When purchasing various forms of scrap metal, there are two overarching categories: Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. What sets non-ferrous scrap metals apart is their lack of iron in any notable concentrations. This makes them more lightweight when compared to ferrous metals, with improved corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and no magnetic effect. The most typical forms of non-ferrous metals seen used in our daily lives include gold, lead, aluminum, zinc, titanium, silver, and bronze, with each offering unique advantages for several applications. Companies looking for non-ferrous metals to melt down and re-cast into new products rely on robust suppliers to deliver the exact product and quantities they need, when they need it. Here are some of the most common industries that use non-ferrous scrap metals on a routine basis.
Aerospace Industry
Being one of the most high-stakes industries around, it is vital that every part and component in aerospace equipment is sourced for its maximum performance and mobility. Since non-ferrous metals are exceptionally durable and lightweight, they can face the extreme conditions involved in space and air travel with ease. This makes it an easy choice for aerospace companies looking to produce parts and components that will be used on planes, ships, and other important equipment.
Any Industry that Relies on Scarce Metals
Some of the non-ferrous metals mentioned on this list are found in short-supply naturally on earth. This means it is costly, time-consuming, and damaging to our earth to mine them for human consumption. Some typical examples of these metals include gold, brass, titanium, copper, brass, and lead. By sourcing these metals in scrap form, companies can get the quantity of material they need quickly, at a fraction of the cost of newly mined metals. Considering the finite nature of these rare metals, and the great environmental impact mining for them has on our earth, recycling these metals for continued use is a necessary practice for long-term sustainability.
Additional Coating for Weaker Metals
For some weaker metals more susceptible to corrosion, temperature, pressure, and abrasion, non-ferrous metals can work as a great protective coating. Actively degrading when faced with adverse conditions, these coatings help preserve the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the original metal, and can be applied thinly, without adding bulk or thickness to the surface. Since some non-ferrous metals like tin are malleable and durable, they make for the perfect coatings for any surface shape.