Numerous industries. There are many different things. One point of attention.
Non-ferrous metals are metals without iron. All pure metals are non-ferrous except iron, which is also called ferrite from the Latin word for "iron.”
Non-ferrous metals are generally more expensive than ferrous metals, but they are used for their advantageous properties such as lightweight (aluminum), high conductivity (copper), non-magnetic properties, or resistance to corrosion (zinc). Some non-ferrous materials like bauxite are used for flux in blast furnaces in the iron and steel industries. Certain non-ferrous metals such as chromite, pyrolusite, and wolframite are used to make ferrous alloys. However, many non-ferrous metals have low melting points, which makes them unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
Non-ferrous metals are widely used for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. Proper material selection is vital to achieve the desired mechanical properties, including ease of shaping and resistance to alteration during processing.
Non-ferrous materials can exhibit properties similar to ferrous metals. For example, aluminium or titanium alloys can replace steel in some cases, and cobalt, nickel, or rare earth elements can mimic iron's magnetic properties when alloyed.
However, non-ferrous metals are more expensive than ferrous metals, so they are typically used for their unique attributes rather than as mere steel substitutes. These attributes include lighter weight, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and non-magnetic properties. Non-ferrous metals are also softer and more malleable than ferrous metals, making them ideal for aesthetic applications such as gold and silver.
00
USES AND PROPERTIES
Non-ferrous metals have a range of commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Material selection is important, taking into account mechanical properties such as malleability and whether they might change during the shaping process.
Non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum or titanium alloys, can often replace ferrous metals. However, non-ferrous metals tend to be more expensive. They are therefore used for their unique properties, including lighter weight, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and non-magnetic properties. Additionally, non-ferrous metals can provide aesthetic applications, such as gold and silver.
The properties of non-ferrous metals include easy fabrication, high corrosion resistance, good thermal and electrical conductivity, low density, non-magnetic properties, and a colorful appearance.
In August 1956, in Zaporizhzhia, on the basis of the Dnieper titanium-magnesium plant, which was under construction at that time, a branch of the State Special Design Institute was organized, designed to provide design and design documentation for the firstborn of the domestic titanium industry – the Dnipro titanium-mania plant. This date became the birthday of the Titanium Institute.
Currently, despite the difficulties in the work that our institute is subjected to, like many research and design organizations, the Titanium Institute is a powerful organization that is able to solve many difficult and complex problems in the development of technological processes and the design of industrial enterprises.
Non-Ferrous Metals and Casting
Metals can be cast into finished parts or intermediate forms like ingots before being shaped into desired forms. Non-ferrous metals respond more severely to these processes than ferrous materials, so the properties of cast or wrought forms of the same metal or alloy may differ.
Choosing the right metal is important for balancing performance with aesthetics, as it can impact production methods. While ferrous metals are typically chosen for castings, non-ferrous metals may be selected for properties like corrosion resistance, magnetism, or weight. Materials like bronze or brass may also be chosen for their appearance or tradition.
01
COMMON NON FERROUS METALS
Throughout history, non-ferrous metals have played a significant role in the advancement of civilization. The use of copper and bronze, for example, can be traced back to the Stone Age, and eventually led to the mining of copper and tin to produce bronze weapons in 1700 BCE. Today, non-ferrous metals continue to be integral to our daily lives, with applications ranging from construction to tool-making, from electrical cables to vehicle engines, from pipelines to containers, and even cutlery. The versatility of these metals is remarkable, and their importance is undeniable.
In addition to copper and bronze, there are many other non-ferrous metals that are commonly used. For example, tungsten is used in light bulb filaments and as a hardening agent in steel alloys. Titanium is prized for its strength and light weight, and is used in aircraft and aerospace applications.
Zinc is used for galvanizing iron and steel, and is also used in batteries. Silver, gold, and platinum are used in jewelry, electrical contacts, and as investment metals. Lead, despite its toxicity, is still used in some batteries, as well as in radiation shielding.
While these are some of the more commonly known non-ferrous metals, there are countless other examples of how these metals have impacted our lives. From innovations in technology to advancements in medicine, non-ferrous metals have played an important role in shaping the world we live in today.
The non-ferrous manufacturing industry is responsible for producing and transforming metals that do not contain iron as a main ingredient, such as copper, aluminum, zinc, tin, nickel, lithium, precious and minor metals. These metals are prized for their specific properties, including non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion, recyclability, durability, and/or electrical conductivity. The clients of this industry come from a wide range of sectors, including electronics, mobility, batteries, construction, energy, and packaging.
It is important to note that the term "manufacturing industry" in this context refers specifically to smelting, processing into semi-manufactured products, and recycling, and does not include mining or final goods manufacturing.
02
FUTURE OF NON FERROUS MARKETS
By 2050, the European non-ferrous metals industry aims to be a trusted global leader in sustainable, innovative, and competitive non-ferrous metals-based solutions. It will maintain the highest standards in sourcing, manufacturing, and trading by using the best evidence available. The industry will cater to evolving customer needs in both the European and global markets, providing social benefits and top environmental performance. By optimizing its solutions in a circular economy perspective, using renewable energy, investing in research and innovation, and collaborating with stakeholders across value chains, the industry will drive technological excellence. It will also retain and develop essential skills and know-how.
source: eurometaux.eu/
03
CHALLENGES
Four themes have been identified for the non-ferrous metals sector:
-
Trade and competition: Challenges include a lack of a global level-playing field, geopolitical vulnerabilities, protectionism, and stagnating demand.
-
Innovation: Challenges include adapting solutions to evolving end-consumers' needs, competition with non-metallic materials, implementing innovations, and avoiding investment leakages.
-
Resources: Challenges include collection, disassembly, and reprocessing of scrap, reducing the need to import raw materials, and shifting to renewable sources of energy.
-
Business integrity and skills: Challenges include changing the sector's image, unethical mining operations, public perception of scarcity, and developing and attracting workers.
Contact
Us
