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Steel Casting at Fitzalan Steel Works, Sheffield, Yorkshire
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Steel Casting at Fitzalan Steel Works, Sheffield, Yorkshire
Interior of a steel casting at Fitzalan Steel Works, Sheffield. Two men draw crucibles of molten metal from furnaces. Two others pour the metal into moulds to produce ingots. Date: 1844
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Media ID 20159111
© Bubblepunk
1840s 1844 Casting Fitzalan Furnaces Ingots Moulds Pots Sheffield Crucibles
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This photograph taken in 1844 offers a rare glimpse into the interior of Fitzalan Steel Works in Sheffield, Yorkshire, during the 1840s. The image showcases the intricacies of the steel casting process, a crucial aspect of the burgeoning 19th-century British industrial revolution. Two skilled workers are seen drawing crucibles of molten steel from the large, fiery furnaces. The furnaces, fueled by coal, reached temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Celsius, melting the iron ore and impurities to create the molten steel. The men, dressed in protective clothing, use long iron hooks to carefully extract the crucibles, their faces shielded by masks to protect against the intense heat and fumes. Once the crucibles have been removed, two other workers are ready to pour the molten steel into moulds. The moulds, made of sand, are carefully prepared and heated to ensure a proper bond with the steel. The men use long ladles to pour the molten steel into the moulds, taking care to avoid any impurities that may have settled at the bottom of the crucibles. Once the steel has cooled and solidified, the ingots are carefully removed from the moulds, marking the completion of the casting process. The ingots, now in their solid form, would be transported to various forges for further processing and shaping. This photograph offers a unique insight into the labor-intensive and complex process of steel casting during the 1840s. The dedication and skill of the workers, combined with the innovative technology of the time, allowed Britain to establish itself as a global leader in steel production and manufacturing.
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