In the early 15th century, a significant breakthrough occurred in cannon manufacturing. European founders solved the technical challenges of porosity in bronze, allowing them to cast bronze pieces with a composition of nine parts copper to one part tin. These bronze cannons rivaled the largest wrought-iron bombards in size and power, marking a significant step forward in artillery technology.

This advancement not only enhanced the power and reliability of cannons but also set the stage for future innovations in metalworking and weaponry.

Cast Iron Cannons

A century later, in 1543, an Englishman introduced a method for casting iron cannons that were reasonably safe and operationally efficient. Although these cast-iron cannons were heavier and bulkier than their bronze counterparts, they presented new challenges. Unlike bronze cannons, which tended to tear and rupture when failing, cast-iron cannons were prone to bursting into fragments due to internal corrosion and erosion.

Despite these challenges, the development of cast-iron cannons represented a crucial evolution in artillery, providing a more abundant and cost-effective material for weapon production.

Rustless Steel

Fast forward to the early 20th century, Harry Brearley, a metallurgist in Sheffield, England, revolutionized the field by creating the first-ever rustless (stainless) steel in 1913. Brearley’s steel alloy, containing 12.8% chromium and 0.24% carbon, significantly improved the lifespan of gun barrels by resisting erosion.

Mighty Molybdenum

During World War I, the Germans further advanced metallurgy by adding molybdenum to steel to strengthen their massive Big Bertha siege cannons. This innovation was critical as the extreme heat from firing one-ton projectiles scorched and warped the barrels.

At the time, molybdenum was exclusively mined at the Bartlett mine in Colorado, with all production secretly diverted to the German gun industry until the United States entered the war. These developments in metal alloys and cannon manufacturing not only shaped military technology but also laid the groundwork for modern metallurgy.