Which type of metal is commonly used in springs and is considered highly ferrous?

The correct answer is the type of metal widely recognized for its high ferrous content. Ferritic metals are primarily composed of iron and contain a significant amount of ferrite, making them magnetic and responsive to external magnetic fields. These properties are essential in applications requiring magnetic characteristics, such as in certain types of springs used in various mechanical systems.

Ferritic stainless steels are known for their good ductility, formability, and magnetic properties, which are particularly advantageous in spring manufacturing where these characteristics can enhance performance and longevity. This group of metals typically includes varying degrees of chromium, which contributes to corrosion resistance while still maintaining that high ferrous quality.

In contrast, austenitic and martensitic steels have different compositions and properties. Austenitic steels are non-magnetic and are known for their excellent corrosion resistance but lack the high ferrous content. Martensitic steels, while also ferrous, are typically harder and may not possess the same degree of ductility as ferritic steels, making them less common for spring applications where flexibility is important. Non-ferrous metals, as the term implies, do not contain significant amounts of iron, thus excluding them from being classified as highly ferrous.