While purchasingiron hardware may seem straightforward, there are multiple types, each offering value for specific uses. In this guide, we explore the benefits of three kinds—pure iron, cast iron, and wrought iron—to help you find the best hardware for your needs.
Pure Iron
Although iron is not typically used in this form, pure iron (also called forged iron) is a key component in steel production and the creation of many iron alloys.
Benefits of Pure Iron
- Affordability: Regular iron is often an affordable bulk purchase for large-scale industrial projects.
- Malleability: Iron’s softness makes it easy to form into specific shapes and intricate designs. This makes it especially useful for projects that require frequent reshaping before crafting the final product.
- Conductivity: Both electricity and heat can pass through iron. This makes iron a prevalent material for producing electrical parts (like wires and circuits) and heat-transfer systems (like radiators and cooling systems in electronics).
- Magnetism: Pure iron is highly magnetic, making it an essential component in manufacturing electromagnets, electric motors, and transformers.
- Recyclability: Pure iron is recyclable, supporting manufacturing sustainability efforts and reducing negative environmental impacts.
Unfortunately, regular iron is low in strength compared to its alloys and highly susceptible to corrosion, which limits its direct use in many settings.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is an iron alloy comprising about three percent carbon, two percent silicon, and small amounts of other elements, like phosphorus and sulfur.
Benefits of Cast Iron
- Castability: Cast iron can be melted and poured into molds to create complex shapes.
- Machinability: Cast iron is hard when solid but can still be drilled and cut for manufacturing.
- Heat Retention: Cast iron is often used to craft cookware and radiators because it can retain and evenly distribute heat.
- Shape Holding: Since cast iron holds its shape and size under high heat, it is often used for precision components in engines and machinery, like gears and valves.
- Sound Absorption: Cast iron’s ability to absorb vibrations is another reason it is regularly used when constructing machinery and automotive parts.
- Durability: Its resistance to corrosion and heavy wear and tear enhances its suitability for machine and automotive components that require long-lasting strength for functionality.
- Cost-effectiveness: When producing intricate shapes and designs, casting tends to be more affordable than other manufacturing processes.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is made primarily from pure iron and a small amount ofslag to create the classic threadlike texture. However, in many cases, steel products are designed to look like wrought iron without actually being made of it.
Benefits of Wrought Iron
- Bendability: Wrought iron is flexible and easy to bend and reshape without breaking. It is popular for producing gates and railings.
- Weldability: Intricate designs and repairs are simple with welding.
- Aesthetics: Wrought iron's texture has a distinct, high-value look suitable for structural and decorative uses.
- Corrosion Resistance: Wrought iron develops a natural protective patina that prevents further corrosion, making it well-suited for outdoor hardware.
- Historical Value: Wrought iron, especially true wrought iron, brings authenticity and increased value to historic homes.
