Metal recycling is the process of recovering and processing waste metal from end-of-life items or buildings, as well as manufacturing scrap, in order to use it as a raw material in the production of new commodities. Identifying, retrieving, purifying, and reclaiming precious and non-precious metals are some of the stages involved. Metal recycling experts like Owens For Scrap are dedicated to this cause – Reach out to them if you are looking to get Cash for your scrap metal.
Metals that are commonly recycled and how to identify them:
Aluminum– One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Aluminum is its low weight, which is three times that of iron. It is also non-magnetic, thus it will not be attracted to even the strongest magnets. Aluminum does not rust, making it an extremely long-lasting material. Drink cans, window frames, cooking pots, food packaging, boats and airplanes, and overhead power wires are all examples of typical applications.
Copper– It has a natural pink tone that can darken over time to seem red, yellow, or orange. Copper can turn green or black when exposed to too much water or oxygen in areas where it has been handled too much. Because copper is generally soft, keeping a piece absolutely smooth can be challenging when working with it. You might be able to bend the copper piece with your bare hands if it is thin enough. You can also knock on the piece to hear what it sounds like. Unlike brass, which can be high-pitched and tinny, real copper has a deep and mellow sound. Wires, motors, roofing, plumbing, cookware and cook utensils, and rainspouts are examples of typical applications.
Brass– The term brass refers to any alloy containing copper and zinc. Brass comes in a variety of colors depending on the quantities of these metals used, but the most common forms have a subdued yellow color or a yellow-brown appearance comparable to bronze. Machined parts and screws are commonly made of these brass alloys. There is no single technique to identify all brass due to the hundreds of various combinations. The color of brass, on the other hand, is frequently distinct enough to distinguish it from copper. Lamp and plug fittings, Electrical terminals, Locks, Marine engines, Valve guides, Door lock components, Wind instruments, Radiator cores, tubes, and tanks are some examples of typical applications.
Gold– Gold is a gleaming yellow metal with no oxides. 1064.18°C (1947.52°F) is the melting point of gold. It is both extremely soft and extremely heavy. It also has high electrical conductivity (which allows more electricity to travel through it), hence many cord connectors are gold-plated. Because gold is nonferrous, it will not attract a magnet. Jewelry, coins, watches, electrical connectors, artificial limb joints, dentistry, computers, and electronics are all examples of typical applications.
Lead– When unpolished, lead is a dreary grey, but when polished, it shines brightly. Lead has a melting point of 327°C (621°F), which is relatively low. Lead is a nonferrous metal that is heavier than iron. It is a soft metal that can be carved with a pocket knife and is commonly seen in pencils. It is a common roofing and construction material. Pipes, flashing, gutters, downspouts, conductor heads, ammunition, cable sheathing, lifting weights, diving weight belts, and radiation protection are some of the applications.
Steel– Because steel is a dense, relatively heavy material that rusts rapidly, it must be coated, galvanized, cleaned frequently, encased in concrete, or otherwise protected. Carbon steel that has been freshly ground appears glossy and metallic; otherwise, it has a dull, black (but still metallic) appearance. Steel generates a lot of sparks on a grinder. The higher the carbon content of the steel, the larger the spark bursts. Bars, Rods, Rails, Wires, Pipes, Automotive Parts, Appliances, Fittings, Flanges, and Valves are examples of typical applications.
Silver– It is a shiny, soft, ductile, malleable metal. All metals have the maximum electrical and thermal conductivity. Silver is stable in oxygen and water, but when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air or water, it tarnishes and forms a black sulfide coating. Jewelry, mirrors, dental fillings, silver nitrate films for photography and radiography, electrical contacts, silver-cadmium batteries, and silver-zinc batteries are some of the applications.
If you are still apprehensive or unsure about recycling scrap metal, check out Owens For Scrap, your scrap metal specialists who are committed to the recycling of all scrap metals.
