What is the Difference Between Iron and Steel? With some still confused about these two items, now dimulti.id will give you the explanation to further understand the differences!
Iron and steel are two construction materials commonly used in the construction world. Despite the familiarity, the differences between iron and steel can be reviewed in terms of their properties, composition, and uses.
Iron, as a basic metal that has been known since prehistoric times, is known for its extraordinary power.
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Nevertheless, iron has a major disadvantage that is susceptible to corrosion, which can reduce its durability and wear time.
On the other hand, steel is the result of a mixture of iron with small amounts of carbon, and sometimes other elements such as manganese, nickel, and chromium.
This combination gives the steel unique properties, including high strength, corrosion resistance, and the ability to change shape as needed.
Apart from the above differences, what are the differences between iron and other steel in various industrial applications?
In this article, we will explain in more detail the differences between iron and steel, as well as how the characteristics of each of these materials affect their use in various contexts.
Table of Contents
What is an Iron?
Iron is a chemical element that belongs to the class of transitional metals and lies in the fourth period, group 8 on the periodic table.
Its atomic number is 26, and its chemical symbol is Fe, which comes from the Latin word “ferrum.”
Naturally, iron is usually found in the form of iron ore, such as hematite and magnetite. The process of extracting iron from iron ore involves a chemical reaction, in which oxygen is removed from the ore to produce pure iron.
The resulting iron can then be used directly or converted into various shapes and alloys as needed.
The properties of the iron that make it important in a variety of applications include its high strength, the ability to form a wide range of structures, and good thermal and electrical conductivity.
However, the main weakness of iron is its inability to withstand corrosion well. Iron is prone to rust if exposed to oxygen and water for a long time.
Also Read: “Pros and Cons of Using Stainless Steel“
What is Steel?
Steel on the other hand, is an artificial material made of a mixture of various elements, such as iron, carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicone, as well as aluminum, nitrogen and oxygen in small amounts.
The presence of these elements gives steel the special properties that distinguish it from pure iron. Moreover, in other words, steel can be regarded as an iron alloy that has been modified to enhance certain performance.
The steel process involves several complex stages, starting with the extraction of iron ore which is then processed through a process called melting.
During the melting process, the iron ore is mixed with solid carbon and then added with other ingredients needed to the desired composition.
Subsequently, the liquid produced from this melting is polished and printed into a variety of steel products.
Also Read: “What is Metal Rolling?“
Difference Between Iron and Steel
The differences between iron and steel cover several key aspects, including chemical composition, mechanical properties, strength, corrosion resistance, and applications.
1. Chemical Composition
Pure iron has a very simple composition, consisting only of elements of iron, while steel is an alloy of iron with a small amount of carbon, and sometimes contains other elements such as manganese, nickel, chromium, and others.
2. Properties
Iron materials tend to be less robust than steel and have lower mechanical properties. Through the addition of carbon and other elements, steel has better mechanical characteristics, including high traction strength, strength, and rigidity.
3. Strength
Iron is usually less robust than steel. Steel has a higher strength and harder than iron, making it more suitable for applications that require durability and strength.
4. Corrosion Resistance
Iron is susceptible to corrosion and can rust if not properly protected. Steel, especially stainless steel, has better corrosion resistance due to the content of alloy elements that add a protective layer.
5. Application
Iron is used in construction, machinery, household appliances, and various industries. However, it often requires additional protection against corrosion.
The steel itself is commonly used in a variety of applications, including building construction, vehicle manufacturing, industrial equipment, and more, because of its strength and corrosive resistance.
6. Price
Iron is generally cheaper than steel. Unlike steel, the price can be higher, depending on the type of steel and its composition.
7. Process
Iron is generally easier to process unlike steels that require more complex processes, such as melting and casting, to the desired composition and properties.
8. Availability in Nature
Iron is more abundant in nature and easier to extract, which makes it more economical and widely available.
As for steel, its availability depends on the availabilities of iron ore and human ability to process and convert it into steel.
9. Nature Properties
Iron is considered more susceptible to corrosion and rust formation when exposed to certain environmental elements.
Certain types of steel, such as stainless steels, have better corrosion resistance, making them more durable in open environments.
10. Sound and Sparks
The difference between these two can also be identified from the sound aspects of casting. Iron metallic properties can suppress noise, so that when hit with a hammer, iron produces a quiter sound.
The grinding process also reveals the difference between iron and steel. In the grinding of iron, there is a large and large spark of fire, while steel produces a smaller spark.
Also Read: “C-Channel Steel Sizes and Its Uses“
Summary
- Chemical composition: Iron consists of an element of iron (Fe), while steel is an alloy of carbon content <2%
- Strength: Iron Lower, Steel Higher
- Sound: Iron is quiter when hit, while steels are sharper and louder
- Usage of Carbon: Iron is lower and less strong, steel stronger and durable
- Magnetic testing: Iron usually is magnetic, steels depend on composition
- Corrosion resistance: Iron more susceptible to corrosion, whereas steel is resistance to corrosion
- Mechanical properties: Iron tends to be brittle, while steel is stronger and tougher
- Price: Iron is more affordable, the price of steel can vary
- Processing: Iron is easier to process and shape, while steel has a more complex processes Availability: Iron abundant, while steel relies on steel stocks
- Sparks: Iron tends to be large and abundant, while steel is smaller and less
Also Read: “Types of Steel and Its Uses“
There you have it the difference between iron and steel in one bite!
As for your information, the steel and iron both have a very broad uses according to its needs.
And, because of that, many products that uses steel and iron are both need to be certified by the SNI certification to ensure its quality and safety.
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