FERROUS / NON-FERROUS METALS AND ALLOYS

FERROUS METALS:

• Consist of mainly iron and small amounts of other elements
• Prone to rusting if exposed to moisture (due to iron)
• Magnetic (due to iron)

NON-FERROUS METALS:

• Contains no iron
• Non-magnetic
• Do not rust in the same way when exposed to moisture

 

ALLOYS:

• Alloys are substances that contain two or more different metals and occasionally other elements. The metals are carefully chosen and mixed to achieve specific properties these include reducing the melting point making the alloy light weight, etc.
• Benefits of alloying:

                                    - changes the melting point

                                    - changes the colour

                                    - increases strength, hardness and ductility

                                    - enhances resistance to corrosion and oxidation

                                    - changes electrical/thermal properties

                                    - improves flow properties, producing better castings

 

• Non-ferrous examples: brass, bronze, nitinol.
• Ferrous examples: stainless steel, high speed steel and tool and die steels.