FERROUS

WHAT IS A FERROUS METAL?

Ferrous is used to indicate the presence of iron (FE). The word is derived from the Latin word ferrum (“iron”). Ferrous metals include steel, pig iron and alloys of iron including stainless steel. Ferrous metal is magnetic.

FERROUS METALS LIST

Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is made with less than 0.008% carbon and since it is almost 100% pure iron, it is very resistant to rust and oxidation. Wrought iron is strong, hard, fibrous and malleable which makes it is easy to weld, plate, and machine.

Mild Steel
Mild steel is the most abundant of the ferrous metals. Containing between 0.15% and 0.30% carbon, mild steel can only be case hardened; additionally it is pliable and it bends without great resistance.

Carbon Steel
Carbon steel, also known as tool or cast steel, is an iron alloy with 0.5% to 1.5% carbon. The carbon steel is hard and it can be tempered to make it harder. When tempered with proper heating and cooling, carbon steel forms a smooth skin of black oxide becoming extremely hard and brittle.

Cast Iron
Cast iron is a frequently used ferrous metal. It is created by adding between 2% and 6% carbon to iron and is resistant to corrosion and compression. It is extremely hard and strong, making it very brittle.

Cast iron is generally classified as one of the following:

• Gray cast iron
• Malleable cast iron
• White cast iron

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy that includes iron, nickel and chromium. Stainless steel has high resistance to corrosion and stains.

Roswell Recycling Center, does not buy stolen materials. New Mexico and Federal laws require identification be verified for sale of scrap metals – please present a valid government ID to the buyer prior to unloading material. A copy of your ID will be made at time of payment.