Classification and Product Branding Methods for Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals, also known as non-iron or precious metals, are made up of a variety of elements, including aluminum, copper, nickel, tin, zinc, and others. These metals are used in a variety of industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and power generation. As a result, they have become an important component of modern production.
The classification and product branding methods of non-ferrous metals allow businesses, both large and small, to quickly identify and purchase the materials they need for their specific manufacturing and production requirements. By understanding the processes and how to identify the products, organizations can ensure that they are purchasing high-quality materials for the best price.
Non-ferrous metals are classified primarily based on their physical properties. This includes the metal’s strength, ductility, hardness, corrosion resistance, and electrical and thermal conductivity. Additionally, some materials may also be characterized by their alloying element and weight.
The most prevalent classification systems are the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Alpha-Numeric System, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Number System, European Number System (EN), and the Unified Numbering System (UNS). Each of these systems divides materials into categories based on their properties and composition.
The SAE system uses a letter followed by a set of four numbers to identify ferrous-based materials, including non-ferrous metals. The first number identifies the alloy family, while the remaining three numbers indicate the alloy grade. For instance, a material identified as 990-C-0099-70 would be a cold-rolled steel. Similarly, an aluminum material represented as 3003-H14 would be a wrought alloy with a minimum aluminum content of 99.0%.
For aluminum alloys, the ASTM Number System uses a three-digit system to identify the materials, based on its alloy composition. The first digit corresponds to the alloy family, the second digit identifies the major alloying element, and the third digit indicates additional alloying elements. The UNS system is similar except that it uses four digits to characterize the alloy composition. For example, an aluminum alloy bearing the UNS number A92210 would be characterized by its major alloying element, magnesium, and may contain minor elements such as zinc and silicon.
The EN system is another popular classification system and is used specifically to classify copper and copper-based alloys. It consists of a four-digit system, with the first two digits representing the primary alloying elements, and the following two digits indicating the minor alloying elements and grades. For instance, copper alloy C2100-B would contain copper, zinc, and tin, with a grade ranging from 0 to 8.
When referring to non-ferrous metals, product brands are commonly used to distinguish the type of material being purchased. Brands are often trademarked by the manufacturer, and each product is assigned a unique “Product Identification Code” or “PIC” to identify the material.
For instance, Alcoa produces aluminum under the product brand “Duraclad.” The brand is comprised of several unique sub-brands, allowing customers to choose the specific product they need for their application. The PIC for the Duraclad 1000 series is 4685615, while the PIC for the Duraclad 2000 series is 1178299.
In conclusion, it is important for businesses to be familiar with the classification and product branding methods of non-ferrous metals in order to correctly identify and purchase the materials they need for their applications. By understanding the systems and product brands for each material, businesses can ensure that they are purchasing the best material for the best price.
