1776day.year
Benjamin Huntsman
(1704 - 1776)
English businessman
English businessman
An English inventor and industrialist who developed the crucible steel process, transforming steelmaking in the 18th century.
Born in 1704 in Lincolnshire, Huntsman trained as a clockmaker before focusing on metallurgy.
In the 1740s, he perfected the crucible steel process in Sheffield, producing consistent, high-quality steel.
His method involved melting blister steel in clay crucibles to eliminate impurities and adjust carbon content.
Sheffield became a global center for steel production, thanks to Huntsman's innovation.
He died in 1776, and his crucible technique remained the industry standard for decades.
1776
Benjamin Huntsman