Raw Iron Vs Processed Iron
Iron is one of the most commonly used metals in the world. It has a wide range of applications in industry, machinery, construction, and other industrial products. Iron can come in two forms: raw iron and processed iron.
Raw iron is extracted from iron ore. In its raw form, iron is a combination of various elements including oxygen, sulfur, and other minerals. It is soft, pliable and weak. It can be melted, shaped and strengthened through heat treatment and mixing with other elements. Because raw iron is in its natural state, it is often less expensive than processed iron.
Processed iron is also extracted from iron ore, but it is treated to change its properties. The raw iron ore is heated in a furnace and mixed with other elements, such as carbon, to change its structure and strength. This process strengthens the iron, making it more rigid and durable. Processed iron is often used to create components for machines, vehicles, and other industrial products.
Processed iron’s tighter structure and greater strength give it several advantages over raw iron. It is more resistant to corrosion and can better withstand temperatures, impacts, and other harsh conditions. Processed iron’s increased rigidity also makes it better suited for producing components with precise dimensions and shapes. Finally, the cost of purchasing and working with processed iron is usually higher than the cost of raw iron.
Lets compare raw iron to processed iron based on their physical and chemical properties.
Physical Properties:
Raw Iron: In its natural state, raw iron is soft and malleable. It can be shaped and molded with heat treatment, although it is still relatively weak and brittle.
Processed Iron: Through treatment and mixing with other elements, processed iron becomes stronger, more rigid and durable. It can also be shaped and molded more precisely, making it suitable for producing parts with exact measurements and shapes.
Chemical Properties:
Raw Iron: In its natural state, raw iron is prone to corrosion and rusting when exposed to water and other elements.
Processed Iron: Through heat treatment and mixing with other elements, such as carbon, processed iron becomes more resistant to corrosion and rusting. This makes it more durable and long-lasting when exposed to harsh conditions and temperatures.
In summary, raw iron and processed iron are both extracted from iron ore, but treated differently to change their physical and chemical properties. Raw iron is softer, weaker, and prone to corrosion and rusting, while processed iron is more rigid, durable, and resistant to corrosion and rusting. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing and working with processed iron is commonly higher than the cost of raw iron.