Non-ferrous metals are all metals other than iron and alloys that do not contain a significant amount of iron. Non-ferrous metals can be crushed or hammered into thin sheets without breaking, making them highly malleable and one of their main characteristics. Iron is generally present in non-ferrous alloys in quantities of less than 1% of the total weight.

Compared with ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals offer a significant advantage in terms of corrosion and rust resistance due to the absence of iron. As a result, these materials are suitable for highly corrosive situations, such as liquid, chemical, and wastewater pipelines.

Non-ferrous metals can be used in a wide range of electrical and electronic applications, as they are also non-magnetic. Non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc, aluminum, lead, nickel, cobalt, chromium, gold, silver, and many others are frequently used in manufacturing.

Here are some examples of non-ferrous metals and their uses in the construction sector:

1. Aluminum: Non-ferrous alloys such as aluminum are very popular. It is less strong than many steel sheets and more ductile without the addition of alloying elements. However, aluminum can acquire extremely high strength by adding alloying elements and undergoing heat treatment or work-hardening. Steel is heavier than aluminum. The latter creates a protective oxide shield that helps reduce the risk of damaging corrosion. Aluminum is frequently used in a variety of products, including cookware and aircraft, marine equipment such as boat elevators and docks, and building materials such as beams and rails.
2. Copper: Color copper is a metal that lies midway between red and brown. It is similar to carbon steel in that it is less resistant and more ductile when unalloyed. However, like aluminum, copper can be alloyed with various elements to enhance its mechanical properties. Bronze is the result of alloying copper with tin. Brass is a copper alloy containing a significant amount of zinc. Pure copper and its alloys are frequently used in plumbing, tools, and decoration, as well as in electrical components (wires, terminals, and other types of connectors), the coating of coins (Canadian or American pennies), and pipes.
3. Zinc: Zinc is a brilliant bluish-white metal. At room temperature, it is brittle and crystalline, but when heated to between 110 and 150 degrees, it becomes ductile and flexible. A significant quantity of zinc metal is needed to galvanize steel, although it is also required to create certain alloys. Zinc is mainly used to galvanize iron. Zinc is needed for building construction, as well as to create the negative plates of certain electric batteries.
4. Nickel: Nickel's properties include corrosion resistance, hardness, and performance at high and low temperatures. Like copper and aluminum, nickel is not often used in its pure state and is frequently alloyed with other elements to obtain better chemical and mechanical qualities. Cryogenic equipment such as tanks, hot-section aerospace equipment such as combustion chamber components, and marine equipment are just a few examples of common applications for nickel and nickel-based alloys.
5. Lead: Lead, one of the first metals used by mankind, has been around for a long time. A poor conductor of electricity, it is extremely malleable, ductile, and dense. Lead is highly resistant to corrosion. Since Roman times, lead has been used to make corrosion-resistant paints and pipes. It is a key component of lead-acid batteries and is used in vehicle batteries.

Non-ferrous metals have a higher corrosion resistance than ferrous metals. They therefore last longer and can be used in highly corrosive environments. Other non-ferrous metals include tungsten, titanium, silver, gold, and platinum, in addition to those already mentioned.