Although some molten (liquid) iron is manufactured into wrought iron or cast iron, the majority of molten iron moves directly into the steelmaking process.

Steel is produced from molten iron and from scrap iron and steel.  There are three main methods of making steel.

In each process, the iron, steel scrap, and other materials are placed in a furnace. While being heated, reactions remove excess carbon and unwanted substances from the iron and scrap. Other desired materials are then added.