Wrought iron forging

• Wrought iron forging is a simple way of shaping metals.

  Required materials: only requires heat + anvil + hammer (+ other tools : scroll formers or twisting bars)
• How does wrought iron forging work?

  Wrought iron is heated in a gas or coke-fired forge. It is then held with tongs and is hammered over an anvil or is shaped using other tools such as scroll formers or twisting bars.
• What is wrought iron most suitable for?

  Forging, rolling and bending rather than casting
• Type of metal used: Low carbon metals – less than 0.08%

  Reason: malleable / suitable for hammering
• General type of production: one-off / limited batch production

  Reason: no requirement for formers or dies to shape the product
• Advantages of wrought iron: High tensile strength, corrosion resistant, durable, easy to shape, attractive appearance
• Examples of products made from wrought iron: railings, gates, fences, fireplaces, furniture, sculptures
• Disadvantages of wrought iron: Expensive compared to cast iron, low ductility (can’t be stretched), not very strong under compression, can rust if exposed to air