Iron and Steel Types
Iron and steel are two of the oldest and most important materials used by humans. They form the backbone of many industries, and have been a key driver of innovation and progress for millennia. As we have become more and more advanced, so have the materials used to make iron and steel, allowing us to create ever more complex products from these two materials.
Iron and steel have many sub-types and grades, for a variety of different applications. This article is going to provide an overview of the different types of iron and steel, their uses, and the processes used to make them.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is an alloy of iron, silicon, and carbon. It is made by heating iron ore, limestone, and coke in furnaces to about 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit. This process removes impurities, creating a material with a relatively high carbon content. Cast iron is strong and durable, as well as relatively inexpensive. It is often used in structural applications, such as buildings and bridges.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is also an iron alloy, but with a much lower carbon content. It is made by heating iron ore in a blast furnace, and then further heating it in the presence of oxygen. This causes the impurities to oxidize and separate from the iron. As a result, the iron is much stronger than cast iron. Wrought iron is more expensive than cast iron and is mainly used to make tools and decorative items.
Steel
Steel is a combination of iron and carbon, and it is typically up to 1.5 percent carbon by weight. It is arguably the most widely used type of iron or steel, and is used in a variety of applications from buildings and bridges, to automobiles and aircraft. It can be made in a variety of ways, the most common being the “Bessemer process”, which removes impurities from the iron using air pressure. Steel is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for construction and other applications.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and possibly other elements. It is characterized by its resistance to staining, rusting, and corrosion, making it an ideal choice for kitchen ware, appliances, and outdoor fixtures. It is typically much more expensive than other forms of iron or steel but is widely used by those looking to avoid corrosion or discoloration of their products.
Tool Steel
Tool steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, as well as other elements like tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and manganese. It is often air or oil-hardened, and is known for its extreme durability and wear-resistance. This makes it ideal for tools and for applications that require very precise cutting and shaping.
These are just some of the many types and grades of iron and steel available. Each type has its own unique characteristics and uses, making it important to have a thorough understanding of the material when selecting it for a particular job or application.
