Gray iron is one of the most frequently used casting materials in industrial manufacturing. Accounting for a large portion of casting supply markets, it is a strong, versatile substance. Gray iron can be machined easily, tested for quality without using destructive methods, formulated to meet specific application requirements, and is cost-effective at high volumes. It is suited to a variety of applications, including those that require:
Damping or vibration control
High strength to weight ratios
Dimensional stability
Ductile Iron Casting
For processes requiring greater strength than that provided by gray iron casting, ductile iron casting may be a useful alternative. Ductile iron shares similar traits with gray iron, and thus has many of the same advantages. However, ductile iron differs from gray iron casting in the following ways:
Greater strength
Improved wear resistance
Stronger toughness
Superior ductility
Reduced weight
Reduced shrinkage
Lower cost
Aluminum Casting
Aluminum is also a widely used casting metal, due in large part to its superior versatility. As one of only a few materials able to undergo most metal casting processes, aluminum is a relatively adaptable substance to work with. Aluminum’s corrosion resistance, high thermal/electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties and strength at high temperatures make it an effective choice for:
Read more: How Castings are Made