What is Ferrochrome?

A ferrochrome facility transforms chromite ore deposits to ferrochrome, the product used to create stainless steel products.

Ferrochrome is created with iron, chrome, and oxygen.

The high-grade chromite ore to be taken from the Ring of Fire area is grinded and put through a processing plant that requires high levels of energy to melt the ore and add carbon to separate the oxygen from the iron and chrome. The completed iron and chrome product is called ferrochrome.

Chromium is produced in two forms.  First, Ferrochrome, which is the reduction of chromite with coke in an electric arc furnace. Second, Chromium metal, which is made through the oxidation of chromite in molten alkali.

What is the difference between ferrochrome and chrome?

The two are often confused and sometimes used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference.

Ferrochrome is a corrosion-resistant alloy of chrome and iron containing between 50% and 65% chrome while chrome is chromium, when used to plate other metals.

What kind of alloy is ferrochrome?

Corrosion-resistant. Ferrochrome, or ferrochromium (FeCr) is a type of ferroalloy, that is, an alloy of chromium and iron, generally containing 50 to 70% chromium by weight. Ferrochrome is produced by electric arc carbothermic reduction of chromite.

Where is ferrochrome used?

High carbon ferrochrome is used in the manufacturing of certain steel including:

• Ball-bearing steels
• Tool steels
• Other alloy steels.

Apart from making stainless steel, low carbon ferrochrome is also used in the manufacturing of acid-resistant steels.

Most of the ferrochrome produced worldwide is used in manufacturing stainless steel. The chromium content present in stainless steel provides resistance to corrosion and gives stainless steel its customary appearance. Around 18% of chrome is used in per unit content of stainless steel.