Gray Iron

Gray Iron

Gray iron, previously known as cast iron, is used most commonly in applications where tensile strength is not critical. In contrast to the past, cast iron is now made out of iron-carbon alloys that have a higher level of ductility than gray iron. Because of the low ductile properties of gray iron, high levels of tensile stress will result in its breakage or fracture.

With the exception of wrought steel, gray iron is the most widely used metal for engineering purposes. Gray iron is an extremely inexpensive metallic material and is readily available in large quantities at almost any foundry.

The mechanical properties of gray iron can be altered by the casting process, especially in respect to its cooling rate. Gray iron castings are widely used in the automotive, appliance, agricultural, and machinery industries. Gray iron can be found in pump housings, electrical boxes, engine blocks, and decorative castings.