What is Ductile Cast Iron Used For?

Ductile iron​ is a high-strength cast iron material developed in the 1950s. Its overall performance is close to that of steel. Based on its excellent properties, it has been successfully used for casting parts with complex stresses and high requirements for strength, toughness and wear resistance. Ductile iron has rapidly developed into a widely used cast iron material second only to gray cast iron.

The presence of carbon (graphite) in the matrix of cast iron as a sphere improves its splitting effect on the matrix and greatly increases the tensile strength, yield strength, plasticity and impact toughness of ductile iron. Ductile iron is much better than gray cast iron in strength, plasticity and toughness, even close to steel; it has the advantages of wear resistance, vibration damping, good process performance and low cost.

Characteristics

Consistency of performance throughout the material.

Toughness and sufficient strength.

Low residual carbide content to ensure safe operation.

 

The Uses of Ductile Iron Castings

1.Pipes and Fittings

Ductile iron pipes are superior to gray iron pipes for transporting water and other liquids. The main reason for this transformation is the combination of strength and toughness of ferritic ductile iron, which allows pipes made of this material to withstand higher working pressures and to be loaded and unloaded without care during the laying process. The matted gas transmission pipeline must be able to withstand the requirements of a variety of use conditions such as excavation near the pipeline, municipal construction, and transportation.

2. Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is the second largest user of ductile iron parts. Ductile iron is mainly used in three places in automobiles: first, engine parts, second, gears and bushings, and third, automobile suspension, braking and steering devices. Most gasoline engines in the world are equipped with ductile iron crankshafts instead of forged steel crankshafts. High performance ductile iron is replacing gray cast iron in exhaust pipes. As the temperature rises, silicon-aluminum alloy ductile iron will be further used. Malleable cast iron parts for automotive power transmission are sometimes used as transmission parts for automobiles. The application of ductile iron in disc clutch, distributor box, rear axle and wheel cover is a strong trend. Ductile iron is often used as suspension parts, such as spring hooks,

3. Agricultural, Road and Construction Applications

Ductile iron parts widely used throughout the agricultural industry include various tractor parts, brackets, clamps, pulleys, etc. Typical components are the two rear axle housings of agricultural vehicles, where cast steel parts were initially used. The road paving and construction industries require a considerable amount of various types of equipment, including bulldozers, impactors, cranes and compressors. Ductile iron parts are used in all of these areas.

4. Valve Manufacturing

Valve manufacturers are major users of ductile iron castings (including austenitic ductile iron). Their applications include the successful transportation of various acids, salts and alkaline fluids.

5. General Use

The machine tool industry uses the engineering properties of ductile iron to design complex machine tool parts and castings. It allows for the production of lighter castings to maintain their rigidity. Likewise, the strength and toughness of ductile iron make it ideal for a variety of hand tools such as wrenches, jigs and gauges. Likewise, ductile iron rolls are used in steel mills, where their properties are higher than those of steel and chilled cast iron.

Are you interested in learning more about ductile iron casting and how they can benefit you? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!