Many people think all scrap metal is the same. But those who buy and sell metal and work at junkyards know differently. In the scrap metal industry, the main difference is between ferrous and non-ferrous metal. While there's a simple way to distinguish one category from the other, other aspects that separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals are not so clear-cut. Phipps Auto Parts, the non-ferrous metal recycling professionals in Goshen, OH, explains the differences between the two kinds of metal. 

What's the Difference Between Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metal?

Distinguishing Feature

Technically, the only difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is that metals in the former category contain iron while those in the latter do not. This makes distinguishing between them easy—in a strictly definitional sense. Separating them in person at the metal yard, on the other hand, can prove more challenging. 

What's What? 

That one category of metals contains iron and the other doesn't fails to tell us much. Generally, the ferrous metals include steel, iron, and all of their variations—such as stainless and mild steel and wrought iron. Meanwhile, non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminum, brass, and gold. 

Vulnerability to Rust

Because they don't contain any iron, non-ferrous metals like copper and brass don’t rust. This makes them a versatile metal that can be used for infrastructure that's regularly exposed to water, including pipes and gutters. Steel and iron alloys would simply rust too fast. 

Phipps Auto Parts is the top salvage yard in greater Goshen—and for good reason. The non-ferrous metal recycling professionals at Phipps pay cash for everything from old cars and car parts to scrap metal lying around in your garage and yard. The team can even come to your home to transport the metal themselves. Anyone with a photo ID can bring in their junk metal and exchange it for cash at Phipps. Visit the salvage yard's website to learn more about their non-ferrous metal recycling services, or call directly at (513) 722-2034.