A Comparison of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals

Ferrous and nonferrous metals are used in endless industries for thousands of purposes. Many people wonder what the difference between ferrous metals and nonferrous metals, and why that difference means in terms of their use. If you are interested in learning more about ferrous metal and the types that exist, you are in the right place.

Continue reading and learn the definitions and types of nonferrous and ferrous metals found all across the world.

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Ferrous Metals

Simply put, ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron or steel. Things like construction scaffolding, automobiles, buildings, power tools, and more are made from ferrous metals. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and any other forms of steel and iron are examples of ferrous metals. Metal such as stainless steel are not entirely composed of iron and steel. It also contains nickel and chromium. In contrast, wrought iron is made of nearly 100 percent iron.

Ferrous metal is very strong and durable and even retains magnetic properties. This is why it is used to manufacture or construct things that can resist corrosion and remain strong and stable. It is used to make everything from skyscrapers to drill bits, and more. Large-scale piping, cars, trucks, yachts, planes, construction and farming equipment, motors, industrial containers, rail roads, and more are common large-scale commodities built from ferrous metals. Smaller items include everything from kitchen knives, to power tools, electrical appliances, and more.

Nonferrous Metals

Also simply put, nonferrous metal is metal that does not contain iron or steel compounds. Metals like copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, zinc, and more are all examples of nonferrous metals. Also, precious metals are nonferrous; such as gold, chromium, tungsten, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, beryllium, and more. 

Nonferrous metals are used for their malleability and versatility.  They also have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion because they do not contain any iron compounds.  Jewelry, electrical wiring, canning, window frames, road signs, electrical fittings, pipe work, batteries, roofing, and millions of other items are made from nonferrous metal materials.

One of the easiest ways to determine if something contains ferrous metal is to hold a magnet to it. If the magnet sticks, it is made with ferrous metals like iron and steel. If the magnet does not stick, then it is made mostly or entirely of nonferrous metals like copper or aluminum. If the magnet pulls slightly but does not stick or stay, it is likely that the item is made from both ferrous and nonferrous metals.

How to Recycle Metal for Cash in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal and make some fast money at the same time. We are a professional Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center that accepts and recycles all metals in any condition. Best of all, we pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle all sorts of stuff, including sheet metal and beams, cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Brass

Brass is an important alloy because it provides our society with a wide range of advantages, conveniences, and luxuries. From exotic jewelry and fine art, to furniture, musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, building components, and more, brass is a special metal that we want to keep around for as long as possible. One way to achieve this feat is to regularly clean and polish your brass assets using the proper methods and materials.

Continue reading to learn the most important tips for cleaning and maintaining brass, as well as, where to sell your old brass metal for cash on the spot.

Brass Metal Buyers 317-244-0700
Brass Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Solid Brass or Brass-Plated?

Before getting started, you will first need to confirm if your brass is solid brass or brass-plated. The difference is significant when it comes to cleaning because separate methods are used for each type of brass item. For instance, brass-plated items are more prone to surface damage and scraping, so it is necessary to be gentler with scrubbing and polishing as to not remove the plating. To figure out whether or not your item is solid or plated, use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, you have a brass-plated item. If it does not stick, you can be sure it is solid brass.

If you have plated-brass items that require a cleaning, all you need is hot, soapy water and a cloth. Simply wipe it down and let it dry thoroughly. As for solid brass, the method will involve a few more steps. Look below to learn how to get started.

Cleaning Solid Brass

☛ What You Need

If you want your brass to shine brilliantly as it once did before, you will need a few supplies. Gather up some clean white rags, as well as a few microfiber cloths. It is important to have plenty of clean rags and cloths, so be sure you have more than enough for larger-scale projects. In addition to rags, you will also need a quality commercial cleaner that is safe to use on brass.

If you prefer a chemical-free approach, just go for the ketchup or tomato juice. Ketchup contains tomatoes, which is acidic and works well to clean brass naturally. You can also use lemons, lemon juice, and even cream of tartar! The method you choose will depend on how dirty your brass is.

☛ Getting Started

If your brass is only mildly dirty, you can simply use the same approach as you would for plated-brass; use hot, soapy water and a clean cloth to scrub away the surface blemishes, and then let it dry completely.

If your brass is moderately tarnished or dirty, you will need a more aggressive approach. In this case, you have a few options. Your first option is to use a commercial cleaner, such as Flitz Instant Brass & Copper Tarnish Remover, which is available online for around $13. Simply follow the manufacturer instructions for application.

Your next option is a more natural approach using household ingredients or foods, such as ketchup, tomato juice, lemons, or even cream of tartar. For ketchup, apply it onto the brass using a clean cloth and rub it in, then rinse and dry. For tomato juice, soak the brass item in a bowl for 5 minutes, rinse clean, and then let dry completely.

For lemons, you can either use a lemon half covered in table salt, or lemon juice. For mild blemishes, cut a lemon in half, cover it in salt, gently scrub away the dirt, and then buff the surface with a clean cloth. For more tarnished items, mix two parts cream of tartar with one part lemon juice, then apply the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, rinse clean with warm water and let dry.

🎺 Special Tip: To further protect your brass after cleaning it, polish it with a thin coat of mineral or linseed oil.

Sell Scrap Brass for Cash on the Spot

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to sell brass metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot!