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Cast Iron
Cast Iron
Cast Iron is simply Pig Iron that has been liquified and poured into a mould (cast) and as such it has up to 3.5% carbon as well as Silica. It is brittle unless it is heat treated to make it malleable. Cast iron is used to make anvils, frying pans and engine casings.
With the addition of small amounts of carbon, Iron is made stronger and is classed as Steel. As the carbon amount is increased so too is the hardness properties of the Steel. However, larger amounts of carbon (2%) render the Iron brittle.
Mild Steel
Mild Steel
Mild Steel, is used for the majority of metal construction work from girders in buildings to the casing on your fridge; from the body of a car to the legs on a table. It is Iron plus 0.15 - 0.3% carbon.
Medium Carbon Steel
Medium Carbon Steel
The addition of 0.3-0.7% of carbon produces Medium Carbon Steel which is used for springs and general gardening tools. It is also referred to as Tool Steel and can be found in D&T workshops for files.
High carbon steel
High carbon steel
High Carbon Steel (0.7-1.7% Carbon) is also referred to as High Speed Steel (HSS) and is used for tools, cutting and drilling bits, blades etc.
These can also be considered Alloys.
One major disadvantage of using Iron is the fact that it oxidises. While all metals are prone to oxidization, in Iron it can be very destructive to the metal. Iron Oxide is better known as rust.
Unless treated, Iron and Steel will oxidise quickly forming a layer of Iron Oxide which can easily be brushed away and prevented by coating in a layer of oil.Â
If left untreated the oxide will begin to erode the surface of the metal and, although it can still be removed, it will leave noticeable marks in the metal. Eventually the oxide, or rust, will erode the metal away completely to an orange / brown powder.
rust
Mr Kennedy oils the tools and machines in D&T regularly to avoid oxidisation (rust)
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