What Is Wrought Iron?
What is Wrought Iron?
Composed of almost 100% iron. Used to make items such as ornamental gates and fencing. Not as commonly used nowadays. Wrought means ‘worked by hand’. It has sufficient properties to withstand hot and cold temperatures, but cracks when bent or finished at a red heat. It is therefore not used for welding or forging.
Wrought iron was in high demand up until the 1860’s when it was eagerly used for building the hulls of warships. The railways also benefited from this versatile metal but then the need for wrought iron quickly declined as mild steel became more available.
