materials
In terms of produced tonnage, cast iron materials are by far the largest group of cast construction materials. Using alloying and heat treatment it is possible to produce a wide range of grades with a wide spectrum of properties.
The grey solidified grades with lamellar graphite and spheroidal graphite account for the biggest percentage of production. These materials have excellent casting properties. They also offer a whole range of advantages for the user of the material as well. For example, they are very easy to work and machine and can be deployed across a large temperature interval. The high graphite content makes the material excellent at damping vibrations, which means less noise for many applications. Moreover, the graphite also provides for good anti-seizure performance. Being highly environmentally compatible, 100% recyclable and having a positive energy balance, these materials are also a good choice in terms of environmental considerations as well.
Given the diversity of cast iron materials there is often a “specialist” material for many applications, one which is particularly suitable for the specific profile of requirements.