What is wrought iron made of?

Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content, typically around 0.1% to 0.3%. It also contains small amounts of silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and manganese. Unlike cast iron, which has a higher carbon content and is more brittle, wrought iron is characterized by its fibrous structure, which gives it a grain-like appearance when it is etched or bent. This fibrous structure is a result of the manufacturing process.

Traditionally, wrought iron was produced through a labor-intensive process known as puddling. In this process, pig iron (an intermediate product of iron smelting) was melted in a reverberatory furnace, and the molten metal was stirred or "puddled" to remove impurities and to oxidize excess carbon. The resulting wrought iron was then shaped and worked while still hot, often by blacksmiths, hence the term "wrought," which means worked.

Wrought iron was widely used for various purposes, including the construction of buildings, bridges, and decorative elements, due to its malleability, toughness, and corrosion resistance. 



Prev News: What is the structure of wrought iron?
Next News: What iron is used in ornamental iron works?