Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal? The answer comes down to iron, a material that makes up a good chunk of the Earth’s crust. Ferrous metals contain iron as a major component, whereas non-ferrous metals have little to no iron content.

In terms of mass, iron is the most common element on Earth, and it has been used by humans for millennia. The earliest iron artifacts, hammered meteoric iron beads, can be traced to the 4th millennium BC in Egypt, and two thousand years later the production of iron from ores was widespread. Not only does iron have lots of desirable properties, it is also very cheap, making it one of the most useful metals on the planet.

Metals that contain iron as their primary component are known as ferrous metals, from the Latin word “ferrum.” (Iron has the chemical symbol “Fe.”) This is a useful categorization, because ferrous metals behave quite differently to non-ferrous metals—those that do not contain significant amounts of iron.

As well being more affordable than non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals are characterized by their magnetism, strength, and durability. Because of this, they are widely used in areas like construction and manufacturing.

This article explains the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, with examples. It looks at the main properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as their main uses across different industries.

What Are Ferrous Metals?

Ferrous metals are metals or alloys that contain iron as their primary component. This means that these metals contain more iron than any other element, although some contain less than 50 percent. The term “ferrous” comes from the Latin word for iron, “ferrum.”

While the presence of iron is what defines ferrous metals, their cultural impact is as important as their chemistry. In the context of human history, ferrous metals can be thought of as the materials that have underpinned the development of infrastructure, machines, and tools. Their adoption by ancient civilizations as materials for tools and weapons brought about the Iron Age, the last of the three Metal Ages.

In the subsections below, we will explore the chemical and mechanical properties of ferrous metals, along with descriptions of the most important ferrous metals available to manufacturers today.

Properties of Ferrous Metals

You can find ferrous metals in all kinds of critical components and structures like architectural beams and heavy machinery. This is thanks to their desirable combination of mechanical, chemical, and magnetic properties. Although these properties vary depending on the specific metal or alloy, ferrous metals are generally identifiable by the set of core material properties explored below.

Strength and Hardness

Perhaps the single most important property of ferrous metals—and the reason for their ubiquity in industrial applications—is their strength. When alloyed with carbon and other elements, iron gains a very high level of tensile strength and hardness (even though it is relatively soft on its own). This is because the added carbon atoms hinder dislocation movement, slotting into the spaces within iron’s crystal lattice and turning it into steel.

Different ferrous metals demonstrate different types of strength. For example, carbon steel is used in applications like structural beams and machinery parts due to its ability to withstand heavy loads without deforming. Cast iron, meanwhile, is more brittle but makes a good material for machinery and cookware components because it exhibits very good compressive strength.

Magnetism

Another key trait of ferrous metals is their magnetism. The unpaired electrons within iron atoms align their spins, which produces a specific type of magnetism called ferromagnetism. In simple terms, ferromagnetism results in a strong attraction between objects, as opposed to the weak attraction caused by paramagnetism or the weak repulsion caused by diamagnetism.

This magnetism is at its strongest in pure iron and low-carbon alloys. Conversely, alloying with certain elements can drastically reduce the magnetism of ferrous metals. For example, austenitic stainless steels contain enough nickel to prevent electrons from aligning and creating a strong magnetic field, making the materials non-ferromagnetic.

Magnetism makes certain ferrous metals highly desirable for industrial systems like transformers, motors, and generators. It also makes these materials easier to recycle: magnets can quickly separate steel and iron scrap from non-recyclable waste, eliminating the need for manual sorting, lowering recovery costs.

Susceptibility to Corrosion

From an engineering standpoint, the most important negative trait of ferrous metals is their poor corrosion resistance. Iron reacts with oxygen and water to produce hydrated iron oxides—rust, in layman’s terms. These oxides flake away from the surface of the metal, exposing a new layer that is itself susceptible to further oxidation.

This poor resistance to corrosion makes ferrous metals a poor choice for many outdoor and marine applications. However, resistance can be improved by deploying certain techniques, such as:

• Protective coatings like paint, enamel, or epoxy
• Galvanization or zinc coating
• Alloying with elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum

One of the most corrosion-resistant ferrous metals is stainless steel. This material gains its rust resistance from its alloying with chromium, which creates a self-healing passive oxide layer. One of the most corrosion-resistant grades of stainless steel is 316 stainless steel, which benefits from additional alloying with molybdenum. This alloy is sometimes known as marine-grade stainless steel.

Density and Weight

Ferrous metals are typically dense and heavy—iron has a room temperature density of 7.874 g/cm³—and this characteristic can have both positive and negative consequences. In areas like construction and shipbuilding, the heaviness of steel is an advantage, providing mass and stability to prevent structures from collapsing. Steel is the not-so-secret ingredient behind massive structures like bridges and skyscrapers, where weight provides safety (and no obvious disadvantage, since the structures do not need to be moved).

That being said, the weight of ferrous metals makes them unsuitable for certain applications. In industries like aerospace, strength must be balanced with weight reduction to reduce fuel consumption, so heavier metals like steels are typically replaced by lightweight (non-ferrous) alternatives like titanium. In portable electronics, consumers do not want heavy objects in their pockets or backpacks, no matter the strength benefits.

Conductivity

Ferrous metals can conduct heat and electricity, though to a lesser degree than non-ferrous metals. Generally, ferrous metals exhibit a higher level of electrical resistivity, making them unsuitable materials for wiring and circuitry. Nonetheless, a moderate level of conductivity makes ferrous metals useful for parts like heating elements and structural components of motors.

The thermal and electrical conductivity of ferrous metals varies depending on the alloying elements. For example, some of the stainless steels discussed above—prized for their improved corrosion resistance that makes them useful in outdoor applications—typically exhibit lower conductivity than carbon steels.

Malleability

The malleability and ductility of ferrous metals varies widely—largely because this characteristic is dependent on the carbon content of the metal rather than the iron content, as well as other factors like microstructure and how much processing they have undergone.

At one end of the spectrum, wrought iron and mild steels are very malleable and can therefore be formed in to sheet metal or wire without breaking. Since these metals can be formed into different shapes, they are good materials for forging, extrusion, stamping, and other manufacturing processes. At the other end of the spectrum, high-carbon steels and cast irons are more brittle and can crack under deformation, making them better suited to manufacturing processes like sand casting.

Ferrous Metals Examples

The most common examples of ferrous metals include carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron, wrought iron, and stainless steel. Ferrous metals represent a narrower category than non-ferrous metals. Most are types of iron or steel (an alloy of iron and carbon). However, grades and alloys of these materials can vary widely; for example, alloy steel broadly refers to any steel with other elements added to improve its material properties.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a strong and cost-effective material that can be easily machined or welded into structural and mechanical parts, making it widely used in construction and machinery.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel offers enhanced strength and heat resistance through the addition of alloying elements, making it suitable for tools, pipelines, and other high-stress applications.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is known for its hardness and high compressive strength, though it is brittle; it is typically cast into complex shapes such as engine blocks, pipes, and cookware.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is tough, ductile, and easily shaped by forging or rolling, making it ideal for decorative gates, railings, and architectural details.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel combines strength with excellent corrosion resistance and hygiene, making it suitable for medical devices, kitchenware, and food processing equipment.

The table below shows a brief list of ferrous metals.

Applications of Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are used in a number of industries due to their abundance, low cost, and strength. Some of the common applications of ferrous metals are shown below, sorted by industry:

• Construction and Infrastructure: Iron-based metals have many uses across construction, architecture, and infrastructure. For instance, carbon steel is a key material for structural beams and columns, rebar (to reinforce concrete structures), and sections of bridges and railway tracks. Cast iron and some types of steel are used in plumbing systems, while decorative gates and railways may be made from wrought iron.
• Automotive: Both carbon and alloy steels can be used in automotive parts like car frames and chassis, while certain alloy steels such as high-strength 4140 (Ni-Cr steel) can be made into components like gears and shafts. Corrosion-resistant stainless steel may be used for parts like exhaust components.
• Machinery: Heavy machinery, tools, and other industrial equipment often feature ferrous metal components. Machine frames can be made from carbon steel and cast iron, while cutting tools and drills may be made from high-carbon steels and certain alloy steels. High-Speed Steel (HSS), especially molybdenum and tungsten types, possess the required hardness, temperature resistance, and wear resistance for cutting tools. Presses, turbines, and agricultural equipment can also be made from ferrous metals.
• Energy: In energy and utilities, you can find carbon steel in transmission towers and pylons, oil and gas pipelines, and wind turbine towers. Stainless steels may be used in power plant structures like boilers and chimneys.
• Healthcare: Medical uses of stainless steel are fairly broad, spanning surgical instruments, surgical trays, containers, dental tools, general hospital equipment, and orthopedic implants like bone plates. Other ferrous metals are generally unsuitable for such applications to their vulnerability to oxidation, which would pose a health risk.
• Consumer Goods: Consumer goods manufactured from ferrous metals include cast iron and stainless steel cookware, stainless steel kitchen appliances and cutlery, steel hand tools, and carbon steel furniture frames.

