Non Ferrous Metal

Use of Non Ferrous Metals in Precision Presswork & Tooling

Non Ferrous metals are those metals which does not contain iron . They are not magnetic and are usually more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals. Most commonly used non ferrous metals are Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Lead, Tin, Gilding Metal and Zinc.

Aluminium:

Aluminium is a widely used non ferrous metal. It is Grayish-White in colour, soft and malleable. This non ferrous metal is conductive to heat and electricity. It is corrosion resistant. Aluminium can be welded but this is difficult. Special processes need to be adopted in order to weld it properly. Due to its light weight, it is used in the manufacturing of aircrafts and boats. Its other uses are window frames, saucepans, packaging and insulation, pistons and cranks.

Aluminium alloys (Duraluminium):

Aluminium alloys (Duraluminium) is composed of Aluminium, Copper and Manganese. Its also Ductile, Malleable, Work Hardens. It is used in the manufacturing of aircrafts and vehicle parts.

Copper:

Copper is another very important pure non ferrous metal. Its red in colour, tough and ductile. It is very good electrical conductor and offers great resistance to corrosion. Copper can work hard or cold but it needs frequent annealing. Copper is mostly used in the manufacturing of electric wires, cables and conductors. Its other uses are water and central heating pipes and cylinders, Printed circuit boards and manufacturing of special roofs.

Brass:

Another important non ferrous metal is Brass which is not a pure metal but combination of Copper and Zinc. It contains 65% copper and 35% Zinc. This non ferrous metal is very corrosive, yellow in colour, tarnishes very easily. It is harder than copper and its good electrical conductor.

Lead:

Lead is a pure and an important non ferrous metal. It is the heaviest common metal. The other characteristics are its softness, malleability and brightness. It is shiny metal when new but quickly oxidizes to a dull grey. It has resistant to corrosion. Its uses are different than other non ferrous metals. It is used in protection against X-Ray machine, Paints, roof coverings, flashings etc.

Zinc:

Lead is also a pure and an important non ferrous metal. A layer of oxide protects it from corrosion. It is bluish-white in colour and easily worked. It is used to makes brass by mixing and processing with Copper. It is used as coating layer for steel galvanized corrugated iron roofing, tanks, buckets, rust-proof paints etc.

Tin:

Tin is a pure non ferrous metal. It is white in colour, soft and corrosion resistant. It is used in Tinplate and making bronze.

Gilding metal:

This non ferrous metal comprises of 85% copper and 15% zinc. It is corrosion resistant, golden in colour and enamels well. Its uses are Beaten metalwork and artificial jewellery manufacturing.