The most popular type of gates installed in the UK today is ‘Wrought Iron’ gates. Typical examples range from imposing entrances to large estates, manor houses, town and country houses, entrances to residential condominiums, offices and other commercial premises.

 

Well, firstly, the term ‘wrought iron’ is widely used to describe ornate metal or fabricated steel gates; it is now more of a generic term. The specific term Wrought Iron really refers to the actual material composition and the manner of construction or assembly. Traditionally, wrought Iron gates and railings would have been made by a Blacksmith using a forge and hand tools such as hammers, anvils, scroll jigs and a whole range of other traditional implements to create the required bespoke design. The material used would have been wrought iron which relatively soft and can be hot worked to achieve beautifully formed shapes and features. The Blacksmith would assembly the various components together by hand forging, process of heating and hammering parts until they are ‘forged’ together.

 

For more detailed on the history and different types of wrought iron information please visit -

 

Traditional wrought iron gates can still be specified for new installations and existing wrought gates can be repaired. Due to the very specialist nature of work, be prepared for the investment as a typical pair of manual swing gates will range anywhere from £6,000 to £15,000 and even more for very large ornate estate gates – remember any thing can be achieved at a price. The work will need to be undertaken by a specialist Blacksmith; AGD Systems can assist you with sourcing the gate manufacture and specifying suitable automation and access control systems.

 

So, then, just what are the majority of ornate gates made from? The clear answer is ‘Mild Steel’ and occasionally Cast Iron.

 

Mild Steel or Steel is an alloy of Iron and Carbon, plus a few other trace elements thrown in to the mix. The composition of steel (ratio of iron, carbon and other elements) will affect its workability or ease of forming, bending, manipulating and ability to be welded. Mild steel has a low carbon content and is generally used for gate fabrication because it is easy to form, weld, galvanise and/ or prime and paint. As mild steel is easy to work it is possible to produce the detail components of the gate in high volumes meaning there is a greater choice of design styles available at a lower cost than that of wrought or cast iron.

 

 

Cast Iron gates and railings are available; cast iron has a high carbon content and as a result is quite brittle. As the name suggests the process involves ‘Casting’, basically iron is heated until it becomes a liquid, poured in to a sand mould, once cooled sufficiently the mould is broken open to reveal the cast gate or railing. The casting goes trough a process of fettling to remove any excess ‘flash’ before they are primed and finish painted.

 

Cast Iron Gates and Posts installed by AGD Systems

 

For more information about gates, automation and access controls, please ring 01933 229123 or fill out the Enquiry Form on our website contact page.