Our speciality here at Cheshire Metalcraft resides with iron wrought gates so it makes sense for us to advocate for the metal. After all, it one of the best around! With this said, many people tend to opt for gates that are fashioned out of cast iron too. As the experts in the gate industry we have taken it upon to ourselves to compare both options and help our clients understand the benefits…
The Difference
Whilst people tend to pin iron wrought and cast iron against one another, the thing that separates them is how the metals are used during production. For example, wrought iron is iron that is heated and worked into the desired shape using specialist tools whereas cast iron is iron that is melted and poured into moulds before being left to solidify. In fact, the word ‘wrought’ is the past participle of the word ‘work’ hence the term ‘worked iron’ and the word ‘cast’ is used to describe items that are made through a casting process.
The Characteristics
As a highly malleable material, wrought iron can be heated and re-heated in order to be warped into a range of different shapes. In fact, the material actually gets stronger the more it is worked! Scientifically, it contains less carbon than cast iron and this makes it much softer and gives it a higher resistance to fatigue.
On the other hand, cast iron relies on a process known as smelting in order to melt down the iron ore, which is poured into moulds and left to cool. Whilst the finished product is just as strong as wrought iron, it is much more brittle, and the higher carbon content means than the iron will solidify as an alloy and therefore isn’t as malleable.
Here at Cheshire Metalcraft we have a wide variety of iron wrought gates that come in many shapes and sizes. From automation to specialised ironwork, it is safe to say that we are the experts you want on your side. After all, there is nothing more personal than a decorative piece adorning the exterior of your home and welcoming every guest. To find out more information about why iron wrought is supreme, get in contact with the best gates in Manchester today!