Why steel for sculptures

low carbon steel known as mild steel has iron plus 0.3% carbon and is readily available in many sizes and shapes as both hot rolled and cold rolled steel. It is inexpensive compared to other metals such as bronze. Iron and carbon are among the most plentiful materials on earth. Steel is one of the most recycled materials; your sculpture may contain recycled steel from your local recycling center.

Steel is strong even in small sections making it ideal for sculptures yet it can be very ductile when heated to a forging temperature of 1700 degrees F or more. In small sections it can also be bent cold.

It is easy to machine, plasma cut, laser cut, and weld. A finished steel sculpture can accept a wide range of finishes : chemical treatment, patinas, paint, plating, powder coating, etc.

For all these reasons I have found steel to be ideal for my sculptures and a pleasure to work with.