What Is the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap?
Both ferrous metal and non-ferrous metal are widely used products. Based on reports, ferrous metals comprised 6.6% of the total MSW (municipal solid waste) generation. While 80,000 tons of non-ferrous metal material was combusted in MSW back in 2018.
The production of metals is commonplace for human civilization. It ushered the beginning of the Iron Age, providing people with usable, pliable, and durable material. But, to make the most of these metals, it is important to recognize the differences between the two.
Simply put, non-ferrous metal doesn’t contain iron, whereas ferrous metal does. To take a closer look, it is crucial to know about their distinctive properties. Here is what sets them apart.
Ferrous Metals – Figuring Out the Basics
Ferrous metal is strong. That’s why it is used in industrial and architectural fabrication. You can find it on railroads, cars, bridges, skyscrapers, etc. The recycling rates for this scrap metal are 106% for cars, 90% for appliances, and 70% for reinforcement steel.
Because of its magnetic compounds, it can be added to engines and appliances. The most commonly used ferrous metals are:
- Steel – typically used in manufacturing and production.
- Cast iron – due to its hard and brittle surface, it is made into machine tools, stoves, pipes, etc.
- Carbon steel – added when creating springs, taps, blades, drills, and tools with a sharp edge.
- Wrought iron – popular for railings, nails, fencing, chains, barbed wire, etc.
- Alloy steel – often added to electrical components, construction, and tools.
What most people don’t realize is that a ferrous metal is packed with carbon, making it prone to rust. There are exceptions, of course, like stainless steel and wrought iron.
Non-Ferrous Metal – Primary Purpose
People used this metal even during the Copper Age. It is more resistant to corrosion compared to ferrous metals. It can come in handy for industrial applications, like electrical, pipes, roofing, etc. It doesn’t have any magnetic properties. But, it is lightweight and highly malleable. That’s why it has many uses.
The metals that fall under the category of a non-ferrous metal include:
- Tin
- Lead
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Zinc
Tin is a well-known material. Although it is a somewhat scarce element, it has multiple uses like in food containers, solder, and metals used for bearings. Lead is equally important. It has a low strength, melting point and is a soft, malleable material.
Copper, on the other hand, has potent electrical conductivity. It is highly evident in motors and wiring, particularly in plumbing, roofing, and industrial machinery. As a non-ferrous metal, aluminum also has a valuable role to play. It can be found in a wide range of products, such as kitchen utensils, foils, airplane parts, and much more.
When it comes to hardware industries, electrical, and automobile companies, massive quantities of zinc are necessary. This non-ferrous metal has multiple uses, making it a key component in different products.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many things that set the non-ferrous and ferrous scrap metal apart. The latter has iron and has magnetic compounds. Now that you know the details, you can spot the differences.
