Non-Ferrous Metals (Junior Cert Wood Technology): Revision Notes

Non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals are key in wood technology because of their special properties and uses. These metals have little iron, so they resist rust and are good for outdoor and wet conditions. They are light but strong, making them ideal for new technology and various industries.

Definitions

• Non-Ferrous Metals:
  • Made without iron, which lessens rust.
  • Examples are aluminium, copper, and zinc.
  • Main benefits are:
    • Lightweight
    • Strong
    • Rust-resistant
• Rust Resistance:
  • Non-ferrous metals avoid rust and corrosion better than metals with iron.
  • This quality is crucial for using them in wet and chemical environments for a long time.

Uses of Non-Ferrous Metals

• Windows:
  • Aluminium is used in window frames for strength, light weight, and rust resistance.
  • This helps aluminium windows last longer with little maintenance.

• Spacecraft:
  • Aluminium is important because it's light and strong, keeping spacecraft firm while reducing weight.
• Beverage Cans:
  • Beverage cans are made of aluminium because it resists rust, doesn't react with contents, and is recyclable.

Comparison with Ferrous Metals

• Characteristics and Applications

  	Non-Ferrous Metals	Ferrous Metals
  Weight	Light	Heavy
  Strength	High for their weight	Generally high
  Recyclability	Very recyclable	Varies
  Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Needs protection

• Applications
  • Non-Ferrous: Window frames, aerospace parts, beverage cans.
  • Ferrous: Buildings, machines, tools.