Ferrous Metals List

Chemical elements are broadly classified into two major groups, metals and non-metals. This classification is based on the various properties of chemical elements including appearance, density, melting and boiling points, heat and electrical conductivity and chemical reactivity. Metals are chemical elements that are good conductors of heat as well as electricity, malleable and ductile and have lustrous appearance. They have moderate to high physical constants and high tensile strength. Metals are further divided into two main groups - ferrous and non ferrous metals. In this article, we shall learn about the properties and uses of ferrous metals. A ferrous metals list will help us to understand the properties of different examples of ferrous metals.

The term 'ferrous' comes from a Latin word ferrum, meaning 'containing iron'. Hence, ferrous metals are all those metals that contain iron. Ferrous metals may contain small amounts of other elements such as carbon or nickel, in a specific proportion, that are added to achieve the desired properties. All the ferrous metals are generally magnetic and have high tensile strength.

List of Ferrous Metals

Following is a list of ferrous metals that gives the composition, properties and uses of the different ferrous alloys.

Mild Steel
Mild steel is the most commonly used ferrous metal. It contains about 0.15 to 0.30% carbon and the rest is iron. As mild steel has a low carbon content, it cannot be hardened and tempered, however, it can be case hardened. It is malleable and ductile and bends easily. Mild steel is used in the manufacture of nuts, screws, bolts, girders and other general metal products.

Carbon Steel
Carbon steel, also known as tool steel or cast steel, is an iron alloy with 0.5 to 1.5% carbon. The major property of carbon steel is its toughness. It can be hardened and tempered and is fairly ductile. Carbon steel is mainly used in the manufacture of tools like drills, chisels, shears and hammer heads. It has a smooth skin of black oxide and becomes hard and brittle on heating.

Cast Iron
Cast iron is another commonly used ferrous metal. It is made up of 2 to 6% of carbon and 94 to 98% of iron. It is hard and strong but quite brittle. Cast iron has a high compressive strength and is resistant to oxidation. It can be classified into different varieties like gray cast iron, malleable cast iron and white cast iron. Cast iron is normally used in the manufacture of heavy crushing machinery, machine tool parts, brake drums, car cylinder blocks, machine handles and gear wheels, plumbing material, etc.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, also known as corrosion steel, is an alloy of iron, nickel and chromium. The important property of stainless steel is its high resistance to corrosion. It is tough and resistant to stains, hence, called stainless steel. It is commonly used in kitchen cutlery and cookware, medical instruments, kitchen draining boards and pipes.

Wrought Iron
Wrought iron contains less than 0.008% carbon. As it is almost 100% pure iron, it is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It is strong and tough, yet, fibrous and ductile. Wrought iron can be welded, machined and plated easily. It is used to make ornamental gates and railings.

This was all about ferrous metals examples. Because of their unique properties, ferrous metals have a wide range of applications.