Which material is classified as ferrous?

Ferrous materials are those that contain iron as a primary component, which gives them distinct properties such as increased strength and magnetism. Stainless steel falls into this category because it is an alloy that typically contains iron along with chromium and sometimes other elements. The presence of iron is significant in defining its ferrous classification.

In contrast, aluminum, brass, and plastic do not contain iron. Aluminum is a lightweight metal used for its corrosion resistance and conductivity, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its malleability and low friction properties, and plastic is a synthetic material with a range of applications due to its versatility and ease of manufacturing. None of these materials possess the ferrous characteristics that are fundamental to stainless steel.