Non-ferrous metals are a large group of different types of metals, united by common characteristics. Since it is very extensive, it is customary to divide it into separate categories.
The group of non-ferrous metals is so named as opposed to another large group, which is made up of ferrous metals.
Non-ferrous metals
Ferrous metals in metallurgy are usually called metals and alloys based on iron. Thus, all other metals and alloys that do not contain iron belong to the category of non-ferrous ones. In this regard, in the English-language literature for the designation of this category of substances, the general name "non-ferrous metals" is adopted. This term can be translated into Russian as “non-ferrous metals”.
The ways of using non-ferrous metals in various sectors of the economy and the economy are very diverse. So, one of the leading directions is the use of non-ferrous metals for the production of alloys, as well as additives used in the alloying process. In this case, alloying is the procedure for introducing a special additive into the composition of an alloy that improves its properties, for example, gives it plasticity, increases the melting point or otherwise affects its physical or chemical parameters.
In addition, non-ferrous metals are used in the form of powders or protective coatings in the production of machinery and equipment in various industries, including mechanical engineering, radio engineering, electronics, instrumentation and others. In addition, this type of material is used in the creation of individual elements of machinery and equipment, for example, in the production of semiconductors.
Non-ferrous metal groups
Since the category of non-ferrous metals includes a large number of various substances that differ greatly in their physical, chemical and other properties, they are often divided into groups, the components of which are more homogeneous in this respect.
So, for example, non-ferrous metals are usually subdivided into light and heavy, that is, those that have a low and high density, respectively. The group of light metals usually includes lithium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, titanium and some other substances; the group of heavy metals usually includes copper, nickel, lead, zinc and others.
The third group of non-ferrous metals is the so-called noble metals, which are used for investment purposes and in the production of jewelry. These include gold, silver, platinum and some of the metals in the platinum group. In addition, a group of rare earth metals is distinguished, including scandium, yttrium, lanthanum and its derivatives; a group of radioactive metals, which includes 25 substances, including technetium, polonium and others; the group of scattered metals, which are found mainly in the form of impurities, and the group of refractory metals, which melt at temperatures above 1600 ° C.
