When it comes to mechanical engineering and steel fabrication, one of the most commonly asked questions from clients are ‘what is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?’ The experts at Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co., one of the most trusted contract manufacturing companies in Ontario, provide an explanation below. 

Ferrous Metals 

The main difference between ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals is the fact that ferrous metals contain iron and non-ferrous metals do not. Because of this, each type of metal has a number of specific applications to which they are better suited. Many ferrous metals, for example, provide superior durability and tensile strength, with the most common ferrous metals being alloy steel, carbon steel, cast iron and wrought iron. Ferrous metals are also magnetic. 

They are most commonly used in the construction industry and are also employed in the manufacture of things like cars, railroad tracks and more. The only down-side to ferrous metals is that they are quite vulnerable to corrosion due to their high carbon content (with the exception of stainless steel and wrought iron which are both rust-resistant). 

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are usually corrosion resistant and more malleable than ferrous metals. Gold, silver, tin, aluminum, copper, lead and zinc are all non-ferrous metals. 

Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and are often employed in the manufacture of electronics and wiring because of this. These types of metals are also often used to produce things like gutters, roofing, signage and liquid pipes. 

For more information about the different types of metals used by contract manufacturing companies, do not hesitate to get in touch with Rider Tool & Manufacturing Co.