MATERIAL
Cast iron: robust, industrial, unmistakably heavy
The material of machinery, bridges and factory halls. Cast iron carries an industrial history with it - and that makes it especially fitting for companies that make things themselves.
A cast iron sculpture is cast in an iron alloy with a high carbon content. The material is heavy, hard and brittle, with a characteristic matte surface texture.
What cast iron says
Cast iron is an honest material: it pretends nothing. Where bronze radiates stature and stainless steel radiates precision, cast iron radiates labour. For a manufacturing company, a family business with a factory history or an anniversary that is about craftsmanship, the material matches what is being told.
It is also heavy - heavier than bronze at the same volume. That is a feature, not a drawback: a cast iron sculpture stands unshakeably, and visitors feel that.
How we make it
The process resembles bronze casting: a mould, molten metal, cooling and finishing. Cast iron casts coarser than bronze, so fine details come out less sharply - that is taken into account in the design. After casting comes machining and finishing, usually in a matte, dark tone that lets the material keep its own character.
Where it fits
Indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, cast iron forms a rust layer that protects the metal beneath; many clients find that rust colour attractive and fitting. If you prefer not to have it, a coating is possible. Because of the weight, placement requires attention: foundation, floor load and transport are included by us in the specification sheet.
Ageing and maintenance
Outdoors a rust layer forms; that is normal and protective, not damage. Anyone who wants to keep the original dark tone chooses a coating that needs periodic maintenance. Indoors, cast iron needs almost nothing: dusting is enough. Cast iron is brittle - a hard impact can cause a fracture, and that is harder to repair than with bronze.
Lead time and price
Comparable to bronze: the casting process sets the pace. 6-8 weeks. In price, cast iron is more favourable than bronze because the material itself is cheaper; the casting and finishing hours are comparable.
A sculpture in cast iron?
Tell us the story and the location; we advise on design, weight and foundation.