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The following are some of the many types of non ferrous metal scrap available:
Copper Scrap
One of the most widely used non-ferrous scrap metal, copper scrapis found in wires, pipes, electric motors, and other components. There are two types of copper scrap: pure copper and insulated copper wire, with the latter being copper cables coated with plastic that may be stripped before selling. Recyclers value both types for their high resale value and demand. Often, recycled copper is used to manufacture new wires, plumbing systems, and electronic components.
Aluminum Scrap
Commonly found in used beverage cans, automobile parts, window frames, and appliances, aluminum scrap is often sorted into 3 categories: 1000 series, 3000 series, and 5000 series based on their alloy composition. While 1000 series aluminum contains more than 99% aluminum, 3000 series contains manganese and 5000 series contains magnesium, which strengthens the metal. Recycling aluminum not only reduces the cost of producing new aluminum goods but also helps conserve energy.
Brass Scrap
A durable and corrosion-resistant metal, brass scrap is mostly made of copper and zinc and can sometimes contain small amounts of nickel, lead, or tin. Found in plumbing fixtures, radiators, musical instruments, and electrical contacts, the most commonly recycled brass scrap tends to be yellow brass, which consists of 60% copper and 40% zinc, and red brass, which contains around 15% tin, 20% lead, and 5% nickel. Often, recycled brass is used to make new brass products, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Lead Scrap
Commonly found in batteries, radiation shielding, and fishing tackle, lead scrapis often recycled to recover lead for use in new batteries, protective equipment, and other applications. It's important to handle lead scrap safely due to lead’s harmful effects on health, therefore, it must be dealt with by professionals who comply with safety regulations.
Nickel Scrap
Nickel scrapcan be sourced from stainless steel, power generation, other alloys, chemicals, and electroplating equipment. Commonly found in automotive catalytic converters, nickel is often recycled to produce new stainless steel and other nickel-containing alloys. This helps reduce the environmental impact of mining nickel ore.
Tin Scrap
Most newly manufactured tin is sourced from recycled tin scrap, which is mostly old tin-plated steel cans, but can also be found in solder, machinery, and fixtures. Tin is often separated from contaminated materials by competent scrap recyclers before being turned into molten metal for reuse.
The following are some key features of non ferrous metals that make them ideal for specific uses:
Corrosion Resistance
Generally, non-ferrous metals are more resistant to rust and corrosion than ferrous metals due to the presence of alloying elements like zinc, chromium, and nickel. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor and marine applications where exposure to moisture and salt can cause rapid deterioration.
Lightweight
As they are often less dense than ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals provide high strength-to-weight ratios. For instance, aluminum, titanium, and magnesium are all lightweight metals, making them ideal in such fields as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, where reducing weight without losing strength is essential.
Electrical Conductivity
While ferrous metals are magnetic and electrically conductive, copper is more conductive than all other metals and is therefore used to manufacture electrical wiring and components. Other conductive non-ferrous metals include aluminum and brass, which are also used in electrical applications.
Thermal Conductivity
In addition to electrical applications, non-ferrous metals are also preferred in thermal applications. Copper, for instance, is valued for its ability to dissipate heat quickly, making it essential in such applications as heat exchangers, radiators, and cooling systems. Other metals like aluminum and brass, also have good thermal conductivity.
Ductility and Malleability
Ductile and malleable, non-ferrous metals can be easily shaped, drawn into wires, or molded into different forms without breaking. That is why lead, copper, and gold are easily shaped into thin sheets or wires for varied applications. This property makes them ideal for construction, electronics, and jewelry.
Recyclability
Most non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and stainless steel are highly recyclable without losing their chemical properties, making recycling a cost-effective method of acquiring raw materials and reducing environmental impact. This is the reason why non-ferrous metal scrap is typically collected and processed for reuse in such industries as packaging, manufacturing, and construction.
Heavy but Unmagnetic
While most non-ferrous metals are lighter than ferrous metals, especially copper, they can be heavier like titanium or lead. Moreover, unlike ferrous metals that are magnetic, nickel, copper, and gold, which are classified as non-ferrous metals, are magnetic.
Below are some common applications for non ferrous metal scrap:
Recycling and Material Recovery
Typically, non-ferrous metal scrap is recycled to recover valuable materials for reuse, thus reducing the need to mine new ores and conserving energy. Also, recycling copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, lead, nickel, and tin saves up to 95% of the energy that would be used to extract and process these metals afresh. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more, recycling non-ferrous metal reduces manufacturing costs by supplying the market with cheaper raw material.
