Types of Metal Categories and Common Examples of Each

If you are reading this blog, you are involved in the scrap metal or metal sales industry in some way or another. Or perhaps you are simply a person who is interested in learning more about metal recycling, and therefore, require a basic knowledge on the various types of metal. Either way, a good place to start is to learn about ferrous, non-ferrous, base, noble, and precious metal. Continue below to get started!

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are those that contain iron. Non-ferrous metals are those that do not contain iron. In order to tell the difference between a ferrous and non-ferrous metal, all you need is a strong magnet. If the magnet attracts to the object, it is ferrous, and contains iron. Iron retains natural magnet properties, making it easy to decipher among iron and non-iron items. The most common types of ferrous metals are carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, and mild steel. The most common types of non-ferrous metals are copper, nickel, brass, aluminum, tin, lead, zinc, and precious metals like gold and silver.

Precious Metals

Precious metals are those that are naturally-occurring and very rare, giving them high economic value. Precious metals can be either ferrous or non-ferrous, depending on its various alloys. Common precious metals include platinum, gold, and silver, while rarer examples include tungsten, zirconium, cobalt, rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium, beryllium, cadmium, bismuth, selenium, mercury, and germanium. Most often, precious metals are used to make jewelry and art, but also for medical instruments, computers, and electronics.

Noble Metals

Noble metals include both precious and non-ferrous metals. 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.

Base Metals

Scientifically, there is not just one authoritative definition for a base metal. In fact, there are three, each one exercised independently from one another depending on the s[specific application of the metal. The most accepted definition of a base metal is one that is neither noble nor precious. 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.

Where to Recycle Scrap Metal in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot for scrap metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top-dollar for power tools, sheet metal, appliances, cars, trucks, motorcycles, golf carts, farm equipment, construction equipment, and more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot! Call 317-244-0700 to make fast cash, today!

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.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 317-244-0700

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!

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.

Scrap Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 6
We Buy Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal! 317-244-0700

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.

How to Perform a Ferrous Metal Test

When you are dealing with metal, whether for recycling or construction purposes, you may come across a time that requires you to know how to separate ferrous metal from non-ferrous metal. Fortunately, this test is easy to do, and can be done on the spot virtually anywhere.

Continue reading to learn the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and how to perform a quick test to distinguish between them.

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

We Buy Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal! 317-244-0700

Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is any metal that contains traces of iron.

Ferrous metals are heavier, less malleable, and contain magnetic properties. Also, they are more vulnerable to rust. If you see rust, the metal is definitely a ferrous one. Ferrous metal is commonly used to manufacture or construct commodities that can resist corrosion and remain strong and stable, such as industrial containers, rail roads, farming equipment, automotive parts, motors, drill bits, electrical appliances, power tools, and more. Common examples of ferrous metals include carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron, mild steel, and any other forms of steel and iron.

Non-Ferrous Metal

Non-ferrous metal is any metal that does not contain iron.

Non-ferrous metals are lighter and more malleable than ferrous metals. These qualities make them a common manufacturing material for 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. Metals like copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, lead, tin, zinc, and more are all examples of nonferrous metals. Also, precious metals are iron-free; such as gold, chromium, tungsten, silver, zirconium, mercury, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, beryllium, and more.

The Ferrous Test:

In order to distinguish ferrous from non-ferrous metals is to perform a manual test. To perform this test, all you need is a strong magnet. You see, as mentioned, ferrous metals retain magnetic qualities, and non-ferrous metals do not. So if a magnet sticks to your metal, it contains iron, which also means it is ferrous metal. If the magnet does not attract, the metal does not contain iron, which means it is non-ferrous.

Where to Recycle Metal in Indy

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling division at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana for cash. We have been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, and continue to make customer satisfaction our number one goal in our metal recycling division. And to make recycling easier for you, we offer several customer conveniences at no extra charge! Request a free estimate, today.

3 Categories of Metal That Can Be Recycled

We are fortunate as a society to have succeeded in developing several new advancements in recycling technology. Today, we have the innovative equipment and industrial resources to responsibly recycle more items than ever before! It is important to have an eco-friendly agenda in order to preserve our natural resources, and metal recycling is a great place to start if you are new to the initiative! Continue reading to learn the 3 primary categories of metal, and which items around the house fall into these particular groups.

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron. In fact, the term “ferrous” comes from the Latin word ferrum, which translate to iron. Iron-containing metal is very strong and durable, and retains varying degrees of resistance to corrosion. However, it can be prone to oxidation (rust). The most common examples of ferrous metal include iron, cast iron, and wrought iron, as well as, steel, mild steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, HSLA steel, tool steel, and stainless steel. You can identify a ferrous metal by testing its magnetic properties. When a metal object is magnetic, it contains iron. If you are looking for ferrous metals to recycle around the house or at work, consider these items:

— Cars
— Trucks
— Mechanical Auto Parts
— Construction Equipment
— Farming Equipment— Large-Scale Piping
— Industrial Containers
— Cast Iron Skillets
— Older Radiators
— Plumbing Pipes
— Tools
— Hardware
— Metal Fixtures and Hinges
— Knives
— Steel Food Cans
— Steel Coffee Cans
— Steel Casing or Framing in Appliances (i.e. refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers)

Non-Ferrous Metal

Non-ferrous metal is any metal that does not contain iron. They are revered for their high conductivity levels, as well as their malleability and versatility. They also have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion because they do not contain any iron compounds. You can distinguish a ferrous metal from a non-ferrous metal by using a magnet. If it is not magnetic, then it is non-ferrous. You can remember this with the saying, non-magnetic equals non-ferrous. There are many types of metals that do not contain iron, including copper, tin, aluminum, cobalt, zinc, chromium, nickel, brass, tungsten, titanium, lead, and even precious metal, which is our 3rd category! Here are some common household and commercial items that are non-ferrous recyclable metals:

— Foil
— Soup Cans
— Food Cans
— Electrical Wiring
— Small Electronics
— Plumbing Pipes
— Building Materials
— Bronze/Brass Décor
— Medical and Scientific Equipment
— Car Batteries
— Costume Jewelry
— And More

Precious Metals

Precious metals are the last category of recyclable metals. They are rare, naturally-occurring, and retain high economic value. These include gold, silver, platinum, zirconium, palladium, tungsten, cobalt, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, rhenium, indium, electrum (a naturally-occurring alloy of silver and gold) and more. Because of their high value and corrosion-resistant qualities, precious metals are commonly used in the jewelry and currency industries. They also have certain industrial applications. Precious metals can be found in several household items, including:

— Jewelry
— Smartphones
— Major Appliances
— Small Appliances
— Gaming Consoles
— Computers
— Televisions
— Décor
— Coin Collections
— Trophies
— Plate Ware
— Catalytic Converters
— And More

You Can Recycle Metal for Cash in Indianapolis!

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal for cash 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! Call 317-244-0700 to make fast cash, today!

Ferrous Metals and Non-Ferrous Metals

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.