basiseisen

Basiseisen, literally “base iron” in German, is a term used in some German-language metallurgical and materials-science texts to denote the iron component that forms the matrix of ferrous alloys. It describes either relatively pure iron or a low-alloy iron that serves as the starting stock or base material for further alloying. In this usage, alloying elements such as carbon, chromium, nickel, or vanadium are added to the basiseisen to produce steels, cast irons, and other ferrous materials. The concept emphasizes iron’s role as the principal constituent around which the properties of the final material are developed.

In alloy design and processing, basiseisen is the reference phase from which other elements are introduced to achieve desired characteristics such as hardness, ductility, strength, and corrosion resistance. The exact definition and scope of basiseisen can vary between producers, disciplines, and languages, but it generally refers to the iron matrix rather than the added alloying elements.

Typical stock forms of basiseisen include pig iron, wrought iron, and steel billets or ingots, depending on the production route. The carbon content, microstructure, and trace elements of the basiseisen influence the heat treatment response and final performance of the finished product.

Terminology note: basiseisen is not a standardized international term, and in English-language texts the concept is more often described using terms such as base metal, iron matrix, or base iron stock. When used, it usually serves to distinguish the iron core from its alloying additions and from final consumer products.

See also: base metal, iron, steel, cast iron, alloy design.