickel in batteries and electroplating.
• Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio means this is a popular material for aerospace components, sports equipment, and automotive parts.
• Magnesium: Used in aerospace components, automotive parts, and portable electronic devices.
• Silver: Most commonly found in jewellery and coins, but can also be used in electrical contacts and cutlery.

Non-ferrous vs ferrous metals list of features

The presence or lack of iron content brings with it more differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Let’s explore what this means when it comes to the reasons why these features make them appealing to certain projects. 

Ferrous metals

Iron content: Contain iron, making them magnetic.

Corrosion resistance: Prone to rust and corrosion.

Strength: Often very strong and durable.

Weight: Generally heavier than non-ferrous metals.

Machinability: Good machinability, though some high-carbon steels are harder.

Welding services: Generally good weldability, especially for low-carbon steels.

Cost: Typically less expensive, especially mild steel.

Recyclability: High, though rusting can complicate recycling.

Aesthetic Appeal: Usually requires a coating for aesthetic appeal.

Non-ferrous metals

Iron content: Do not contain iron, making them non-magnetic.

Corrosion resistance: Generally more resistant to corrosion.

Strength: Strength can vary. For example, titanium is very strong but aluminium is much lighter.

Weight: Often lighter than ferrous metals.

Machinability: Generally good machinability.

Welding services: Weldability varies as some require special techniques.

Cost: Generally more expensive, especially titanium.

Recyclability: High and often more valuable.

Aesthetic Appeal: Often used for their decorative appearance.

Find out even more information on the different types of metals; their properties, and their applications on our latest news page.

The role of metal fabrication services

Non-ferrous and ferrous metals play a significant role in metal fabrication services due to their strength, durability, and versatility. Below you’ll find some of the ways this ferrous metals list can be formed, fabricated, and worked on.

Cutting and shaping

Non-ferrous and ferrous metals can be cut and shaped using various methods such as shearing, sawing, laser cutting, and plasma cutting. Processes like this can create components for structural frames, machinery parts, and other custom products.

Welding and joining

Different types of welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and spot welding are used to join non-ferrous and ferrous metals together. Ferrous metals offer excellent weldability qualities, making them a favourite for professional welding services and welders alike.

Machining

Turning, milling, and drilling are all examples of machining processes that are used to achieve precise dimensions and finishes. Non-ferrous and ferrous metals are commonly machined for parts that require high strength and precision.

Sheet metal folding

Sheets of non-ferrous and ferrous metals can be bent into the desired shape using CNC press brakes or folding machines. Sheet metal folding allows for accurate bends and angles, essential for manufacturing parts with tight tolerances. Folding durable and robust non-ferrous and ferrous metals maintains their strength and structural integrity. 

Heat treatment

Heat treatment processes can be used to change the mechanical properties of non-ferrous and ferrous metals. These processes include annealing, quenching, and tempering – which are used to improve hardness, strength, and ductility.

Coating and finishing

Non-ferrous and ferrous metals often undergo coating processes like painting or powder coating services to improve aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance. This is especially true for outdoor applications where durability and appearance are important.

Forming and fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication may involve bending, rolling, or stamping non-ferrous and ferrous metals into various forms. These methods are used to produce sheet metal parts, structural sections, and other custom components.

Casting

Casting processes like investment casting and sand casting are used to create complex shapes from molten ferrous metals, like cast iron. The resulting cast ferrous metals can be used for engine blocks, pump housings, and decorative items.

Expert metal fabrication services from Salamander fabrications

Here at Salamander Fabrications, we provide a range of expert sheet metal fabrication services to organisations all over the country. We are proud to boast over 50 years of producing high quality fabricated metal products with exceptional customer experience.

Our expert team has the skills and knowhow required to turn your product or project ideas into reality. This includes working with all of the materials mentioned in the above non-ferrous and ferrous metals list.

If you would like some more information or advice about our ISO-accredited services please feel free to contact us, give us a call on 01484 843599, or send an email to sales@salamanderfabs.com.