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Comparing Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

23 March 2022

If you know that metal products are required for your next project but aren’t sure what you’re looking for, the best way to start is to see whether you need ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Unless you’ve had experience in this area before, including tasks such as fabricating or supplying metal, you may not be sure of the differences between these two options. If that’s the case for you, we’ve written this blog to explain everything you need to know, making it easier for you to use Buy A Beam and get in contact with steel fabrication companies local to you.

factory containing with steel products

What is a Ferrous Metal?

This name refers to any type of metal that contains iron in its chemical composition. The addition of iron to metal is extremely popular because the element adds strength and durability, leading to ferrous materials being commonly used in construction and industrial projects.

Examples of Ferrous Metals: 

Uses of Ferrous Metals: 

  • Construction projects
  • Water pipes
  • Railings

What is a Non-Ferrous Metal?

As you’d probably expect, as ferrous metals contain iron, non-ferrous ones do not. Thanks to this, non-ferrous metals are lighter and more malleable, but they’re also not quite as strong and durable as those containing iron.

Examples of Non-Ferrous Metals: 

  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Lead
  • Gold

Uses of Non-Ferrous Metals: 

  • Food cans
  • Electrical wiring
  • Batteries

The Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Apart from the difference of whether or not the metal contains iron, understanding how ferrous and non-ferrous materials differ is essential to understand which option can benefit your project the most. Continue reading to learn about the four main ways to compare the two options.

Iron Content

As mentioned above, ferrous metals contain iron, whereas non-ferrous ones do not. The names for both substances are based on this fact, as “ferrous” originates from “ferrum”, the Latin translation of iron. For anyone who knows their periodic tables, this is also why iron is given the abbreviation “Fe”.

Steel is an excellent example of a ferrous metal, as its traits include superb strength and durability that make it very popularly used in industrial projects. The structural steel fabricators that Buy A Beam can put you in contact with use this material to create all manner of high-quality products. If you’re looking for typical non-ferrous metals, aluminium and copper are among the most commonly used.

Magnetism

Ferrous metals tend to be magnetic, whilst non-ferrous ones are not. The magnetic qualities of ferrous metals are caused by the electrons in iron reacting to nearby magnetic fields, pulling the material to one side. This is the reason why fridge magnets stick to your stainless steel fridge but don’t react at all to your jewellery. If you’re looking to order steel online, it’s worth remembering this fact.

Oxidisation

One of the most common issues with items crafted from ferrous metals, oxidisation, is more commonly known as rust. This occurs when iron atoms bond with water, creating iron oxide, the eye-catching red powder that develops on the surface of ferrous metals.

As non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron, this situation doesn’t occur. Non-ferrous metals can be combined with those that are vulnerable to rust to increase the resistance to corrosion - a typical example of this is stainless steel.

Tensile Strength

Ferrous metals such as steel have an exceptionally high tensile strength due to the iron within them, meaning that these metals can undergo a lot of force without warping or breaking. These qualities have led to items such as structural steel beams becoming incredibly popular in the construction industry. Very few non-ferrous metals have similar levels of durability, with only examples such as titanium being able to compare.

Should I Use Ferrous or Non-Ferrous Metal?

Every project is different. You need to make your own decision, depending on your location, weather conditions, and your project's needs. Many people choose ferrous metals or alloys such as structural steel because of their wide range of benefits, primarily when used in construction. If these benefits interest you, you should consider structural steel fabrication.

Find Online Steel Suppliers Today

If you’re interested in how structural steel can benefit your next project, Buy A Beam is a perfect place to start. On our online store, you can contact local steel suppliers and buy steel online, including products such as beams, channels and columns. For more information, just visit our online store today, or get in contact with us, and a member of the team will be able to help.