The quickest way to recognise the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is Iron.
Put simply, ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals do not – but the differences don’t end there:
Magnetism – magnets only stick to certain metals and typically they stick to ferrous metals as iron (as a polar molecule) is attracted to magnetic fields. Non-ferrous metals only become magnetic if they are run through an electrical field to polarise them.
Oxidation – ferrous metals can rust – this is because iron easily bonds with oxygen. However, some ferrous metals e.g. stainless steel do not rust as they become combined with non-ferrous metals.
Strength – ferrous metals are generally stronger than non-ferrous metals with steel being one of the strongest metals and is also low cost. Titanium is a strong non-ferrous metal, but due to its high price it is not always selected for building structures.
Entrec buy and recycle all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from all sectors including construction and manufacturing through to the general public.
Talk to the team to discuss your metal requirements: https://entrec.co.uk/contact/