What defines a ferrous metal?

A ferrous metal is primarily defined as a metal that contains iron as its principal element. This characteristic is significant because iron is the main component that gives ferrous metals their distinct properties, such as strength and magnetism. Ferrous metals include various alloys, including steels and cast iron, which are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various applications in the aerospace and naval sectors.

The presence of iron is what distinguishes ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals, which do not contain iron as a principal element and often have different properties such as corrosion resistance and lighter weight. Understanding the composition of ferrous metals is crucial for tasks such as welding, machining, and maintaining structural integrity in aviation applications where durability and performance are critical.