Difference between Wrought Iron and Steel


Wrought iron and steel are the two most powerful, long-lasting materials that are frequently used in construction. Despite this, there are numerous significant differences between the two materials. Steel is an alloy of iron and other metals, while wrought iron is made entirely of pure iron. So steel does not appear to be as brittle as wrought iron. Wrought iron has lower corrosion resistance than steel.

Steel is generally less expensive than wrought iron because it is easier to produce. Steel is also more versatile than wrought iron in terms of shapes and sizes. Finally, the appearance of wrought iron and steel is one of the most noticeable differences. Wrought iron has a distinct "rustic" appearance, whereas steel has a more modern appearance.

Read this article to find out more about Wrought Iron and Steel and how they are different from each other.

What is Wrought Iron?

Wrought iron is an iron alloy containing trace elements such as carbon. Wrought iron is stronger than steel but not as hard as pure iron. Wrought iron is used for work that necessitates a more durable metal, such as fences or gates. Steel is an iron-carbon alloy that is far stronger than wrought iron.

Wrought iron resists corrosion and is easy to weld. In the making of various products, these qualities are employed. 1–2% more slag is found in wrought iron. Iron ore melting produces slag as a byproduct. Silica, sulphur, phosphorus, and the other elements are present. The production of wrought iron involves heating it by using tools.

Wrought iron is the kind of iron that is effortlessly welded and moulded while it is still heating in the flames to achieve the required shape. Compared to steel, wrought iron is significantly weaker while having a higher tensile strength.

What is Steel?

Iron, carbon, as well as the other components are combined to form steel. Contaminants in iron includes the silicon, phosphorus, silicon dioxide, manganese, and sulfur. The required alloying materials are added after the slugs, which take the shape of a such impurity, which have been eliminated in the process of making the steel. In general, steel is categorized based on its carbon content.

Using iron, we can make steel, it is an alloy which also contains the carbon, silicon, sulphur, and the phosphorus. It is one of the most normally used alloy all over the world, due to its special characteristics which results from the combination of these elements.

In the market different types of steels are available which includes the alloy steel, carbon steel, and the stainless steel, each steels have the different levels of strength, resistance, corrosion, and the durability. For example, if we take the carbon steel, it is completely made by using the iron and the carbon, and these are used in a wide range of applications. And the Stainless steel is famous for its rust and staining, due to these reason it is the most popular choice in the industry of food and beverages. It is also used in the architectural and medicine applications.

An iron alloy with extremely little carbon is known as the wrought iron. Due to its malleability and softness, it is perfect for forge work. Steel has taken over wrought iron's place as an economically viable product.

Difference between Wrought Iron and Steel

The following table highlights the major differences between Wrought Iron and Steel −

Characteristics

Wrought Iron

Steel

Carbon

It contains up to 0.08% carbon.

It has a carbon content of up to 4%.

Production

It is produced by heating and working with the tools.

It is produced through the process of firing, which is followed by the addition and removal of the various components needed to create an alloy.

Tensile Strength

It has a very good tensile strength.

It has greater tensile strength.

Definition

It is an iron alloy containing only a trace of carbon.

It is a metal alloy that is composed of carbon and iron and a few other elements like tungsten and sulfur.

Slag

It is made up of the first 1-2 percent of slag.

It doesn’t contain any slag.

Workmanship

Wrought iron requires less workmanship.

Steel requires more craftsmanship than wrought iron.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, both wrought iron and steel may last a very long time with the right upkeep. One of the primary differences between wrought iron and steel is that wrought iron is more malleable and therefore a wonderful option for ornamental uses, whereas steel is significantly more corrosion resistant. The former is made by burning and working with tools, whereas the latter is made by burning, then adding and removing various components to achieve the desired alloy.

You would have to think about factors like cost, durability, and the aesthetics of each material before finalizing which of these two materials would be the best-fit for your project. Basically, there are many different types of industries that require wrought iron and steel, and they both have separate properties that are in demand.

Updated on: 06-Mar-2023

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