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The Uses of Nonferrous Alloy

Nonferrous alloys are alloys that are the byproducts of nonferrous metals such as aluminum, cobalt, lead, magnesium, titanium and zinc. By definition, a nonferrous alloy is an alloy that does not intentionally contain iron. In general, nonferrous alloys are invested with non-magnetic properties, have higher melting points and better strength, are lightweight and are resistant to chemical and atmospheric corrosion. These properties make them a favored choice for several commercial and non-commercial uses, including automobile and aircraft parts, communication equipment, water valves, musical instruments and the manufacturing of flammables and explosives.

  1. Uses of Magnesium Alloys

    • Magnesium alloys are perfect for structural applications such as materials handling and automotive and aerospace equipment. Also, since the alloy is malleable and ductile, it is used to carve very intricate shapes. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for aircraft structure production. Magnesium alloys also remain big hits in industries where lightweight gravity conveyors are required for numerous purposes.

    Uses of Zinc Alloys

    • Brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc, is favored for its corrosion-resistance and high ductility in making communication equipment, musical instruments and water valves. Nickel silver is another zinc alloy which has found acceptability as an excellent pipe organ utility.

    Uses of Aluminum Alloys

    • Nonferrous aluminum alloys are preferred for use around flammable and explosive substances due to their non-sparking and non-magnetic characteristics. Also, the alloy's good malleability makes it an excellent industrial use product. The high melting point of this nonferrous alloy makes it further suited for electrical uses.

    Uses of Titanium Alloys

    • Resistance to oxidizing acids, chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite and seawater and brine solutions makes titanium alloys perfect products for aircraft part manufacturing. Further, properties like high strength and low weight impart them with an edge over other alloys.

    Uses of Copper Alloys

    • Copper silicon alloys are admired for their high strength, great fabricating quality and corrosion-resistant properties. Accordingly, these are applied to suitable commercial and non-commercial uses. Copper with beryllium is a great nonferrous alloy, favored for its corrosion resistance, conductivity and non-magnetic and non-sparking properties.

    Uses of Zirconium Alloys

    • Zirconium, when alloyed with aluminum, turns out to be a perfect nonferrous alloy that finds use as an ingredient in antiperspirants and with osmium tetroxide, a volatile catalyst used to hasten chemical reactions.

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