2010 – 06 – Differences Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Metal alloys are separated into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals contain higher levels of iron than non-ferrous metals.

Steel, composed of iron and carbon, is the most common ferrous metal. The more carbon steel contains, the harder it will be.

Non-ferrous metals aren’t as popular as ferrous metals, but offer some engineers more options beyond when steel can’t get the job done. Some non-ferrous metals are can be lighter, more corrosion resistant, and better at conducting electricity.