Non-ferrous metal

All metals except iron are referred to as non-ferrous metals in the periodic table . The best-known non-ferrous metals are the base metals copper , aluminum , zinc , nickel , lead and magnesium . Usually the abbreviation "non-ferrous metal" is used for this.

Further classifications

Technically used non-ferrous metals are divided as follows:

Base metals
- Non-ferrous metals
- Light metals (mostly ρ <4.5-5 g / cm ³ )
- Precious metals
Technology metals
Accompanying metals

A further classification is made depending on the processing as

Non-ferrous alloys are all metal alloys that contain less than 50% iron (Fe).

Pure metals are identified with their chemical symbol and their purity in percent . In the case of precious metals that are processed into jewelry or coins, there is also a historically based marking in carats or fineness .

For non-ferrous alloys, the labeling in Germany was regulated in the DIN standard DIN 1700, which was withdrawn in May 2000 . This standard has been incorporated into ISO 1190-1. The chemical symbols of the base metal and the main alloying element are given, followed by its alloy content in percent by mass (from a content of over 1%).

The alloy AlMn1 is therefore an aluminum alloy with 1% manganese; the alloy CuNi25Zn15 is a copper alloy with 25% nickel and 15% zinc.

The non-ferrous metals also include precious metals such as: gold and silver .

Applications

Non-ferrous metals are used in many areas of technology and everyday life:

as cast parts (sand, chill or die casting)
as a construction material for aircraft and lightweight construction (aluminum, magnesium, titanium)
as electrical conductors (cables, busbars, contacts)
As a thermally conductive material in foundry technology (e.g. molds, casting wheels, crucibles) and in welding technology (welding nozzles, welding caps in robots, e.g. in car sheet steel processing)
as bearing materials for motors, drives and gears
for storing electrical energy (accumulators and batteries)
as corrosion-resistant components in marine applications
as hygienic, (drinking) water-carrying pipes (copper) and connector components or fittings
for roofing and exterior wall cladding (zinc and copper)
as prefabricated parts in house construction (gutters, downpipes) (zinc and copper)
for containers of all sizes in connection with food and luxury goods
as products in fittings (locks, keys, fittings)
in medical technology ((MRI, shielding, radiation protection)
as jewelry and coin material (gold, silver, copper, brass)
as a coating material for corrosion protection (galvanizing, tinning)
as sintered parts

literature

Alfred Böge: The Technician Handbook , Vieweg Verlag, ISBN 3-528-14053-4

Web links

Individual evidence

^ The non-ferrous metals. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .
↑ Metal materials in drinking water installations. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .
↑ 10 facts - building with copper and zinc. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .
↑ Roof drainage. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .

[1] The non-ferrous metals. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .

[2] Metal materials in drinking water installations. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .

[3] 10 facts - building with copper and zinc. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .

[4] Roof drainage. Retrieved August 27, 2020 .