Category Archives: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal

The Three Definitions of a Base Metal

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Base metals are primarily found in the jewelry industry, but are also quite prevalent in various other manufacturing industries. Continue reading to learn how base metals are defined, which metals fall under this category, and more.

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Base Metals Defined

Technically, there is not just one definition of a base metal. In fact, there are three definitions, and each one is exercised depending on the application of the metal. The most popular and common definition of base metals are those that are not noble nor precious in nature. Noble metals and precious metals are quite similar, and also have multiple definitions and applications. To better understand the meaning of a base metal, you will need to review the basic meanings of noble and precious metals first.

Noble Metals

Noble metals include both precious and non-ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, so they are resistant to several elements and subsequent damage, including humidity, chemicals, oxidation, and more. Precious metals are naturally-occurring and retain higher economic value. Noble metals are metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist conditions, namely humidity.

Copper is the only non-precious metal that is also a noble metal by the actual physics definition. But this is arguable since copper is vulnerable to both corrosion and oxidation. Other examples of noble metals include copper, gold, silver, iridium, platinum, rhodium, rhenium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium, mercury.

Precious Metals

A precious metal is any pure metal that is rare and occurs naturally in the environment. They are made up of natural chemical elements that retain high economic value. From a chemical standpoint, precious metals do not react as much as other elements do; in fact, they are usually ductile. Precious metals are high in luster and shine; which made them popular forms of currency in historical times. In today’s society, precious metals are viewed more as an investment or industrial commodity.

The most universally known precious metals are the chief coinage metals, gold and silver. Other examples of precious metals include platinum, rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium, zirconium, beryllium, cadmium, bismuth, tungsten, selenium, mercury, cobalt, and germanium.

Secondary and Tertiary Definitions

Another common definition of base metals are metals that are a prime metallic element in an alloy. For example, bronze metal is mostly made up of copper, so copper would be the base metal of bronze. A third definition sometimes used to define base metals is the metal core underlying a coating. For example, nickel has been plated with iron or brass throughout history. In another example, galvanized steel is often coated with zinc.

The most commonly considered base metals are copper, tin, aluminum, nickel, zinc, and lead. However, according to the United States Customs and Border Protection, iron, steel, aluminum, molybdenum, tungsten, and several other “transition metals” are also considered base metals.

Recycle Scrap Metal for Cash!

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

If you have scrap metal laying around, sell it to Zore’s Recycling for cash on the spot! We accept all metals and metal commodities, including sheet metal, piping, electrical wiring, motorized vehicles, auto parts, construction equipment, major appliances, power tools, watercrafts, and more. We are the scrap metal recycling center Hoosiers trust. Call 317-244-0700 for a free offer for your scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Is Brass Metal the Same as Bronze?

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At first glance, brass and bronze look virtually identical. In fact, it takes a bit of investigation to truly identify whether or not a piece of metal is actually bronze or brass. There are notable differences between the two metals, making them not the same. Continue reading to learn the difference between brass and bronze metal.

Brass Recycling 317-244-0700

Brass Recycling 317-244-0700

Brass

Brass is a non-ferrous, non-magnetic alloy metal, meaning it does not contain any iron, but it does contain more than one type of metal. It is commonly used in the plumbing industry, mostly as pipe joints, turnings, shells, fixtures, and faucets. The most common metals that make up brass are copper and zinc. So when people are separating their metal piles, they often make the mistake of throwing brass components into the “yellow metal” pile, when they could be adding them to their more valuable, “red metal” pile. Copper is a red metal, while zinc is silver. Together, they make up brass, which generally has an orange, yellowish hue that ranges in color and richness. Brass is stronger and more durable than copper and zinc alone. The amount of each metal in brass varies, but most often, brass is made up of 60 to 80 percent copper, and 20 to 40 percent zinc.

Bronze

Bronze is an interesting metal because it is rarer than brass, making it more valuable. It is a non-ferrous alloy metal that is heavier and has a higher copper content, generally between 80 and 90 percent. For this reason, bronze is more reddish in color. It is a popular metal for several types of plumbing applications, as well as, water meters, statutes, monuments, and metal decor.

