What do ferrous metals contain?

Ferrous metals are characterized by the presence of iron. This key element gives ferrous metals their defining properties, such as strength and durability. Ferrous metals include materials like steel and cast iron, which are widely used in construction and manufacturing due to their ability to withstand stress and their relatively low cost. The presence of iron also influences other properties, such as magnetic characteristics.

Understanding ferrous metals is essential in design and manufacturing since their behavior under various conditions, such as corrosion and heat treatment, is significantly affected by iron content. In contrast, materials that lack iron do not fall under this category, which differentiates ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc.