As a material, cast iron has a long and distinguished history, having been used from early Chinese, Roman and other ancient civilizations. It is known for its good strength, durable construction, and low cost. Cast iron has been used to make many everyday objects, from sauce pans to drain pipes and radiators. Today, it is still the most common type of ferrous metal used in engineering applications.
Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon, with a higher carbon content than steel. It has higher levels of trace elements such as silicon, manganese and sulfur. These trace elements give cast iron its unique physical and chemical characteristics.
Cast iron has a relatively low melting point and is relatively easy to cast. It also has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The open-pour casting technique is the most commonly used because it is inexpensive and requires minimal machining. However, this method can produce porous and brittle castings which can be weakened by corrosion.
Casting and machining of cast iron are two of the key manufacturing processes for a wide variety of components and components requiring good strength, durability and wear resistance. In addition, cast iron provides good compatibility with other metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.
Most commercial cast iron products are created using either grey or ductile iron, which are two of the most common types of cast iron. Ductile iron has higher levels of carbon and iron than grey iron; it is also known for its high tensile strength and resistance to fatigue and corrosion. This makesductile iron ideal for applications in highly corrosive environments.
Grey iron castings are cost-effective and relatively easy to machine. They offer good tensile strength, ductility and resistance to wear. Grey iron is ideal for applications requiring strength and wear resistance such as engine blocks and cylinder heads.
Today, casting of cast iron is done on various scales, ranging from large-scale castings for bridges and ships, to smaller components and small-scale products used in a variety of industry sectors. Generally, when it comes to producing the cast iron components, the cost of production is relatively low thanks to the availability of a range of machines and tools to make the job easier.
The properties of cast iron can be formulated and adapted to a wide range of applications, from automotive to aerospace and from housing to agriculture. Cast iron can be created for both domestic and industrial use, and its physical and chemical characteristics ensure that it can be relied upon for many years of reliable service. Whether it is a plowshare, a dump truck frame, or a door guard, cast iron provides the perfect solution for many construction, engineering, and manufacturing needs.