The Difference

The major difference between brass and bronze is the copper content. Brass has less copper, making it more yellow in color and giving it different properties. Bronze has higher copper content, making it redder in color and also giving it separate properties. To identify the exact breakdown of copper and zinc, you would need an XRF metal analyzer device, which is extremely expensive and mostly bought and used by large scrap metal companies. However, to simply tell them apart, you can file down the initial coat of metal to see which color is revealed the most: yellow or red.

Sell Your Brass and Bronze Metal to Zore’s Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash on the spot. We offer the fairest payouts for scrap metal, junk cars, and much more. From sheet metal and appliances, to cars, trucks, electronics, and more, we accept a vast variety of metals and commodities, and we pay cash on the spot!

Fun Facts About Aluminum

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Aluminum is not just the foil you use for cooking. It is so much more than that! Aluminum metal has a lot to offer society, as has been bestowing its advantages upon us for hundreds of years. In fact, the use of aluminum dates back all the way to the early 19th century! Continue reading to learn some more interesting and fun facts about aluminum!

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Here are a Few Aluminum Facts You Might Not Know…

🌐 Its atomic symbol is AI, and its atomic number is 13.

🌐 It has a melting point of 1,220.58 degrees Fahrenheit.

🌐 It is the 3rd most abundant mineral on Earth, right behind oxygen and silicon.

🌐 It is the most abundant naturally-occurring mineral on the planet.

🌐 It makes up nearly 8% of the Earth’s crust.

🌐 It is present in over 270 minerals.

🌐 It reflects roughly 92% of light, and 98% in infrared rays.

🌐 Aluminum was first extracted from Earths core in 1825 by Danish chemist, Hans Christian Oersted.

🌐 It is the most-used non-ferrous metal used in the entire world.

🌐 Australia is the world’s leading aluminum manufacturer.

🌐 It is lightweight; one third the weight of steel and copper.

🌐 It is resistant to corrosion.

🌐 There are hundreds of aluminum alloys; the most common include zinc, copper, silicon, magnesium, and manganese.

🌐 It is found in thousands of products and commodities, from soda cans and cell phones, to cars, airplanes, and more.

🌐 A standard Boeing-747 contains an average of 147,000 pounds of aluminum.

🌐 The top of the Washington Monument is made of an 8.9 inch aluminum cap.

🌐 “White Dross” is the term used for the byproduct produced by producing and reprocessing aluminum.

🌐 It only takes 5% of the energy used to extract new aluminum, to recycle it.

🌐 Aluminum is virtually 100% recyclable!

🌐 Thanks to recycling, virtually 75% of the aluminum ever made is still used to this very day.

Indianapolis Aluminum Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to receive a free quote for your scrap aluminum materials. We pay cash on the spot for all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, like appliances, vehicles, construction equipment, watercrafts, and more. If you have questions about recycling aluminum cans and bottles, we are the professionals to trust for accurate and honest answers. Call 317-244-0700 to get started today.

How to Clean Rusty Stainless Steel

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Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

If you own anything stainless steel, you probably want it to stay shiny and new-looking. But rust is a common problem for metal, and must be removed quickly in order to stop further corrosion to your stainless steel devices, décor, and appliances. Fortunately, rust is simple to remove from stainless steel. All you need is a little time, a bit of knowledge, and a few inexpensive supplies. Continue reading for a quick guide to cleaning rusty stainless steel.

What You Need:

➛ Clean Water
➛ Baking Soda
➛ Soft Cloth
➛ Soft-Bristled Brush
➛ Paper Towels

Small Areas of Rust

➀ Start by combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Mix them together until it forms a paste. Keep in mind that baking soda is safe for stainless steel. It is the perfect product to use for gentle, chemical-free cleaning.

➁ Using your soft cloth, apply the paste onto the affected area. Use small circular motions in the direction of the grain. It is important to always wipe in the same direction as the stainless steel grain.

➂ Finish by wiping the area clean with a damp paper towel. Repeat in all other small rusty areas.

