What Are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are metals that have iron as a major component. The presence of iron and other components in these metals make them a favorite in housing construction, industrial containers, and in the piping industry based on their durable, strong, and tensile nature. Because of the presence of iron, these metals have magnetic properties.
Common Types Of Ferrous Metals
Some of the common ferrous metals you might come across in your daily activities include:
– Wrought iron
– Cast iron
– Carbon steel
– Alloy steel
Properties of Ferrous Metals
Generally, ferrous metals are high in carbon content and this means that they tend to rust when exposed to the elements. Wrought iron is more resistant to rust because it has more iron than other ferrous metals. These metals can also corrode if exposed to corrosive environments or acids. To get desired properties and limit corrosion, ferrous metals are commonly mixed with other alloying elements. Some of these elements include manganese, vanadium, and chromium. When mixed with such elements, the ferrous metals gain properties that allow them to fit into many different industrial engineering processes.
What Are The Common Uses Of Ferrous Metals?
Steel is a common ferrous metal that is machinable and tough and this makes it a great option when it comes to manufacturing and construction. Cast iron is mostly used in the making of machine tools, water pipes, and cookware courtesy of its resistance to wear and hardness. Wrought iron is used in railing and fencing because it resists rust better than other ferrous metals.
Ferrous Metals Recycling
Scrap metal is all about ferrous and non-ferrous metal. Ferrous metals are recycled every day since a lot of energy and resources are saved as compared to the mining process. This is why we take pride in our scrap metal recycling processes.
