How is wrought iron different from steel

These properties are used in the production of different items. Slag is the byproduct of iron ore smelting. It contains silicon , sulfur , phosphorous , etc.

Wrought is produced by heating followed by working with tools. Figure 1: Wrought Iron Gate. The softness and ductility of wrought iron are due to the presence of a less amount of carbon. Wrought iron has considerably a high tensile strength as well. It resists fatigue for a higher instant when compared to other forms of iron.

It can deform when a high pressure is applied to it. Steel is a metal alloy composed of iron, carbon and few other elements such as manganese , tungsten, phosphorous, and sulfur. Both have pros and cons, but which is best?

Read on to find out which will work best for your commercial or residential property. In the event you are like most people, not a full-fledged gate aficionado and searching for new metal gates you may be confused when encountering terms such as steel gates and wrought iron gates.

It is common to wonder the difference, because they are both metal. Because metal gates are generally advertised as the same thing, being metal, the differences are not clearly obvious with modern manufacturing processes. However, from a scientific perspective, there are some differences that will assist you in determining the proper type of gate for your situation.

For starters, steel is an alloy while iron is an element found on the Periodic Table. Basically, steel is a man-made metal combining carbon and iron, while iron is a raw material that is extracted from the ground. Of course, if you are not big on Chemistry, you could be questioning why knowing the science behind the two metals help determine which gate to choose.

Below is an outline of characteristics between each type to highlight the differences. This enables you to ask the proper questions when shopping for your metal gate.

Iron gates are created from the raw element iron after being excavated from the earth. The slag converts the chemical properties of iron sufficiently to develop a new metal. Wrought iron is valued for its tensile strength, corrosiveness, malleability, and well-defined finish.

It does not exhibit ugly patches when corroding, but iron rust is distributed in it to give it a brownish finish. In the 18th and 19th centuries, wrought iron was given many terms according to its quality and form. Pig and cast iron, the two basic materials of wrought iron, are very brittle due to the higher percentage of carbon and have a lower melting temperature as compared to steel and iron.

In cast iron and pig iron, excess slag has to be removed in order to produce quality wrought iron. Wrought iron has now been taken over by mild steel. Steel Steel is an alloy of carbon, iron, and other elements. Iron contains various impurities such as manganese, sulphur, phosphorus, and silicon. In manufacturing steel, the slug in the form of these impurities is removed, and the desired alloying elements are added.

The carbon content in steel generally classifies it. By comparison, the steel that welders work with is mild and contains only a small amount of carbon, so it is a little stronger during the process. It also heats up more easily than wrought iron, so it requires less energy to produce.

The welding process for both steel and wrought iron can affect the price of a fencing or railing project.

Steel fencing is fabricated a little faster and requires less energy, so its production costs are typically lower. Wrought iron takes less work to mold, however, which may lower its overall cost, depending on the specific project. When it comes to pricing, the choice of metal and the size and intricacy of the project can all affect the price, so factoring cost into your decision will come down to the customized quote you get for your unique design and your own needs.

Wrought iron is prone to rust, whereas steel contains nickel and chromium, making it more resistant to rust. With proper care and protection, however, wrought iron can be free of rust and will stand the test of time. Both steel and wrought iron look beautiful on their own and are easy to sand, prime and paint, which keeps them looking new and helps them withstand the elements.

They also have a similar look for your property, as compared to fencing options like wood or aluminum. As this steel vs. Because both types of metal fencing can last for decades or longer, the strength, durability, versatility, longevity and aesthetic appeal of each should all be weighed carefully in choosing the right option for your property.