The iron is a relatively simple and familiar household appliance to everyone. But few people thought about what path this au pair took in his development. Ironing devices appeared several thousand years ago. Over the centuries-old history, this device has been repeatedly modified until it acquired its usual appearance.
From the history of the iron
Even the ancient Romans used ironing devices, which, however, did not require heating. This method of processing linen was subsequently used in other countries and cultures. The cold rolling method consisted in the fact that a fabric product was wound on a rounded elongated object and rolled over a board that had irregularities or ribs.
The prototype of the modern iron, as everyone is used to seeing it, appeared in ancient China. It had a narrow-nosed metal sole and a handle in the form of a bracket. Such a device came to the territory of Europe only in medieval times.
The first European irons discovered in Scandinavia were made of stone, while all-metal irons appeared much later and were very expensive.
Before use, the metal iron was carefully heated over an open fire, which was not very convenient, because even the massive iron structure cooled down very quickly and needed heating. In addition, during hot processing with fire, the working surface of the iron could get dirty, which often led to contamination of the treated fabric.
The inventors of that time found a way out - they began to use inserts. They were heated over a fire and then placed in a hollow iron body. Another option was an iron, the interior of which was filled with hot coals. In the 19th century, gas and alcohol irons appeared.
Household iron in the age of electricity
The ancestor of the modern electric iron appeared in the last decade of the 19th century. In its design, American engineers used a heating element made of a high-resistance alloy. The use of electricity was a breakthrough in the creation of all household appliances.
The iron, powered by electric energy, was extremely simple in design and did not pollute the environment. It was very convenient to use.
In the middle of the last century, the electric iron received a useful, albeit somewhat belated addition, a steam generator. At the same time, the appearance of the device changed, the iron became more ergonomic and safe to use. Many experiments were carried out by engineers and designers of household appliances, choosing the optimal material for the sole of the iron. Stainless steel was widely used for this purpose, which was then replaced by aluminum alloys and Teflon.
Inventors and designers are actively working to expand the functionality of this household appliance. The changes affected the iron's design, weight and other performance characteristics. Modern irons of the cordless type, equipped with a built-in battery, and those that have light heating of the working surface are very convenient. Irons with a variable sole are being developed. So the history of the iron is far from over.
