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PIG IRON
Westbrook Resources are a trusted Pig Iron supplier and distributor to the global iron and steel industry.
Our Pig Iron has the following chemical analysis:
Basic Grade / SG | % |
|---|---|
C | 3.76-4.7% |
Si | 0.4% max |
Mn | 0.015% max / 0.035% max |
P | 0.030% max / 0.032% max |
S | 0.015% max |
Cr | 0.040% max / 0.050% max |
Ti | 0.020% max / 0.030% max |
V | 0.035% max / 0.040% max |
About Pig Iron
Pig Iron is produced from the first smelting of Iron Ore. The melt of the blast furnace is run off into rectangular moulds, traditionally in a branching structure running off a central runner, with the moulds at right angles to each other. This configuration is similar to piglets suckling on a sow, hence the ingots are referred to as pigs.
​Pig Iron is either sand-cast or machine-cast. When it is sand-cast, it has sand adhering and fused into the surface, giving more slag in the melting. Machine-cast Pig Iron is cast in steel forms and has a fine-grained chilled structure, with a lower melting point.
Read below as we describe Westbrook’s Pig Iron, its properties and uses. Discover why businesses across the world choose Westbrook Resources as their trusted Pig Iron supplier.
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Key Properties of Pig Iron
Pig Iron has a high Carbon content, typically 3.7% – 4.7% along with small percentages of Silicon, Sulphur, Manganese and Phosphorus. This makes Pig Iron brittle and only really useful for re-smelting to make Cast Iron, Wrought Iron or, nowadays, steel. During re-smelting, the Carbon and impurities can be precisely controlled, resulting in materials with improved strength, malleability, and other qualities needed for construction and manufacturing.
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Uses of Pig Iron
Pig Iron can be used to produce Grey Iron and high purity Pig Irons can be used to produce Ductile Iron.
In modern steelmaking, Pig Iron/slag is transferred, in liquid form referred to as “hot metal”, from the bottom of the blast furnace into a steel-making vessel, typically with an electric arc furnace, induction furnace or basic Oxygen furnace by burning off the excess Carbon and adjusting the alloy composition.
Pig Iron may also be used in the production of Ductile Iron that is low in Silicon, Manganese, Phosphorus and Sulphur. Read below why you should choose Westbrook as your Pig Iron supplier.
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Global Sourcing and Supply of Pig Iron
Westbrook Resources sources Pig Iron from trusted suppliers worldwide, ensuring consistent quality and supply. Our extensive global network allows us to meet the demands of the steel and iron industries across multiple regions. With efficient logistics and supply chain management, we deliver tailored solutions to match your production needs. Looking for a trusted Pig Iron supplier? At Westbrook, we offer timely and efficient distribution at competitive prices.
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Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in Pig Iron Production
At Westbrook Resources, we prioritise sustainability in Pig Iron sourcing. By partnering with environmentally responsible producers, we support efforts to reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. As a leading Pig Iron supplier, this commitment ensures that our products align with modern environmental standards, promoting greener production practices.
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Why Choose Westbrook Resources For Pig Iron
Our Pig Iron is a high quality specification with low Silicon content. As reputable Pig Iron distributors, once customers have tried our Pig Iron, we usually become their preferred supplier.
Our aim is to be a reliable long-term partner by ensuring:
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Continuity of Supply
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Consistent Quality
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Competitive Pricing
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Efficient Delivery Service
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Outstanding Service
Our specialist team is dedicated and open to discussing any products or distribution questions you may have. Contact us today for more information.
For our full range of products that we offer at Westbrook Resources, check out our products page.
Westbrook Resources are ISO 9001 compliant, Authorised Economic Operator accredited, hold numerous REACH registrations both in the UK and the EU and have several Turkish KKDIK pre-registrations. We have fiscal representation in several countries to facilitate deliveries direct to your plant.
Contact Us
Looking to place an order for Pig Iron or have any further questions?
Contact our specialist team today for fast and efficient service. Our team is ready to assist you with your enquiries.
Pig Iron FAQs
What is Pig Iron and how is it produced?
Pig Iron is a raw material derived from smelting Iron Ore in a blast furnace. It contains a high Carbon content, along with traces of Silicon, Manganese and Sulphur. Produced as the first stage in steelmaking, Pig Iron is poured into moulds, creating distinctive ingots. Its composition and form make it ideal for further refining into steel or ductile iron.
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What are the different types of Pig Iron and which types do Westbrook Resources sell?
There are several types of Pig Iron with the main ones being Basic Pig Iron, Foundry Pig Iron and SG Pig Iron.
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Basic Pig Iron is often used in steelmaking and contains lower levels of impurities. Basic Pig Iron is available from Westbrook Resources.
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Foundry Pig Iron has a higher Silicon content to improve fluidity and castability in foundries.
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SG Pig Iron (Spheroidal Graphite Pig Iron), sometimes referred to as Nodular Pig Iron is a high purity Pig Iron containing graphite in the spheroidal (nodular) form, which enhances its mechanical properties. This is the main type of Pig Iron supplied by Westbrook and is often used to produce ductile iron. We supply Sorelmetal®, produced by Rio Tinto, which has a very strong reputation in the industry.​
Where does the name ‘Pig Iron’ come from?
The term ‘Pig Iron’ dates back to when hot metal was utilised and cast into ingots before being sent to the plant. In order to be fed from the common runner, the moulds were laid out in sand beds. This group of moulds resembled piglets suckling on a sow, hence the nickname ‘Pig Iron’.
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What advancements have been made in the production of Pig Iron?
Blast furnace technology, raw material quality and waste management have all seen desirable advancements in the production of Pig Iron over recent times. Each modern technique improves the efficiency and the environmental performance of Pig Iron production.
Is there any significance in the history of Pig Iron?
The production of Pig Iron played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. Pig Iron supplied the raw material for the development of railroads and machinery, which aided the growth of the economy. To this day, Pig Iron continues to play a significant role in the iron and steel industry.
