< IRON
WROUGHT IRON
Wrought iron is a quite distinct material to cast iron. Wrought material is refined from iron ingot or PIG by a process known as PUDDLING. Puddling, done by traditional methods, is an arduous manual process that removes impurities from molten iron, including carbon, sulphur and phosphorus. The removal of these impurities creates an exceptionally MALLEABLE and DUCTILE metal, best known for its excellent HOT WORKING capabilities, especially when forged. Many blacksmiths prefer to work with this traditional material in preference to the modern, and more readily available LOW CARBON STEELS (mild steels), that have effectively replaced wrought iron. However, the closure of most puddling works means the supply of wrought iron stock today is oftem restricted to the recycling of discarded iron gates and fences etc.
Wrought iron is weldable by any of the common ferrous metal welding techniques (arc and gas). Alternatively, FORGE WELDING – the hammering together of material to create a fusion joint (with a calcined borax based FLUX), is sometimes practiced by traditional blacksmiths. Iron has a relatively poor resistance to corrosion, although the grades containing significant quantities of silicon offer better protection from chemical attack. Under most circumstances, artworks formed in iron are allowed to weather and develop a natural oxide patina, though painting is a common solution if a more permanent long lasting protection is required. Bear in mind, that any out of doors sculptures cast in an unprotected ferrous alloy may locally stain concrete bases, pavements and the like with contaminated water run off.
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