If you’re choosing a metal for parts or products, start here. Ferrous metals are iron-based (steels and cast irons). Non-ferrous metals have a non-iron base (aluminum, copper alloys—brass/bronze—zinc, magnesium, titanium, nickel). That simple split drives big changes in weight, corrosion behavior, magnetism, conductivity, cost, and manufacturing process fit.
- Need light weight + corrosion resistance? → Non-ferrous (Al/Mg).
- Need highest strength at the best raw cost? → Ferrous (steels).
- Need fine details at volume? → Non-ferrous (zinc via high-pressure die casting).
- Need magnetic response? → Ferrous.
- Need high-temperature strength? → Ferrous alloys or nickel-based non-ferrous (not die-cast).
What “ferrous” and “non-ferrous” actually mean
Ferrous (from ferrum, iron): metals where iron is the main element—carbon steels, alloy steels (Cr-Mo, Ni-Cr), stainless steels, cast irons (gray, ductile). Most are magnetic, dense (~7.8 g/cc) and will red-rust unless protected, yet they offer high strength and excellent weldability at low raw material cost.
Non-ferrous: metals whose base is not iron—aluminum, copper alloys (brass/bronze), zinc, magnesium, titanium, nickel. They don’t red-rust, are often lighter (Al ~2.7 g/cc; Mg ~1.8 g/cc), and many are non-magnetic with high thermal/electrical conductivity. Several fit high-pressure die casting (HPDC) very well (Al/Zn/Mg).
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Ferrous metals (iron-based) | Non-ferrous metals (iron-free base) | What it means for your part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | Higher (~7.8 g/cc) | Lower (Al ~2.7; Mg ~1.8; Zn ~7.1) | Weight savings with Al/Mg; Zn is heavier but casts tiny features |
| Corrosion | Red rust unless protected | No red rust; protective oxides (Al/Mg/Ti) | Lower maintenance with the right finish |
| Magnetism | Often magnetic | Usually non-magnetic (Cu/Al/Mg/Zn) | Safer near sensors, MRI, EMI |
| Conductivity | Moderate (steels) | High for Cu/Al; moderate for others | Better heat/electric paths |
| Strength & raw cost | Very high strength at low cost | Strength varies; raw cost higher | Total cost = material + process + yield |
| Process fit | Roll/form/weld; cast irons work well in sand | HPDC excels for Al/Zn/Mg | Near-net shapes and fine details |
| Aesthetics | Paint/plate | Anodize/powder/plate; premium cosmetic options | Better perceived quality and feel |
Examples of ferrous vs non-ferrous metals common uses
Ferrous (iron-based) examples
- Carbon steel (mild to high-carbon): frames, brackets, shafts, fasteners.
- Alloy steel (Cr-Mo, Ni-Cr): gears, axles, tooling.
- Stainless steel (304/316/430/410): food equipment, medical, decorative hardware.
- Cast iron (gray/ductile): engine blocks, housings, machine bases, pipes.
Non-ferrous examples
- Aluminum (A380/A360/AlSi10Mg/356/357): housings, covers, heat-sink parts, brackets.
- Copper alloys (brass C26000/C36000; bronze C83600/C93200/C95400): fittings, bushings, marine hardware, decorative parts.
- Zinc (Zamak 3/5/7; ZA-8/12/27): tiny, precise components, hinges, latches, bezels.
- Magnesium (AZ91D/AM60B/AE44): ultra-light structural castings, steering wheels, device shells.
- Titanium (Grade 2/5): aerospace, medical implants (not die-cast).
- Nickel alloys (Inconel 625/718, Hastelloy): hot-zone and chemical-service parts (investment cast/forged).
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals category use guide
Choose ferrous when you need very high structural strength at low raw cost, stiffness for long spans, wear/heat resistance (tool steels, cast irons), magnetism (transformer cores, fixturing), or when welding/rolling/forming is the main route.
Choose non-ferrous when you need low mass and corrosion resistance (Al/Mg), excellent conductivity (Cu/Al busbars, heat sinks), or very fine features at volume—zinc in particular shines in HPDC for small, precise parts; aluminum HPDC shines for thin-wall housings.
Casting, welding, machining: process fit at a glance
| Process | Ferrous fit | Non-ferrous fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) | Rare | Excellent for Al/Zn/Mg | Thin walls, integrated details, repeatability |
| Sand / Investment casting | Cast irons, steels | Cu/Ti/Ni families too | Flexible alloy coverage; slower takt |
| Gravity / Permanent mold | Cast irons | Some Al and ZA | Good integrity, coarser features |
| Welding / forming | Steels excel | Al/Mg weldable with care | Choose fillers/heat input carefully |
| Machining | Broad | Broad | Zn/Al machine easily; steels need correct tooling |
| Forging | Steels excel | Ti/Cu/Al also forged | Directional properties, high strength |
People Also Ask
Is stainless steel non-ferrous?
No. Stainless steels are ferrous (iron-based) with chromium and other elements for corrosion resistance. Some grades are less magnetic (austenitic 300 series), but they are still ferrous.
Which metals are magnetic?
Most ferrous steels and irons. Among non-ferrous metals, magnetism is unusual (nickel-based alloys can show magnetic behavior depending on grade/heat treatment).
Do non-ferrous metals corrode?
Yes—just not by red rust. Aluminum, magnesium, and titanium form protective oxides; copper alloys tarnish or patinate. Use anodize/powder on Al, conversion + powder on Mg, and plating/powder on Zn where needed.
What are 5 examples of ferrous metals?
Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, gray iron, ductile iron.
What are 5 examples of non-ferrous metals?
Aluminum, copper (and brass/bronze), zinc, magnesium, titanium.
Is gold ferrous or non-ferrous?
Non-ferrous. Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) are iron-free bases.
Which lasts longer outdoors—ferrous or non-ferrous?
With proper finishing, both can last. In coastal or corrosive conditions, non-ferrous (Al/bronze) plus the right coating often reduces maintenance.
Is stainless steel 304 magnetic? Why do some magnets stick?
304 is generally austenitic (low magnetism), but cold work or welds can introduce magnetic phases. 430 (ferritic) is more magnetic; 316 (molybdenum-bearing) improves chloride resistance with similar magnetism behavior to 304.
Ferrous vs non-ferrous: which is cheaper?
Raw steel is usually cheaper per kg than non-ferrous. But your total cost depends on process and yield. For thin-wall, detailed parts, aluminum or zinc HPDC can beat fabricated steel on piece cost + assembly elimination.
Which metals are best for die casting?
Aluminum, zinc, and magnesium. Iron/steel are almost never HPDC materials.
We manufacture aluminum die-cast parts on 800–2000-ton HPDC cells (A380, A360, A383, A413, AlSi10Mg, 319, 390). We control surface prep (bead or AO blasting with documented PSI/grit), apply powder coat or anodize, and certify with CMM and material traceability.
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