Iron alloys are metals composed of iron, carbon and other materials made from melting and blending the components. Iron is one of the most common elements on Earth, and is the foundation for our modern metal industry.
Iron is a strong, hard material that can be sculpted and manipulated for fabrication. It is also incredibly malleable, allowing it to be easily worked into tools and other forms of machinery. Its malleability means that it can also be used to seal off liquids, gases, and other materials, making it an ideal material for industrial and commercial use.
Iron alloys can be forged into components that are subjected to high temperatures and pressure. These components are shaped and formed into parts that can be used to construct everything from ships to bridges and other structures. The sheer strength, durability, and flexibility of iron alloys makes them one of the most frequently used metals in the world.
The four most common types of Iron alloys are ferrocarbon, ferrous alloys, white irons and stainless steel. Each type of alloy has different melting, forming, and working properties that make it ideal for specific applications.
Ferrocarbon, sometimes referred to as black iron, is most commonly used in structural or structural-nuts-and-bolts applications. Iron alloys in this category deserve credit for helping build many of the worlds strongest bridges and buildings, including The Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House.
Ferrous alloys are generally composed of a higher carbon and steel content. Iron alloys with this composition create tools and machines with great strength and wear resistance. The high steels and carbon content also make these alloys highly responsive to hardening and tempering treatments.
White irons are made mainly of nickel, chromium and molybdenum which have been added to the steel. This alloy is a highly heat-resistant steel that is perfect for applications that require precision and strength such as engine parts and medical tools.
Stainless steel is the most used Iron alloy in the world. This alloy is composed of iron, chromium and nickel combined with other materials. This combination provides the alloy with superior strength and high corrosion resistance, making it perfect for kitchen utensils, flatware and outdoor furniture.
Iron alloys are used extensively in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications because of their strength and cheap cost. They are also widely used for making pipes and vessels for transporting liquids, gases and other materials. By adding other materials such as chromium and nickel to the alloy, manufacturers can create alloys with superior strength and corrosion resistance for other specific applications.
In summary, Iron alloys are made from molten iron and a selection of other metals and materials. These alloys come in the form of ferrocarbon, ferrous alloys, white irons, and stainless steel and are used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. They have the strength to be fabricated into almost any type of component and the malleability to be sealed off liquids and gases, making Iron an indispensable part of our modern metal industry.
