About the cast iron Characteristics
About cast iron, cast iron parts, cast iron auto parts
Cast iron is defined as an iron alloy with more than 2% carbon as the main alloying element. Cast iron has a much lower melting temperature than steel and is more fluid and less reactive with molding materials.
In addition to C, cast irons also must contain appreciable silicon (Si), usually from 1–3%, and thus they are actually iron-carbon-silicon alloys. The high C content and the Si in cast irons make them excellent casting alloys.
Range of compositions for typical unalloyed cast irons
Values in percent (%)
Type of Iron | Carbon | Silicon | Manganese | Sulfur | Phosphorus |
Gray | 2.5 - 4.0 | 1.0 - 3.0 | 0.2 - 1.0 | 0.02 - 0.25 | 0.02 - 1.0 |
Ductile | 3.0 - 4.0 | 1.8 - 2.8 | 0.1 - 1.0 | 0.01 - 0.03 | 0.01 - 0.1 |
Compacted Graphite | 2.5 - 4.0 | 1.0 - 3.0 | 0.2 - 1.0 | 0.01 - 0.03 | 0.01 - 0.1 |
Malleable (Cast White) | 2.0 - 2.9 | 0.9 - 1.9 | 0.15 - 1.2 | 0.02 - 0.2 | 0.02 - 0.2 |
White | 1.8 - 3.6 | 0.5 - 1.9 | 0.25 - 0.8 | 0.06 - 0.2 | 0.06 - 0.2 |