What Are Non-Ferrous Metals?

We’ve seen what ferrous metals are all about, but what is non-ferrous metal? Non-ferrous metals are types of metals or alloys for which iron is not the primary component. In practice, non-ferrous metals tend to contain little or no iron at all, although by definition they could contain any amount up to 50 percent. Because ferrous metals are defined by what they lack rather than what they possess, the category is quite broad.

We have discussed the important role of ferrous metals throughout human history, but non-ferrous metals can claim to have had just as much impact. After all, the Copper Age and Bronze Age laid the foundations for the Iron Age. However, while ferrous metals became a key part of human civilization thanks to their abundance, many non-ferrous metals became important due to their scarcity. For example, silver and gold only became a form of currency due to their relative rarity compared to other metals.

In the following subsections, we will look more closely at the material characteristics of non-ferrous metals, as well as comparing some of the main non-ferrous metal examples such as aluminum, copper, and precious metals.

Properties of Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals, defined by their lack of significant iron content, offer a different set of material properties to ferrous metals. However, the broad nature of this category means that properties can vary greatly between different non-ferrous metals. Overall, non-ferrous metals are known for their corrosion resistance, conductivity, and lighter weight compared to ferrous metals.

Strength and Hardness

Non-ferrous metals are a mixed bag when it comes to strength and hardness, which contrasts with the consistent strength of ferrous metals. Some pure non-ferrous metals like aluminum are relatively soft but can be strengthened through alloying and heat treatment. Aluminum alloys like 7068 and 7075 are used in aircraft, exhibiting excellent strength and corrosion resistance.

Some non-ferrous metals are known for their low levels of strength and hardness. These include tin, lead, and zinc. At the other end of the spectrum, titanium offers a level of strength comparable to certain steels but with a far more desirable strength-to-weight ratio, making it an essential material in fields like aerospace and healthcare, where it is used to make custom bodily implants.

Magnetism

While non-ferrous metals show few clear patterns when it comes to strength and hardness, they all basically follow suit when it comes to magnetism. Non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic, which makes them ideal candidates for manufacturing applications where magnetism presents a risk. Examples include hospital MRI machines and sensitive electronic systems, for which materials like titanium and aluminum are particularly useful.

This lack of magnetism becomes something of a disadvantage during recycling. Unlike ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals cannot be sorted at scale by industrial magnets, which increases recovery costs. However, many non-ferrous metals do recycle well once they have been sorted, retaining their material properties even after melting.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is one of the biggest reasons to choose non-ferrous metals over ferrous metals. Unlike iron, which rusts and degrades upon exposure to oxygen and water, many non-ferrous metals can defend themselves well against these corrosive elements, typically without the need for a protective coating.

Non-ferrous metals protect themselves from corrosion in various unique ways. Many non-ferrous metals can be anodized or otherwise surface-coated to enhance their appearance. For example, copper develops its distinctive green patina (copper carbonate), preventing further oxidation, while aluminum forms a thin oxide layer that resists attack. This process can be induced in a controlled manner via a surface finishing treatment called anodizing. Titanium produces a highly stable oxide film that resists acids, seawater, and bodily fluids.

The excellent corrosion resistance of non-ferrous metals makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including marine environments, roofing, cladding, chemical plants, and biomedical devices and implants.

