FERROUS METALS

Ferrous metals include mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and wrought iron. These metals are mainly used for their tensile strength and durability, especially mild steel which helps to support the tallest skyscrapers and the longest bridges in the world. It is possible to use ferrous metals in the construction of homes, industrial containers, large-scale piping, automobiles, railroad tracks and transportation, most of the tools and hardware, used at home, and knives, which you cook with at home.

Due to the high amount of carbon used during their creation, most ferrous metals and alloys, exposed to the elements, are vulnerable to rust. While this is not the same for wrought iron, which is so pure of iron that it resists oxidation, or stainless steel, which is protected by its high contents of chromium, it is a good rule that the rust is a ferrous metal.

Most ferrous metals have also magnetic properties. They can be very useful in creating large motors and household appliances.