Metal scrap forms the backbone of global manufacturing and heavy industry. Recycled metals save up to 95% of the energy required to extract primary ore from mines. To maximize profits as a trader or yard operator, understanding the crucial distinction between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is essential.
The Fundamental Division: Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous
The primary distinguishing factor is iron content. Ferrous metals contain iron, are magnetic, and are prone to rust when exposed to moisture. Non-ferrous metals contain no iron, are non-magnetic, possess superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and carry much higher price points per kilogram.
Major Ferrous Scrap Categories
- HMS 1 & HMS 2 (Heavy Melting Steel): Industrial beams, structural steel, demolition rebars, and heavy plate cuttings (minimum 6mm thickness for HMS 1). Highly sought after by induction furnaces and steel rolling mills.
- Cast Iron Scrap: Engine blocks, machine housings, heavy pipes, and cookware. Brittle and easy to fracture with a sledgehammer.
- Shredded Steel & Sheet Scrap: Automotive body pressings, domestic appliances, and light gauge galvanized sheets.
High-Value Non-Ferrous Scrap Categories
Copper Scrap
Bare Bright: Clean, uncoated, unalloyed wire. Candy/Berry: Heavy copper pipes, busbars, and hairpins. Stripping insulation before sale yields 25%+ higher return.
Aluminium Scrap
Extrusions (Tabor): Clean architectural window frames. Tense/Cast: Automotive wheels and castings. UBC: Used beverage cans.
Brass & Bronze
Honey: Yellow brass valves, sanitary fittings, and turnings. Gunmetal: Heavy bronze bushings and marine bearings with high tin content.
Stainless Steel
SS 304 (18/8): Non-magnetic, widely used in food processing & kitchen sinks. SS 316: Chemical-grade with molybdenum for high corrosion resistance.
3 Simple Yard Tests to Identify Unknown Metals
- The Magnet Test: Keep a strong neodymium magnet in your pocket. If it sticks firmly, it is ferrous steel or iron. If there is zero attraction, you likely have copper, brass, aluminium, or austenitic stainless steel (SS 304).
- The Spark Test: Touch the metal lightly against an angle grinder. High carbon steel produces bright, bursting white sparks; cast iron produces short reddish-orange sparks; copper and aluminium produce zero sparks.
- The Weight & Color Scratch: Scratch the oxidized surface with a metal file. Yellow gleam indicates brass; reddish-salmon sheen indicates pure copper; silvery lightweight luster indicates aluminium.
