Which of the following is considered a non-ferrous substrate?

A non-ferrous substrate is defined as a metal that does not contain significant amounts of iron. This characteristic is essential because non-ferrous metals typically offer advantages like resistance to corrosion, weight reduction, and enhanced conductivity compared to their ferrous counterparts.

Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, and it falls into the category of non-ferrous metals. Its applications span from plumbing to musical instruments due to its desirable properties, such as durability and corrosion resistance.

In contrast, stainless steel, iron, and carbon steel are considered ferrous materials because they contain a significant amount of iron. Stainless steel, while resistant to rust due to its chromium content, is still classified as ferrous. Iron, being the primary element, clearly categorizes it as a ferrous substrate. Similarly, carbon steel is another ferrous material that contains iron and varying amounts of carbon, making it susceptible to rust and corrosion without protective coatings.

Understanding the classification of metals is crucial for coatings inspectors, especially in selecting appropriate coatings that will perform effectively based on the substrate they are applied to.