Density and Weight

Broadly speaking, non-ferrous metals have a very low density compared to ferrous metals. For example, aluminum has a density of 2.7 g/cm³, around one third that of steel. Titanium has a slightly higher density of around 4.5 g/cm³ (still far less than steel) but is very strong, making it a preferred material in industries like aerospace. Materials like copper are heavier but contain other desirable properties so are used for other applications such as electrical systems.

Conductivity

Electrical and thermal conductivity are notable properties of non-ferrous metals. Copper is the standout, offering excellent electrical conductivity that makes it the go-to material for wiring and other parts. Aluminum offers about 60 percent the conductivity of copper but has numerous applications (lightweight cables and overhead power lines, for example) due to its balance of good conductivity and low density. Silver is the top electrical conductor of all metals, but its cost restricts its use; you can find it in parts like high-frequency connectors and solar cells.

In terms of thermal conductivity, non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum are good materials for applications like heat exchangers, radiators, and cookware. As with electrical conductivity, silver is the top performer among all metals, with a conductivity of 429 W/(m·K), but its high cost limits it to specific applications like high-end cooling systems.

Malleability

Most non-ferrous metals are malleable and ductile—more so than ferrous metals. Most can be formed in various ways (rolling, drawing, etc.) without cracking. This is particularly useful for materials like copper, which is regularly drawn into fine wires for electrical purposes, and aluminum, which is often sold as a thin foil. The malleability of non-ferrous metals makes them versatile in terms of manufacturing methods and their eventual end use.

Non-Ferrous Metals Examples

Typical non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper and tin, brass, bronze, zinc, lead, nickel, titanium, and precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Many metals can be classified as non-ferrous, and these metals can have quite different material properties and uses. For example, the real-world uses of aluminum could hardly be further apart from those of, say, gold. Nonetheless, these materials do share common properties such as a lack of ferromagnetism and a generally good level of corrosion resistance compared to ferrous metals.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that is easy to machine and form, making it ideal for use in transportation, packaging, and aerospace components.

Copper

Copper offers excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and is highly ductile, making it a primary material for wiring, plumbing, and electronic components.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is known for its machinability and attractive appearance; it is commonly used in fixtures, valves, and musical instruments.

Bronze

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, provides high strength and wear resistance, making it suitable for bearings, fittings, and mechanical components.

Zinc

Zinc has a low melting point and is easily cast, often used in die casting, galvanizing, and corrosion protection coatings.

Lead

Lead is a dense, soft, and malleable metal that offers excellent shielding against radiation, commonly applied in batteries, cable sheathing, and protective barriers.

Nickel

Nickel is valued for its strength, corrosion resistance, and heat tolerance, and is widely used in plating, alloy production, and high-temperature equipment.

Titanium

Titanium combines exceptional strength with low weight and biocompatibility, making it essential for aerospace components, medical implants, and high-performance engineering.

Gold

Gold is highly ductile and an excellent electrical conductor, prized for its resistance to tarnish and use in jewelry, electronics, and precision connectors.

Silver

Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, serving key roles in electronics, solar panels, and fine jewelry.

Platinum

Platinum is dense, corrosion-resistant, and highly catalytic, making it valuable for automotive catalysts, laboratory equipment, and luxury jewelry.

The table below shows a brief list of non-ferrous metals.

*Prices from Daily Metal Price, October 2025

Applications of Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals have a wide range of uses across industries, from titanium jet engine parts to copper wiring to gold electrical contacts. Non-ferrous metals’ practical uses may be determined by their strength, conductivity, workability, or other factors. Common non-ferrous metal applications are listed below:

