In terms of mass, iron is the most common element on the earth. Research shows that iron accounts for 35% of the total mass of the earth, followed by 30% oxygen and 15% silicon. It exists in the outer core and inner core of the earth. However, once mined and harvested, iron is often processed into cast iron or wrought iron. Although both types of iron are composed of pure iron, they are not necessarily the same.
What Is Cast Iron?
Definition of cast irons
Cast iron is an iron alloy, consisting of about 2% to 4% carbon and trace amounts of silicon, manganese and other elements. It is called “cast iron” because it is made by casting.
History of cast iron
Cast iron (gray cast iron) is a historical type of pipe made in the 19th and 20th centuries, used as a pressure pipe for conveying water and sewage. Cast iron pipes are gradually replaced by ductile iron pipes, which is a direct development. In the 1970s and 1980s, most existing manufacturers were transitioning to new materials.
Most gray cast iron pipes in use are made by pit casting or rotary casting. The earliest cast iron pipe was vertical pit cast iron. At the beginning of the 19th century, the first batch of pit cast iron pipes in the United States were imported, but since 1830, local production has become more extensive. It was not until the 1940s that pit cast iron pipes were manufactured and installed. At present, there is hardly any new cast iron pipe manufacturing.
What Is Wrought Iron?
The manufacturing process of forged steel pipe is to process raw steel into steel pipes of various lengths and diameters. Steel pipes play a role in underground water and natural gas transmission, wrapped wire protection and production of vehicles, bicycles, pipelines and heating systems, street lamps and refrigeration equipment.
Difference Between Wrought And Cast Iron
Firstly, cast iron is made by casting, while wrought iron is made by heating, bending or multiple processing. Therefore, most metalworking companies agree that cast iron is easier to produce than wrought iron.
Next, wrought iron is also stronger than cast iron. The wrought iron will become stronger every time it is heated and processed. Due to its strength, wrought iron is often used in commercial applications.
Although wrought iron is stronger, cast iron is harder than its counterpart. It can resist deformation under pressure or stress more easily than wrought iron.