Large Areas of Rust

❶ Start by rinsing the entire area clean with a damp paper towel.

❷ Next, sprinkle baking soda directly on top of the affected area. If the area is vertical, do your best to coat it lightly with baking soda.

❸ Allow the baking soda to sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

❹ After time is up, use your soft bristled brush to scrub the baking soda into the affected area. You can use an old toothbrush if you do not have a soft bristled brush.

❺ Rinse the area with a damp paper towel. And then pat dry with a dry paper towel.

❻ If you have stainless steel that is too rusty to clean, sell it for cash! Contact your local scrap metal recycling center to sell your junk stainless steel for cash on the spot!

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle stainless steel in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all junk and scrap metal, including iron, steel, copper, platinum, and more! Recycle junk cars, boats, motorcycles, appliances, electronics, and construction equipment, and make some great money at the same time. Call 317-244-0700 to learn more about Indianapolis metal recycling services, today.

The Four Categories of Steel

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Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

There are several styles, grades, and sizes of steel to choose from. In fact, one of the most common questions among steel consumers involves the different types of steel. In order to know which steel best suits your metalwork project, you must first understand their differences. If you were to ask the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), they would tell you that steel can be categorized into four basic groups according to their individual chemical compositions.

These four groups include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel. All steel is composed of both iron and carbon, but vary in type depending on certain physical, chemical, and environmental properties; all of which are determined by the amount of carbon and any additional alloys. Below are the descriptions of the four categories of steel, and facts about each.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel can be further categorized into three groups: 1) Low carbon, 2) Medium carbon, and 3) High carbon. Low carbon, also called mild steel, is one of the largest categories of carbon steel, and generally contains anywhere from 0.04% to 0.30% carbon content. Depending on its intended use, other additives and alloys can be added to create desired properties. Medium carbon generally contains anywhere from 0.31% to 0.60% carbon content, as well as, a range of 0.60% to 1.65% of manganese content. High carbon steel is informally known as “carbon tool steel” and contains 0.61% to 1.50% carbon content. It is difficult to manipulate, and becomes very brittle when heat-treated.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel also contains carbon, since all steel contains both carbon and iron. But alloy steel also contains a marginal amount of additional elements, such as Nickle (Ni), Chromium (Cr), and Manganese (Mn). This type of steel is popular and commonly used due to their wide availability, economical costs, ease of processing, and quality mechanical properties. In comparison to carbon steel, alloy steel is more responsive to mechanical and heat treatments. Heated alloy steel comes in wither annealed or normalized.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains added alloys that make is extremely resistant to corrosion in comparison to carbon and alloy steel. This is why it is commonly used in the medical/surgical industries, appliance industry, hardware manufacturing industry, food processing/handling industry, architectural industry, and more. It contains both carbon and iron, as mentioned before, but stainless steel generally contains other alloys as well, such as Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), or Nickel (Ni).

Tool Steel

Tool steel is a general term to describe a variety of steels that retain high-hardness and abrasion-resistance properties. Specific applications for tool steel include stamping, extrusion, dies, cutting, mold-making, or impact applications (i.e. hammers).

Recycle Steel in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metal Recyclers

Indianapolis Metal Recyclers 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle steel in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all steel scrap metal, and honor the highest returns in town based on current market prices for metal. We accept sheet metal, scrap metal, cars, trucks, power tools, construction equipment, appliances, electrical wiring, and more. Call 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, IN today.

Comparing Stainless Steel to Aluminum Metal

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Since stainless steel and aluminum look so similar, many people believe they are the same type of metal. But this, of course, is not true. Although stainless steel and aluminum are used in similar industries, their qualities are different in many ways. Continue reading to learn some fun facts about both these metals, and the primary difference between them.

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a steel alloy used for several reasons, and in several industries. It is highly resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and rust. The most common uses for stainless steel include food handling and processing, surgical instruments, medical devices, air crafts, appliances, hardware, and more. The common alloying ingredient in stainless steel is chromium, but nickel, copper, manganese, iron and molybdenum are also used. Stainless steel usually contains anywhere from 15% to 30% alloy content.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a silvery-gray, light-weight, non-magnetic metal used in countless industries and for several purposes. The most well-known use for aluminum is food and soda cans. But aside from canned goods, aluminum is also widely used in the automaker and aerospace industry for its ductile, corrosion-resistant qualities and more.

