Born-Died: 1823 - 1883
Location: England
Site/Company: N/A
Historical Significance:
William Siemens was a German-born English engineer and inventor who helped develop the steel industry. In 1861, Siemens patented the Siemens regenerative furnace (open-hearth furnace), which produced steel at a higher temperature than other furnaces. The steel made in this furnace was better quality than steel made in a Bessemer converter. By 1900, the open hearth furnace replaced the Bessemer converter as the process of choice worldwide, and remained so until the mid-1900s.
Photograph - 1880
Iron and Steel Hall of Fame Induction - 2018