• Aerospace: Certain non-ferrous metals like aluminum and titanium are widely used in aerospace and aviation due to their good strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to heat and corrosion. High-strength aluminum alloys like 7075 and 7068 are common, while certain grades of titanium like Ti-6Al-4V can be found in jet engines, landing gear, and other components. Other aerospace non-ferrous metals include Inconel 718 and 625.
• Electrical and Electronics: The high electrical conductivity of certain non-ferrous metals makes them important materials in this field. Copper is a workhorse material for wiring, busbars, and other components, while aluminum may be used for overhead power lines due to its lower weight. Brass and bronze may be used for parts like connectors, while precious metals like gold and silver are excellent conductors and can be found in contacts and other small, high-performance components.
• Construction: Most people think of ferrous metals like steel as the backbone of large structures, but non-ferrous materials like aluminum are used for parts like window frames and curtain wall systems. Roofing, which must be weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant, can contain aluminum, copper, zinc, and other materials. Copper may be used for plumbing, cladding, and decorative facades, while bronze and brass excel for decorative details.
• Marine: Since ferrous metals are prone to rust, they are typically poor choices for water-based applications. In the marine industry, non-ferrous metals like aluminum bronze C95400 are ideal for propellers, pumps, and the like. Copper-nickel alloys make suitable seawater piping, while titanium and nickel-copper alloys like Monel 400 are also good at combatting the corrosive effects of seawater.
• Healthcare: Non-ferrous metals exhibit better corrosion resistance than ferrous metals, making them suitable for certain medical uses. Biocompatible titanium grades like Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb are extremely effective materials for implants and can be also be used for surgical tools. Materials like copper and silver are prized for their antimicrobial properties, making them good materials for coatings.
• Consumer Goods: In the broad area of consumer goods, non-ferrous metals have applications spanning jewelry and currency (precious metals like gold and silver), musical instruments (brass), and packaging (aluminum).

Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals Comparison Table

In short, the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals lies not only in iron content but also in performance trade-offs. Ferrous metals deliver strength and low cost, while non-ferrous metals offer light weight and corrosion resistance—each suited to specific manufacturing needs.

Manufacturing with Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Engineers must consider the manufacturability of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, in addition to their other material properties. For example, non-ferrous metals tend to be better candidates for processes like extrusion and die casting, as they are more ductile and have lower working temperatures.

• Machining: Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals are suitable for CNC machining. The process is ideal for ferrous metals like cast iron and non-ferrous metals like aluminum and brass. Harder metals like titanium and nickel superalloys require specials considerations to minimize tool wear.
• Extrusion and Die Casting: Non-ferrous metals are better candidates for processes like extrusion and die casting due to their superior ductility and lower melting points (with a few exceptions), with alloys like aluminum 6061 and 6063 being some of the easier materials to work with. Some steels can be extruded.
• Sheet Metal Fabrication: Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be processed as sheet metal and subject to sheet metal prototyping processes like rolling and stamping. Ideal ferrous metals include carbon steel and stainless steel, while popular non-ferrous sheet metals include aluminum 5052 and 3003.
• 3D Printing: Metal additive manufacturing processes like DMLS/SLM can process a number of metals, ferrous and non-ferrous. The most common ferrous metal powders for the process are 17-4 PH and 316L stainless steels, while manufacturers also produce printable powders from non-ferrous metals and alloys like aluminum, titanium, cobalt chrome, and Inconel.

As a trusted prototyping and manufacturing partner, 3ERP has many years of experience working with ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We provide a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, whether you need a machined steel prototype or a large order of aluminum die castings, we can fulfill your needs today..

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are ferrous metals magnetic? And are non-ferrous metals magnetic?

Ferrous metals are magnetic. Iron has multiple unpaired electrons whose spins aligns to create a magnetic field. In fact, ferromagnetism is a specific kind of magnetism associated with iron, cobalt, and nickel that allows these metals to form a permanent magnet.

Non-ferrous metals generally lack magnetic properties. They neither exhibit strong attraction to magnets nor retain magnetism after exposure, meaning they are typically non-magnetic and show only weak effects such as paramagnetism.

How much iron does a metal need to be classed as ferrous?

Only materials containing more iron than any other element are classified as ferrous metals. Some non-ferrous metals contain small amounts of iron; for example, some aluminum bronze alloys can contain up to 6 percent iron.

Are ferrous metals easier to recycle than non-ferrous metals?

Ferrous materials are easier to sort from waste due to their magnetism, and they can generally be melted down without losing strength. Non-ferrous metals are harder to sort but they are often more valuable than ferrous metals in scrap form.

Why are non-ferrous metals more expensive than ferrous metals?

Non-ferrous metals tend to command a higher price than ferrous metals because they are less abundant and can be harder to extract and refine. They also offer valuable properties like corrosion resistance and a low weight.

Where does the word “ferrous” come from?

The word “ferrous” comes from the Latin word for iron, which is “ferrum.” The chemical symbol for iron is Fe.