What is Non-Ferrous Metal: Definitive Guide
Metals are versatile and, hence, are used in various applications. There are different types of metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
The guide below provides detailed insight into the different types of non-ferrous metals. So, if you want to know about these metals, the article below explores them.
What is Non-Ferrous Metal?
Non-ferrous metals are metals which do not have ferrous and iron content. Hence, all such pure metals are known as non-ferrous except iron.
These metals are expensive but offer excellent properties like corrosion and rust resistance, easy machining, and non-magnetic nature.
Non-ferrous metals are recyclable and also consume less energy when recycled. The excellent properties possessed by non-ferrous metals make manufacturers ignore the cost.
There are many types of precious and non-precious metals that fall under the non-ferrous metals category.
History of Non-Ferrous Metal
Non-ferrous metals are those metals that are the first ones to be used by humans.
Due to their lack of corroding, they were adopted by humans, and the first non-ferrous material discovered was copper. Humans learned the techniques of molding and forging using copper.
After the copper age, copper was alloyed with tin to produce bronze. Humans used non-ferrous metals for a very long time, and in 5000 BC, humans came up with new methods for making bronze.
They alloyed copper by smelting it and mixing it with metals like arsenic and tin. The stone age ended here, and the bronze age began.
After bronze, silver, and gold were also discovered, ornaments were made using them instead of stone and wood. Today, non-ferrous metals are used for vehicle engines, cutlery, ornaments, and many more things.
Non-Ferrous Metals Production Process
Non-ferrous metals are processed using three popular ways; these are investment casting, the metal cold process, and the sand casting process.
Non-ferrous metals are known for their high conductivity, corrosion and rust resistance, and non–magnetic properties. They are suitable for manufacturing metal components and even structural parts.
These metals are refined using electrolysis, and when doing casting, manufacturers add them to the iron to create cast iron with enhanced properties.
Types of Non-Ferrous Metals and Their Unique Properties
The different types of non-ferrous metals and their properties are discussed below.
Aluminum
It is a very important type of non-ferrous metal that is lightweight and very easy to machine. It is used as a base metal in many alloys and is even highly cost-effective.
Aluminum is used in many applications like airplanes, automobiles, bicycle frames, cans of beverages, and yachts.
Titanium
Titanium has seamless strength, and it doesn't corrode. Titanium is highly strong and is used in applications related to aerospace, sports, medicine, and agriculture.
Copper
Copper has alloys like brass and bronze and is used in many applications. It is used in heat exchangers and heating containers due to its high thermal conductivity. It is also used to make wires, roofing, and cooking utensils.
Bronze
Bronze is a malleable and lightweight material that has high resistance against corrosion. It also offers excellent strength and can be bent and cut very easily. Bronze is used in house siding, gutters, electronics, and outdoor signs.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper and is composed of other metals like nickel and tin. It is highly durable, offering high thermal and electrical connectivity. It is used in bells, horns, utensils, bearings, plumbing parts, and valves.
Zinc
Zinc alloys with copper for forming brass and it offers excellent resistance against corrosion.
It is used in many applications like guardrails, suspension bridges, heat exchangers, metal roofs, and many more. It helps to disperse heat during the process of rubber manufacturing.
Nickel
Nickel is a silvery metal that offers excellent temperature tolerance, toughness, and resistance against corrosion. It can gain excellent characteristics when alloyed with other elements. It is used in airplanes, marine equipment, and automobiles.
Lead
Lead is one of the heaviest non-ferrous metals; it is toxic and has health hazards. It is heavy and can be opted for parts that are corrosion-resistant. It is dense and ductile but offers poor electrical conductivity.
It is used in manufacturing power cables, weight belts, acid tanks, and batteries.
Silver
Silver is a soft metal and has a shiny appearance. It offers high malleability and conductivity. It is used in many industries and is opted for manufacturing engine bearings, jewelry, tableware, and other types of parts.
Gold
Gold is a non-ferrous metal that has excellent malleability. It offers resistance against corrosion and has high ductility. It doesn't react with other chemicals. It is used in jewelry like bangles, chains, and rings.
Table of Non-ferrous Metal Properties and Applications
| Non-Ferrous Metals | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Conductivity | Corrosion Resistance | Strength | Applications |
| Aluminum | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate | Automobiles, aircraft, cans |
| Titanium | Low | Moderate | High | High | Medical, aerospace, and agriculture |
| Copper | Very high | High | Moderate | Low | Wires, plumbing, cooking utensils |
| Bronze | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate | Gutters. sculptures |
| Brass | High | High | Moderate | Moderate | Valves, bells, plumbing parts |
| Zinc | Low | Moderate | High | Low | Suspension bridges, guardrails |
| Nickel | Moderate | Moderate | High | High | Marine applications, automobile |
| Lead | Very low | Low | Moderate | Low | Batteries, acid tanks |
| Silver | Very High | Very High | Low | Low | Tableware, Jewelry |
| Gold | High | High | Very High | Low | Jewelry, Electrical connectors |
Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals have a high quantity of iron, whereas non-ferrous metals have no iron. Manufacturers choose ferrous metals for their strength and durability, and they are commonly selected by the construction industry.
Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, are corrosion-resistant and malleable; hence, they are opted for manufacturing gutters, roofs, jewelry, etc.
Common Applications of Non-Ferrous Metals
The common applications of non-ferrous metals are as follows:
- Copper pipes are used in plumbing for heating and water supply.
- Electrical wiring is formed using copper as it offers high electrical conductivity.
- Roofing materials are also non-ferrous, as they offer durability and corrosion resistance.
- Aluminum is opted in the aerospace industry due to its strength and weight.
Conclusion
Non-ferrous metals are everywhere, and every component is made of them. If you are looking for precise and high-quality non-ferrous components, you can contact us at DEK.
We offer specialized manufacturing processes using the finest non-ferrous metals for your projects.
