Common Applications for Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal

Metal ore is one of the most valuable and applied resources on Earth. From art and education, to science, building, construction, and more, the applications for metal are wide-ranging, thus making its possible uses virtually endless. There are two main categories of metal, one of which contains iron, and the other does not. These are referred to as ferrous and nonferrous metal.

Continue reading to learn the various attributes and common applications of both ferrous and nonferrous metal.

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Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and any other forms of iron alloys are examples of ferrous metals. Since ferrous metal is very strong and durable, and retains magnetic properties, it is commonly used to manufacture or construct things that can resist corrosion and remain strong and stable.

Ferrous metal 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 Metal

Nonferrous metal is metal that does not contain any iron content. Examples of non-iron containing metals include copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, and zinc. Precious metals are also nonferrous, including 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.

Testing for Iron Alloy

One of the easiest methods to determine if an item contains ferrous metal is to use a magnet. 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.

Where to Sell Scrap Metal in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to sell scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our scrap metal buyers 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!

Which Metals are Magnetic?

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metals can be put into one of two categories: Ferrous and non-ferrous metal. Ferrous metals are those that contain traces of iron. In fact, the term “ferrous” literally means “of or contain iron.” And with this being said, you can correctly assume that “non-ferrous” means there is no iron content present within a metal. We mention these facts because it helps to remember which metals are magnetic and which are not. You see, there are numerous types of metal that have magnetic properties, so long as they contain one or more of the metals listed below.

Magnetic Metals

• Iron
• Cobalt
• Nickel
• An Alloy or Mixture of Any One of the Above Metals

So this means that any metal that contains iron, cobalt, nickel, or a metal mixture that contains one of the three, is a ferrous metal, and also, magnetic. These metals are “ferromagnetic” or “ferrimagnetic” materials. Their magnetic capabilities and properties are strong enough for them to be considered ferromagnetic. A naturally-occurring magnetic mineral, used in the early days of compass manufacturing, is called lodestone. It is the only natural magnet.

Even electromagnetism, which sends electrical currents through coils, uses ferromagnetic materials to produce magnetic fields. For example, coils are often wrapped around steel or other ferromagnetic material. These coils are only magnetic when an electrical current is sent through them. The steel center allows for a stronger magnetic field. This technology is used prevalently in engines and turbines, as well as, a means to produce electricity.

It is important to preserve our natural resources the best we can, and metal recycling is a great way to achieve this! Magnetic metals, just like all other metals, are 100% recyclable. They can be smelted, melted, or reused in various industries all over the world. Contact a local scrap metal recycling center for details about recycling magnetic, ferrous, non-ferrous metals, and metal commodities (i.e. cars, appliances, electronics, etc.) in your neighborhood. You might even be able to pocket some cash for it!

Zore’s Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for information about our metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer cash on the spot for scrap metal, junk cars, appliances, power tools, construction equipment, sheet metal, precious metal, and much more! We also offer free towing and haul-away services for junk car recycling! Call 317-244-0700 today to recycle metal in Indianapolis, IN.

The Importance of Recycling Metal

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Each year, thousands of commodities are produced with metal parts and components. Items such as cars, boats, appliances, planes, ovens, railroads, and more are all central assets to our everyday lives, which we couldn’t have without metal. It is a versatile and valuable material that we need in order to maintain the pace of the modern age. For obvious reasons, it is important to recycle and reuse these types of precious resources. The best thing about metal is that it can be recycled over and over again.

To better understand the importance of metal recycling, continue reading to gather more information about the industry in general.

Steel and Aluminum Metal Recycling

The most common metals found in everyday households and businesses are steel and aluminum. When a person hears “aluminum”, they most likely think, soda can. Many people associate aluminum with pop cans, but what about other items made of aluminum that is recyclable? Recycling aluminum cans is a big part of metal recycling, and very encouraged; but there are other things made of aluminum to add to the recycling bin. For example, baking trays, kitchen foil, door knobs, laptops, bathroom fixtures, and more can all be made from aluminum.

When it comes to steel, there are various household items we wouldn’t normally think about recycling. Food cans, cutlery, and even garden shovels can all be made of steel; and all steel is recyclable. You can easily detect the difference between aluminum and steel by using a magnet. If the magnet sticks, the metal is steel; and if it does not stick, it’s aluminum. This is how metal is generally separated at a recycling center. They divvy up the nonferrous metals from the ferrous metals.

Non Ferrous Metal and Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metals are metals such as steel and iron. This includes scrap metal from cars, food cans, appliances, and more. This type of scrap metal is always high in demand, and continues to grow exponentially each year. Nonferrous scrap metal is made from the waste of metals like aluminum, copper, brass, lead, titanium, nickel, and more.

Recycle Metal at Home or Work

It is always a good time to start recycling at home or in the office. Doing your part to help the environment and assist in the reuse of precious materials is very rewarding for everyone and everything involved. It is better to reuse available resources rather than continuing to deplete our natural ones. It can be as simple as collecting food and soda cans. Just this little bit of effort goes farther than you think! If you have questions about recycling metal, follow up with a local metal recycling facility. One phone call can get you all the answers you need.

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

For more information, call Zore’s Recycling in Indianapolis today. We are Indy’s leading metal recyclers that offer the most convenient metal recycling services in town. We offer transportation and pickup services, roll-off services, metal processing, junk car recycling, and much more! Call 317-244-0700 and talk to a metal recycling specialist in Indianapolis, IN today!