Material Iron Carbon Manganese Sulfur Phosphorus Silicon

Pig iron 91–94 3.5–4.5 0.5–2.5 0.018–0.1 0.03–0.1 0.25–3.5

Carbon steel 98.1–99.5 0.07–1.3 0.3–1.0 0.02–0.06 0.002–0.1 0.005–0.5
Wrought iron 99–99.8 0.05–0.25 0.01–0.1 0.02–0.1 0.05–0.2 0.02–0.2
All units are percent weight
Table 2: Properties of wrought iron
Property Value
34,000–
Ultimate tensile strength [psi (MPa)][47] 54,000
(234–372)
34,000–
Ultimate compression strength [psi (MPa)][47] 54,000
(234–372)
28,000–
Ultimate shear strength [psi (MPa)][47] 45,000
(193–310)
23,000–
Yield point [psi (MPa)][47] 32,000
(159–221)
28,000,000
Modulus of elasticity (in tension) [psi (MPa)][47]
(193,100)
2,800
Melting point [°F (°C)][48]
(1,540)
Specific gravity 7.6–7.9[49]
7.5–7.8[50]

Table of comparative qualities of cast irons

Comparative qualities of cast irons[2]

Yield
Nominal
strength Tensile Elongation Hardness
composition Form and
Name [ksi strength [% (in [Brinell Uses
[% by condition
(0.2% [ksi] 2 inches)] scale]
weight]
offset)]
Engine
cylinder
Grey cast
blocks,
iron C 3.4, Si 1.8,
Cast — 25 0.5 180 flywheels,
(ASTM Mn 0.5
gears,
A48)
machine-tool
bases
White cast C 3.4, Si 0.7, Cast (as Bearing
— 25 0 450
iron Mn 0.6 cast) surfaces
Malleable Axle bearings,
iron C 2.5, Si 1.0, Cast track wheels,
33 52 12 130
(ASTM Mn 0.55 (annealed) automotive
A47) crankshafts
Ductile or C 3.4, P 0.1, Cast 53 70 18 170 Gears,
 Mn 0.4,
nodular camshafts,
Ni 1.0,
iron crankshafts
Mg 0.06
Ductile or
nodular cast
iron — (quench 108 135 5 310 —
(ASTM tempered)
A339)
Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content, in comparison to steel, and has fibrous
inclusions, known as slag. This is what gives it a "grain" resembling wood, which is visible when it is etched or
bent to the point of failure. Wrought iron is tough, malleable, ductile and easily welded. Historically, it was
known as "commercially pure iron"