Is wrought iron just steel?

Wrought iron and steel are similar but not the same. Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content, typically less than 0.08%. It is tough, malleable, and ductile, making it suitable for forging and shaping. Historically, it was widely used for various purposes, including in building construction, railings, and decorative ironwork.

Steel, on the other hand, is an iron alloy that contains a controlled amount of carbon (usually between 0.2% and 2.1%) and often other alloying elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, or molybdenum. Steel can vary greatly in its properties depending on its composition and how it's processed. It is known for its strength, durability, and versatility and is used in a wide range of applications, from construction to manufacturing to transportation.

While both wrought iron and steel are iron alloys, they have distinct differences in composition, properties, and applications. Wrought iron fell out of favor for many structural uses due to its relatively low strength compared to steel, but it's still valued for its aesthetic qualities in decorative ironwork.



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