Puddling furnace and mechanical hammer, Krupps Works, Essen, Germany, 19th century. Artist: Unknown # 1152790

Puddling furnace and mechanical hammer, Krupps Works, Essen, Germany, 19th century. Artist: Unknown

1-152-790 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Puddling furnace and mechanical hammer, Krupps Works, Essen, Germany, 19th century. Pig iron is being puddled to remove carbon and oxygen, after which the ball of hot metal (bloom) was then hammered. The process was sometimes repeated. Puddling produced the purest form of iron with great strength.