An alloy, composed principally of iron and chromium, used as a means of adding chromium to steels (low, medium, and high-carbon) and cast iron. Available in several classifications and grades, generally containing between 60 and 70% chromium, in crushed s
A high-chromium iron master alloy used foradding chromium to irons and steel, ferrochromiumis also called ferrochrome. It is madefrom chromite ore by smelting with lime, silica,or fluorspar in an electric furnace. High-carbonferrochromeis used for making tool steels, ballbearingsteels, and other alloy steels. It melts at about 1250°C. Low-carbon-ferrochrome isused for making stainless steels and acid-resistantsteels. Simplex ferrochrome comes in pelletform and is used for making low-carbonstainless steels. Low-carbon ferrochrome is alsopreferred for alloy steel mixtures where muchscrap is used because it keeps down the carbonand inhibits the formation of hard chromiumcarbides. The various grades of ferrochromiumare also marketed as high-N2 ferrochrome, andfor use in making high-chromium cast steelswhere the N2 refines the grain and increases thestrength. Foundry-grade ferrochrome is usedfor making cast irons, as well as for ladle additionsto cast iron to give uniform structure andincrease the strength and hardness.
