ferro alloys

Production and consumption

Ferro alloys are produced by adding chemical elements into molten metal, usually during steelmaking. They impart distinctive qualities to steel and cast iron or serve important functions during production and are, therefore, closely associated with the iron and steel industry, the leading consumer of ferroalloys.

Ferro chromium

An alloy composed principally of iron and chromium used as a means of adding chromium to steels (low-medium-, and high-carbon) and to cast iron. Available in several classifications and grades, generally containing between 60-70% chromium, in crushed sizes and lumps up to 75 pounds which readily dissolve in molten steel.

Ferro manganese

An alloy consisting of manganese (approx. 48%) plus iron and carbon. Available in standard, low-carbon, and medium carbon grades in ground, crushed, and lump sizes ranging from 80 mesh to 75-lb lumps, suitable for ladle or furnace addition. Use: vehicle for adding manganese to steel.

Ferro molybdenum

An alloy composed largely of iron and molybdenum used as a means of adding molybdenum to steel. Engineering steels rarely contain more than 1% molybdenum, stainless steels may contain 3%, and tool steels as much as 10%. Ferromolybdenum is available in several grades in which molybdenum ranged from 55 to 75% and the maximum carbon content is either 1,10%, 0,60% or 2,50%. It is generally added in the furnace since it does not oxidize under steel-making conditions. Melting point approx. 1630°C. Available in crushed sizes up to one inch. 

Ferro silicon

An alloy of iron and silicon used to add silicon to steel and iron. Insoluble in water. Small quantities of silicon deoxidize the iron and larger amounts impart special properties. Available in six grades containing from 20 to 95% silicon. The 20% grade is made in a blast furnace, but grades of higher silicon content are made in electric furnaces. Hazard: Ferrosilicon containing from 30 to 90% silicon is flammable and evolves gases in presence of moisture. Use: Pidgeon process for producing metallic magnesium.

Ferro titanium

An alloy composed principally of iron and titanium used to add titanium to steel. It is often made from titanium scrap. Three classifications are available: low, high and medium carbon content. Furnished in various lump, crushed and ground sizes.

Ferro tungsten

An alloy of iron and tungsten used as a means of adding tungsten to steel. Contains 70 to 80% tungsten and no more than 0,6% carbon. Melting range 1648-2750°C, dissolves readily in molten steel. Furnished in ground and crushed sizes up to one inch.

Ferro vanadium

An iron-vanadium alloy used to add vanadium to steel. Vanadium is used in engineering steels to the extent of 0,1-0,25% and in high speed steels to the extent of 1-2,5% or higher. Melting range 1482-1521°C. Furnished in a variety of lump, crushed, and ground sizes.