Tag: Ferrous metals

Ferrous materials are a cornerstone of modern industry, with over 90% of worldwide metal production being ferrous. A ferrous material contains iron as its main component, a fact that dictates many of its defining characteristics, from its magnetic properties to its high tensile strength. The exact composition, however, can vary significantly depending on the specific alloy, including common types like carbon steel, cast iron, and stainless steel.

Iron, symbolized as Fe on the periodic table, is the most abundant element by mass on Earth and the most common industrial metal. Knowing how to classify iron is essential for understanding its diverse properties and applications, from the foundational material of steel to intricate castings. Its versatile nature, dictated by composition and processing, leads to a wide range of useful alloys.

Iron, the most common element on Earth by mass, makes up a significant portion of the planet's crust. However, the "iron" used in manufacturing is not a single material, but one of several iron-carbon alloys. This article details what are the three different types of iron, distinguishing between cast, wrought, and pig iron based on their properties and production.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, ferrous and iron have distinct chemical meanings. Iron (Fe) is a chemical element, while 'ferrous' is an adjective used to describe materials or compounds that contain iron, often specifically in its +2 oxidation state.