Q: Are the fences and railing you make, made from actual iron?
Iron is a basic chemical element and is number 26 on the periodic table with the symbol Fe, (this is Latin for Ferrum).
The term iron, in modern jargon, means steel that is treated for outdoor use specifically. The steel used is an alloy, (mix), that contains a 2.1% to .2% carbon to iron combination, iron being 97.9 to 98. 8 % of the mix. Other materials found within different steel alloys are chromium, tungsten, vanadium, or manganese.
Carbon is the most common additive because of its properties as a hardening mechanism or agent. On a molecular level this keeps the iron atoms from spreading apart, which weakens it, or rather lowers its tensile strength and ductility. The other agents enable different levels of strength and ductility and tensile strength.
Furthermore, the term ‘wrought iron’ is used for an outdated forging process no longer in large scale use because of the advances in technologies that have effectively lowered the cost of producing steel alloy in its place. This caused the closing of the last wrought iron facility in America, in 1969.
Q: Can you Explain Electrostatic Powder Coating?
Electrostatic coating is a process where an electrical charge excites the power or magnetizes it, (in general terms),enough to cause it to stick to itself and to a metal surface. The powder is a plastic material, that once placed in an oven for baking, it will melt into an even thickness over the metal object it covers.
Q: Are there advantages to an Electrostaic Powder Coatings?
A: The first advantage is the even coat that results from the process. In addition, the coating is baked into the steel and becomes scratch resistant. Furthermore, the process is environmentally friendly. This stems from the lack of using solvents and that there is never any over spray. Finally, with the UV stabilizers added a powder coating keeps its shine longer.
Q: Is there ever a need to repaint?
Other than the occasional touch up for a scratch or gouge on the surface. There is no need to repaint a powder coating.
Q: What is the typical Lifespan for an Iron fence or railing?
Under normal weather conditions and with a wash once or twice a year, you can expect your iron fence or railing to last up to twenty years or so if it is in a backyard situation. When iron is exposed to road salt and snow piled from plowing the length of time that it should last is reduced.