Comparisons

As for strength and weight, steel is stronger and weighs more. Aluminum is only one-third the weight of stainless steel, but this is why it is top-choice for automotive and aerospace manufacturing.

Both metals are highly-resistant to corrosion, but since stainless steel is non-porous, it is more resistant than aluminum.

Both metals are also good thermal and electrical conductors, but aluminum retains higher thermal conductivity. This is why it is used to manufacture things like car radiators and air conditioner units.

In terms of malleability, aluminum takes the cake. It is much softer and easier to work with compared to stainless steel. On the other hand, stainless steel is much easier to weld than aluminum.

As for price, aluminum is much cheaper.

Remember to recycle your unwanted scrap aluminum and steel metal!

Zore’s Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle aluminum in Indianapolis, as well as, all other metals you wish to discard. We accept all metals, including copper, steel, iron, precious metals, and more! Recycle old appliances, electronics, power tools, cars, water-crafts, and more for fast cash on the spot. We pay top-dollar for your scrap metal! Call 317-244-0700 to evaluate the worth of your scrap metal in Indianapolis, IN.

Common Uses for Ferrous Metals

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Indianapolis Iron Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Iron Recycling 317-244-0700

Remembering the difference between non-ferrous and ferrous metals is actually quite easy. You see, the term “ferrous” actually means “of or containing iron”, which means that any metal that contains relevant traces of iron is a ferrous metal. Non-ferrous means no iron content. There are various types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and metal alloys.

Alloys are simply two or more kinds of metal combined to make a new metal. Brass is an example of a non-ferrous alloy. Ferrous metals include variations of steel and iron, and non-ferrous metals include aluminum, tin, copper, zinc, titanium, nickel, lead, and various alloys. Even precious and exotic metals are non-ferrous; like gold, platinum, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, tungsten, selenium, beryllium, cadmium, and bismuth. Here is a list of ferrous metals and their primary applications or advantages among national and global industries:

Ferrous Metals and Alloys

Cast Iron – An alloy made from 2 to 6 percent carbon and 94 to 98 percent iron. It’s resistant to corrosion, malleable, strong, and retains a low melting point. It is primarily used to manufacture automotive parts like cylinder heads and engine blocks, as well as, machinery, pipes, construction, and other engineering purposes.

Wrought Iron – Almost entirely made of iron, it was used for its ductile and malleable qualities, but it is also resistant to corrosion and quite tough. It was mainly used in the past to make axes, chisels, warships, railways, nails, garden fences, cutlery, chains, rivets, couplings, ornamental ironwork, horseshoes, and more. These products and more are now made from mild steel because wrought iron is no longer manufactured on a commercial scale. You may hear wrought iron be referred to as mild steel, as it contains very little carbon.

Mild Steel – This metal contains very low traces of carbon, as little as 0.1 to 0.3 percent. Any ferrous metal that contains little to no carbon is basically a form of steel. It is used in the engineering industry and several metal commodities mentioned with wrought iron.

Stainless Steel – A very popular finish for appliances and home décor, stainless steel is an alloy made from nickel, chromium, and iron. It is stain and corrosion-resistant, making it a popular metal for surgical instruments, appliances, cutlery, and more.

Carbon Steel – This steel alloy contains anywhere from 0.5% to 3% carbon and is used to primarily manufacture cutting tools such as saws, rotaries, and drill bits.

Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis metal recycling and more. We accept all types of metal in various forms, including cars, trucks, power tools, scrap metal, construction equipment, appliances, and more. We pay cash for scrap metal! Call 317-244-0700 to earn cash by recycling metal in Indianapolis, IN today.

Which Metals are Easiest to Recycle?

