Learning Hub
Glossary
Non-Ferrous Metal
A non-ferrous metal is any metal or alloy in which iron is not the primary constituent. Because they aren’t iron-based, non-ferrous metals generally offer advantages such as better corrosion resistance, non-magnetic behavior (many, though not all), and/or lower density compared to steels, which is why they’re widely used in industrial and chemical environments.
Common non-ferrous metals and alloys used in fastener applications include aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper alloys (brass, bronze), titanium, nickel alloys (e.g., Monel®, Inconel® families), zinc, and magnesium. In fastener selection, “non-ferrous” is often a shorthand way to indicate materials chosen for corrosion performance, weight reduction, electrical/thermal conductivity needs, or compatibility with specific chemicals, rather than the higher strength range typically associated with alloy steels.