Manufacturing of New Products
Often, recycled non-ferrous metals are utilized in manufacturing to produce a variety of new products like auto parts, electronics, construction materials, and packaging. For instance, aluminum cans are recycled into new cans or other aluminum products and copper scrap is used to manufacture pipes, wiring, and electric motors. Besides, brass scrap is recast to produce new fixtures, radiators, and musical instruments.
Use of Lead Scrap
Lead scrap is typically recycled into new lead-acid batteries, which are commonly used in vehicles and renewable energy systems, and other battery applications. Also, lead is used in radiation shielding, fishing weights, and certain types of solder, thus recycled lead provides a more sustainable source of lead for these applications.
Stainless Steel Alloys
Usually, non-ferrous metal scrap like nickel, copper, aluminum, and zinc is particularly used to manufacture stainless steel and other alloys that contain non-ferrous metal dust. Often, catalytic converters, which are found in vehicle exhaust systems, are a major source of these alloys. This is because they contain platinum, rhodium, palladium, and other precious metals that frequently are recaptured during recycling.
Agricultural Applications
Typically, non-ferrous metal scrap like recycled brass, copper, and aluminum is used to manufacture new irrigation systems, piping, and fixtures, hence lowering production costs for farmers. Moreover, lead recovered from lead domes in a blasting chamber of a geological drill rig is recycled into new lead products used in agriculture.
Construction and Infrastructure
Often, non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, and zinc from recycled scrap are used in construction materials like roofing, siding, windows, and curtain walls, which are incorporated into both residential and commercial infrastructure projects. Also, copper wiring in electrical systems, copper piping in plumbing, and aluminum framing are all sourced from recycled copper and aluminum.
When buying non-ferrous metal scrap, business owners should consider the following factors:
Metal Type
Generally, different types of non-ferrous metals have varied demands and resale value depending on the source they are recovered from. This makes metals like copper, aluminum, brass, lead, and stainless steel usually popular due to having wide applications. Therefore, customers should stock scrap metal from various sources to attract different clients.
Furthermore, throughout the year, people use different metals and their sources vary. For instance, in the automotive industry, catalytic converters are a major source of platinum group metals while construction offers aluminum from windows, frames, and doors.
Quality
Usually, the quality of metal scraps determines how easily it can be recycled and the resale value it carries. Therefore, business owners should look for high-quality scraps free from contaminants such as paint, plastic, or other non-metal materials. Moreover, metals that have not been alloyed with other metal and in good condition, like shredded or unshredded pieces with limited wear are more preferred.
Quantity and Size
Generally, large quantities of scrap metal are more advantageous as they guarantee lowered transportation costs and increased bargaining power. Also, smaller pieces are easier to handle and process, therefore, metal scrap that is in uniform sizes and shareable in bulk should be prioritized.
Market Prices and Trends
To make profitable decisions when purchasing non-ferrous metal scraps, buyers should keep themselves updated on market prices and trends. They should research online and consult experienced industry players to establish the ideal price range for specific metals. Moreover, during peak seasons when demand for scrap metal is at its peak, business owners can negotiate better deals.
Storage and Transportation
As scrap metal can be bulky and heavy, buyers should consider the logistical and storage challenges that can arise when stocking various types of metal. Business owners should possess efficient means of transporting the metal and adequate space for storing the scraps before selling them. Further, they should ensure both transportation and storage spaces are safe from weather elements.
No. Most of the time, non-ferrous metals are separated from ferrous metals for easy recycling. Although some recycling centers can process mixed metals, separating them usually leads to a higher quality product, which is more valuable in the market.
According to statistics, aluminum is the most recycled metal in the world. It is easy to scrap and offers great versatility characteristics like being lightweight yet strong, corrosion-resistant, and a good heat and electrical conductor. Also, it is cheaper to recycle than mine and refine.
Yes. Although it contains iron, usually over 50%, it is classified as non-ferrous due to the addition of chromium, nickel, and other alloying elements. These elements give it corrosion resistance properties and other characteristics that are typical to non-ferrous metals.
Copper is cheaper than titanium due to its wider availability. Although titanium is denser and stronger, it is harder to mine, which makes it expensive.
Recycling non-ferrous metal lowers greenhouse gas emissions as less energy is expended in recycling compared to mining. Moreover, it conserves natural resources while resulting in less waste.