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Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Overall, metal in general is the easiest material to recycle. It contains various compounds and ions that allow it to melt, smelt, and be reused in a variety of industries. So which metals are the easiest to recycle? The answer isn’t so black and white; however, there are some metals that happen to be easier to recycle due to a number of variables. Continue reading to learn why come metals are easier to recycle than other, and where to go if you would like to recycle metal in your home town.

Metal Recycling

Scrap metal facilities and metal recycling centers are the most common places to recycle metal materials. These companies usually retain equipment and machinery that can melt down metallic materials without changing any of its original properties. Metal is an amazing commodity that we use on an everyday basis in almost every single industry all over the world. It has changed the way we build, heal, work, teach, transport, and more. The most commonly recycled metals are ferrous and nonferrous metals; some of which include precious metals like gold and beryllium. Ferrous metals contain iron; such as stainless steel, wrought iron, cast iron, carbon steel, and more. Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain traces of iron; such as aluminum, nickel, tin, and more. It is these metals that are the easiest to recycle because of their mass availability. Easy metals to recycle include:

• Iron
• Aluminum
• Tin
• Lead
• Silver
• Gold
• Copper
• Steel
• Brass
• Chromium
• Magnesium
• Titanium
• Zirconium
• Mercury
• Cobalt
• Zinc
• Beryllium
• Tungsten
• Bismuth
• Cerium
• And More

Scrap Metal Recycling Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

If you have some ferrous or nonferrous metals lying around the house or work shop, bring them into Zore’s Recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash for scrap metal recycling and accept all ferrous and nonferrous metals; including precious metals like gold, silver, or zirconium. We offer a wide range of Indianapolis metal recycling services, and can pick up large loads of metal for you. We recycle junk cars, appliances, jewelry, cell phones, tools, machinery, and more. Visit our website at https://www.zoresrecycling.com/metals-we-recycle-indianapolis.php for details about our services and company background. We offer free estimates, 24 hour services, and pay the highest dollar amounts for recycled metal. Call us at 317-244-0700 for more information about scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, IN.

Ferrous Metals and Non-Ferrous Metals

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Many people are familiar with several types of metals, such as iron, aluminum, steel, copper, and more. These are popular and prevalent metals used in a wide variety of industries all over the world. What many people do not know is that all metals found on the planet are categorized as either “ferrous” or “nonferrous” metal. So what is the difference between the two categories? Continue reading and learn the meaning behind nonferrous and ferrous, and the metals that fall within each class.

Ferrous Metal

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Ferrous metals contain iron. Any metal that does not contain iron is classified as nonferrous. This is the simplest way to remember the difference between the two. Ferrous metals differ from nonferrous in several other ways as well. For example, ferrous metals are heavier, less malleable, and contain magnetic properties; whereas, nonferrous metals are lighter, more malleable, and have no magnetic capabilities. Also, ferrous metal is more vulnerable to rust. If you see rust, the metal is definitely ferrous. Below is a short list of ferrous metals:

• Carbon Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Cast Iron
• Wrought Iron
• Mild Steel

Nonferrous Metal

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

Nonferrous metals, as mentioned before, do not contain iron or iron properties. They are much more malleable and lighter than ferrous metal; making them excellent materials in industries that have weight restrictions, but require strength, such as aviation or food canning. Non-ferrous metals also have a high resistance to rust and corrosion. As a result, nonferrous metal is widely used in the production of house gutters, road signs, roofs, piping, and more. Here is an example list of nonferrous metals:

• Copper
• Brass
• Silver
• Gold
• Aluminum
• Nickel
• Tin
• Lead
• Zinc
• And More

Recycle Metal in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

If you have scrap ferrous metal and nonferrous metal items that you wish to recycle in Indianapolis, Indiana, call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 today. We offer free estimates and information about scrap metal recycling for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. If you have junk cars, stereos, electronic equipment, power tools, and any other junk metal item or equipment; call us to recycle it for cash! Even if it’s broken, we still accept scrap ferrous and nonferrous metal. Visit our webpage at https://www.zoresrecycling.com/metal-recycling-indianapolis.php for details about our services and company background. We offer the best cash returns for ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal recycling in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding regions.