Ferrous metals - Properties, examples, and applications  

What is a ferrous metal?

Ferrous metals are metals whose primary component is iron. The term "ferrous" originates from the Latin word "ferrum," which translates to iron. These metals are celebrated for their exceptional strength, durability, and adaptability, making them essential across various industries.

Two common examples of ferrous metals that we stock at metals4U are mild steel and stainless steel. Mild steel is widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its affordability and strength, while stainless steel is valued for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. These materials showcase the various uses of ferrous metals in various modern industries.

Examples of ferrous metals and their uses

Ferrous metals encompass a wide range of materials that have a high iron percentage, each with unique characteristics and applications:

• Mild steel: Available at metals4U, this material is known for its affordability and workability, making it commonly used in construction, automotive manufacturing, and machinery.

• Stainless steel: We stock this alloy of iron, chromium, and other elements,it is highly regarded across a wide range of sectors for its exceptional corrosion resistance and suitability for kitchen appliances, medical devices, and architectural features.

• Bright Mild Steel - Browse our selection of bright mild steel; this is a variety of  mild steel that is cold-finished rather than hot-rolled. This process enhances its dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and overall strength. It is often used in precision engineering, manufacturing components, and decorative applications where a smooth surface is required.

• Cast iron: Discover our range of cast iron renowned for its compressive strength and wear resistance, it is often used for pipes, machinery, and for cookware such as cast iron pans and skillets.

• Tool steel: Explore our selection of silver steel. This high-carbon steel is designed for durability and is used in cutting tools, dies, and moulds.

This wide variety of ferrous metals ensures their presence in virtually every industry, from construction to transportation and beyond.

Properties of ferrous metals

Ferrous metals, such as stainless steel and mild steel, exhibit several defining properties that make them indispensable in construction, manufacturing, and engineering applications:

• Strength and durability: Ferrous metals, known for their exceptional tensile strength, are highly suitable for structural and load-bearing uses.

• Magnetic properties: Many ferrous metals, including mild steel and cast iron, exhibit magnetic characteristics, which are valuable in electrical and industrial contexts.

• Rust susceptibility: Ferrous metals containing iron are prone to oxidation and rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen. However, alloys such as stainless steel contain chromium, which greatly improves their resistance to corrosion.

• Cost-effectiveness: Numerous ferrous metals, such as mild steel, are economical to produce and widely accessible, making them an affordable option for large-scale projects.

These properties make ferrous metals versatile and reliable, although considerations like rust prevention and magnetic interference must be addressed for certain applications.

Ferrous alloys - Composition and applications

Ferrous alloys are a subset of ferrous metals that combine iron with other elements to enhance specific properties. For example:

• Carbon steel: Combining iron with varying amounts of carbon results in materials ranging from mild steel to high-strength steel, which are used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications.

• Stainless steel: Adding chromium and nickel enhances corrosion resistance, making it suitable for medical, culinary, and architectural uses.

• Alloy steel: Elements like manganese, vanadium, and molybdenum are added to improve strength, hardness, and wear resistance; ideal for automotive and aerospace components.

These alloys are tailored to meet the demands of specific applications, offering versatility and reliability.

Differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals

The primary difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals lies in their composition. Ferrous metals contain significant amounts of iron, making them ferro-magnetic and prone to rust, while non-ferrous metals lack iron and offer superior corrosion resistance and lightweight properties. For example, stainless steel is ferrous but resists rust due to its chromium content, whereas aluminium, a non-ferrous metal, is lightweight and entirely rust-resistant.

When choosing between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, consider strength, corrosion resistance, weight, and cost factors. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on the application.