Abrasion Resistant Cast Iron
Abrasion resistant cast iron is a type of cast iron that has been enhanced with special alloys that increase its strength and resistance to abrasion. The most common types of abrasion resistant cast iron are White Iron and Ni-Hard, both of which are known for their excellent wear resistance.
White Iron is a form of cast iron that provides superior wear resistance and long lasting strength. It is created by adding chromium and other metals to cast iron, which improves the strength and hardness of the material. White Iron is a very hard material and is the preferred option when looking for greater abrasive resistance.
Classified by their trade name and specifications, there are two main varieties of White Iron available. The ASTM A-532 standard covers three cast iron grades and two grades of abrasion-resistant white iron. The grade, grade I, and grade III are the most commonly used grades, while grade II and grade IV can also be specified.
Ni-Hard is another form of abrasion-resistant cast iron. It is a high-chrome white iron alloyed with small amounts of nickel and chromium to reach the ideal abrasion resistant qualities that make it an excellent material for the engineering industry. Ni-Hard is often the material of choice when the wear resistance of White Iron cannot meet the requirements.
Classified by their trade name and specifications, three primary grades of Ni-Hard are available. Ni-Hard 1 is the softest grade, with a typical hardness value of 550-650 Brinell, while the Ni-Hard 4 and Ni-Hard 4P grades have a relatively high hardness value of 650-750 Brinell. Ni-Hard 1 is primarily used in applications that may require solidification and welding, while Ni-Hard 4 and 4P are used for applications with higher abrasive wear and where a harder, more wear-resistant surface is required.
In conclusion, abrasion resistant cast iron is an ideal material for use in many applications due to its strength and resistance to wear. White Iron and Ni-Hard are the two most common types of abrasion resistant cast iron, with different grades available to suit a variety of needs. White Iron is often the preferred material for applications that require greater wear resistance, while Ni-Hard is often the material of choice when the wear resistance of White Iron cannot meet the requirements.
