Iron

Iron is the most abundant metal in meteorites and in the cores of planets, including our own Earth. Mineral iron is found naturally in a pure form, but can also more rarely be found as an alloy with nickel (5 to 18%), either from meteors or as a natural terrestrial metal known as telluric iron. This metal is used as a base for steel and cast iron products. Its abundance and remarkable properties make iron one of the most used elements in the industry.

Iron is used to build railway tracks, stations, factories and buildings. It was also used to create the structure of major historical monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. This material is commonly used to make tools, automotive parts, tins and cans, housing structures and electrical poles.

Pros

Iron can be painted and therefore offers a wide range of colour and personalisation options. This chic and elegant material can take on an old or modern style while retaining its distinctive features. Iron is very common and remains a cheap material compared to other metals.

Iron is sturdy and strong over time and can be shaped in a vast array of different ways, as it can be bent and stretched without breaking. Iron is insoluble in water and bases and is damaged only by acids; it can be treated to protect it from this. It is also highly shock-resistant and has excellent electrical and thermal conduction. It is also perfect for creating alloys such as white iron, wrought iron, steel and cast iron.

Scrap metal is recycled as follows: ferrous scraps (which are magnetic, such as steel and iron) go one way, non-ferrous scraps (such as copper, precious metals, aluminium) go to the other. The iron is ground, laminated and cleaned, then melted in forges at 1,600°C, before being transformed into raw material in the form of coils, bars or wires that will be used to create new finished products. Iron can be recycled indefinitely without losing its original properties.

Cons

The main disadvantage of iron is that it does not resist corrosion in damp air – it rusts. It must therefore be varnished or turned into an alloy with several other metals to prevent this. Iron is a more expensive material than other metals such as aluminium or steel.

We would be happy to produce your next iron item. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your future project.