What is grey cast iron and what are its uses?
Grey cast iron, aka grey iron or gray iron, is a kind of cast iron with graphitic microstructure. As the name suggests, the cast iron is grey owing to the presence of graphite. This variety of iron is the oldest and widely used for casting. The metal has many applications depending on its heat resistance capacity and weight. But unhardened metal is fragile like other cast metals. Grey cast iron has low impact and tensile strength due to the presence of graphite flakes. But it has some good effects too! Graphite flakes are the only reason that the iron is wear-resistant. The properties of the iron are dependent on the materials melted together and poured into the mold. The process of manufacturing is also responsible for manipulating the properties.
Common uses of grey iron
Here are the most common uses of grey iron
• Manhole covers – Grey iron is the key material of manhole covers.
• Cinderblocks – This is perhaps the most common use of grey iron. These are required for daily use in the construction industry throughout the world.
• Electrical boxes
• Internal combustion engine cylinder blocks
• Wind turbine housing
• Gears
• Pump housings
• Hydraulic parts
• Plowshares
• Components of automotive suspension
• Stove parts
• Valves
• Tractor parts
• Steering knuckles
• Machinery bases
Reasons for popularity
As already mentioned, grey iron casting is the most popular version of cast iron. Any grey iron casting manufacturer prefers to use the metal for its high thermal conductivity. It is accepted for its high heat capacity as well. Heat easily moves through grey iron. And thus, this metal is used for making cookware. Grey iron is the ideal choice for the brake rotors for the same reason.
Key benefits of using grey cast iron
There are several benefits of using this iron. Some of them are as follows:
• The metal is the cheapest to cast and produce different items
• It has good impact resistance capacity
• It can dampen vibrations and thus is a perfect choice for making machinery bases and housing applications
• The metal can withstand thermal cycling efficiently
• It has high compressive strength comparable to medium carbon steel
• It is the most accepted engineering alloy owing to good machinability
• Grey cast iron is known for good wear and galling resistance capacity
• It undergoes less solidification shrinkage than that of other cast irons without graphite microstructure
• It is a good corrosion-resistant metal
• It increases fluidity during the process of casting
• The iron is moderately easy to weld
Composition of grey iron
Like any cast iron, the key component of grey iron is iron. It contains 2.5 to 4.0% carbon and 1 to 3% silicon.
If you require any kind of casting, you should always choose a reputable grey iron casting manufacturer. They are the best to manipulate mold designs. They are likely to have experience in dealing with different industries. Automobile parts, agriculture, construction, valves & piping, oil & gas are where the metal is vastly used.
