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

5 Sep 2025

Metal’s metal, right? Not quite. If you've ever asked yourself “what is the difference between a ferrous and non-ferrous metal?” – you're not alone. Whether you're cutting steel tube, welding a frame or cladding a roof, understanding the meaning of non-ferrous metals (and ferrous ones) makes all the difference.

Here’s the no-nonsense guide to ferrous and non-ferrous. What's what, when to use which and how to tell them apart – fast.

Article in Brief

Ferrous metals contain iron. They’re strong, magnetic and used in heavy-duty jobs.

Non-ferrous metals don’t have iron – they’re rust-resistant, lighter and non-magnetic.

Common ferrous metals include mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and tool steel.

Common non-ferrous metals include aluminium, copper, brass, and zinc.

Choose ferrous for strength and structure and non-ferrous for corrosion resistance, wiring and lightweight or outdoor applications.

Ferrous alloys like carbon, stainless and alloy steel boost strength, hardness and rust resistance for specialised, high-performance applications.

1

What does ferrous and non-ferrous mean?

Let’s start simple. Ferrous metals contain iron. Non-ferrous metals don’t.

That’s the base rule. If the metal’s got iron at its core – like mild steel or cast iron – it’s ferrous. No iron? It’s non-ferrous. The difference might sound small, but it changes everything from how the metal behaves to where it's best used.

So, if you’ve ever Googled “what is the difference between ferrous and nonferrous”, or “what’s a non-ferrous metal”, this is the straight-talking answer.

2

What are ferrous materials?

Ferrous materials are metals with a high iron content. That iron makes them incredibly strong and ideal for structural jobs. They're the workhorses of the metal world.

Common ferrous metals:


  • Mild steel – Tough, affordable, used everywhere from buildings to brackets.
  • Bright mild steel – Clean finish, tighter tolerances. Great for precision jobs.
  • Stainless steel – Rust-resistant thanks to chromium, and looks smart.
  • Cast iron – Heavy, hard and perfect for compression-strength tasks.
  • Silver steel (tool steel) – High-carbon, hard as nails, made for cutting tools and dies.

Properties of ferrous metals


  • Strength – Built for load-bearing and tough environments.
  • Magnetism – Magnetism is handy for certain tools or electrical jobs. Most ferrous metals are magnetic, but not all. For example, stainless steel grades 304 and 316 are not magnetic.
  • Rust potential – They’ll rust unless protected or alloyed (like stainless).
  • Affordability – Mild steel’s cheap, available and easy to work with.

But not every job wants heavy and magnetic – which is where non-ferrous metals come in.

3

What’s a non-ferrous metal?

Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron. They don’t rust the same way, they’re lighter, and they don’t mess with magnets.

If you’re wondering “what’s non ferrous metal used for?”, the answer is loads – plumbing, electrics, roofing, transport, cookware and decorative work.

Common non-ferrous metals:


  • Aluminium – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant and widely used in construction and transport.
  • Copper – A top conductor, perfect for pipes, wiring and brewing gear.
  • Brass – Looks good, works well in plumbing and finishings.
  • Zinc & tin – Often used in coatings and alloys.
  • Titanium – Lightweight but incredibly strong – think aerospace or performance gear.

4

What is the difference between a ferrous and nonferrous metal?

Let’s break it down – no fluff.

  • Iron content

    • Ferrous metals: Yes

    • Non-ferrous metals: No

  • Rust resistance

    • Ferrous metals: Low (except stainless)

    • Non-ferrous metals: High

  • Magnetic?

    • Ferrous metals: Usually

    • Non-ferrous metals: No

  • Weight

    • Ferrous metals: Heavier

    • Non-ferrous metals: Often lighter

  • Strength

    • Ferrous metals: Very strong

    • Non-ferrous metals: Strong, depending on alloy

  • Cost

    • Ferrous metals: Usually cheaper

    • Non-ferrous metals: Often more expensive

  • Typical uses

    • Ferrous metals: Construction, structural, tools

    • Non-ferrous metals: Wiring, plumbing, roofing

5

Choosing the right metal for the job

Need raw strength? Use ferrous.
Need corrosion resistance or light weight? Go non-ferrous.

Choose ferrous for:


  • Structural frames and beams
  • Car chassis and engines
  • Tools, dies and machining
  • High-load or magnetic applications

Choose non-ferrous for:


  • Outdoor fixtures or marine use
  • Electrical wiring and cable
  • Lightweight frameworks
  • Plumbing, roofing and decorative metalwork

The key is knowing your end use – and what your metal will face out in the wild.

Ferrous alloys: Engineered to perform


Some ferrous metals are alloyed to improve performance – adding elements like carbon, chromium or nickel. These alloys are everywhere.

  • Carbon steel – From mild to high-strength grades, used in everything from rebar to knives.
  • Stainless steel – Chromium protects against rust. Ideal for food-safe, hygienic or outdoor jobs.
  • Alloy steel – Extra elements like molybdenum or vanadium boost wear resistance – used in aerospace, engines and power tools.

Ferrous alloys give you more control over how the metal behaves – strength, rust resistance, hardness – you name it.

Buy ferrous and non-ferrous metals online

  Whether you’re after ferrous metals like mild steel, non-ferrous metals like aluminium or not sure what suits your job best, we’ve got it in stock and ready to cut. To top it off, we offer unlimited free cutting on most of our products, so you only pay for what you need – and your metal will be ready to use when it arrives.

  No faff. No hidden fees. Just the metal you need, when you need it.

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