Metals are an essential component in many industries and are used in a wide range of products and applications. While metal is an important component in our everyday life, without proper recycling, it can be a big strain on our environment. At Harmon Scrap Metal, we know the ins and outs of recycling metal and offer that knowledge to you.
There are two main categories that scrap metal falls into – ferrous and non-ferrous metal. Knowing what kind of metal you are dealing with is an important part of the recycling process as each offers different traits.
What Are Ferrous Metals?
Ferrous metals are iron-based and contain iron as the main component. Some of the most common examples of ferrous metals include steel and cast iron. They have a high tensile strength and level of durability making them perfect for things like construction, piping, and industrial needs.
What Are Non-Ferrous Metals?
Non-ferrous metals, as the name suggests, do not contain iron as their main component. Some of the most common examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, and lead. These metals are lighter and more easily manipulated than ferrous metals. This makes them ideal for industries like the airline industry that needs strength but also needs to remain light and flexible.
Differences between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
- Chemical Composition: Ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals do not.
- Magnetic Properties: Ferrous metals are magnetic, while non-ferrous metals are not.
- Rusting: Ferrous metals are prone to rusting, while non-ferrous metals are not.
- Density: Ferrous metals are denser than non-ferrous metals.
- Conductivity: Ferrous metals have low electrical and thermal conductivity compared to non-ferrous metals.
- Cost: Ferrous metals are generally less expensive than non-ferrous metals.
- Recycling: Ferrous metals are easier to recycle than non-ferrous metals.
Recycling Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are among the easiest metals to recycle because they are magnetic and can be easily separated from other materials using magnetic separators.
When recycling your ferrous metals with us at Harmon Scrap Metal the vehicle that is carrying the metal will be weighed and scanned for radiation. You can then leave your ferrous metals with us and receive payment for your metal. We will then begin the important process of recycling your metal which typically involves melting down the metal, removing any impurities, and then molding it into new products.
The recycling of ferrous metals has a significant impact on the environment as it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Ferrous metals are generally less expensive than non-ferrous metals, which makes them a more cost-effective option for many applications. However, the price of ferrous metals can fluctuate due to changes in demand and supply, as well as other factors such as the price of raw materials. Your compensation will depend on these factors and what that market is doing on that day.
Recycling Non-Ferrous Metals
Recycling non-ferrous metals can be more challenging than recycling ferrous metals due to the difficulty in separating them from other materials. The recycling process typically involves a series of steps such as collection, sorting, and melting. The first step involves collecting non-ferrous metals, which is where Harmon Scrap Metal comes in.
When you bring your non-ferrous metals to Harmon Scrap Metal you will bring them into our non-ferrous building. The collected metals are then sorted based on their type and grade. They will then be weighed and you will be compensated.
The next step involves melting the metals, which is usually done in a furnace. During the melting process, impurities are removed and the metal is molded into new products. The final step involves quality control, where the recycled metal is checked for its composition, strength, and other properties.
Non-ferrous metals are generally more expensive than ferrous metals, which makes them a more cost-effective option for high-end applications that require specific properties such as high conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Just like ferrous metals, the price of non-ferrous metals can also fluctuate due to changes in demand and supply, as well as other factors such as the price of raw materials. These factors will determine your compensation.
Helping You Help the World
In conclusion, ferrous and non-ferrous metals have distinct properties, recycling processes, and monetary values. Ferrous metals are iron-based and are easy to recycle, while non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are more difficult to recycle. Regardless of what you’re bringing in, though, recycling metals helps to conserve natural resources and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
At Harmon Scrap Metal we love our community and believe that one of the best ways to improve our environment is to properly recycle the materials that we use everyday. When it comes to your scrap metal, let us help you help the world.