As a manufacturing material, gray cast iron offers a number of unique, highly advantageous physical and mechanical properties.
To summarize the material benefits of gray cast iron: it offers outstanding thermal properties, damping characteristics, and compressive strength combined with ease of workability and machinability. Below, we discuss these advantages in more detail.
Outstanding Thermal Properties for High-Temperature Applications
Gray iron material withstands thermal cycling exceptionally well. End products can generally withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without deformation or the risk of heat fractures. Combined with the material’s excellent thermal conductivity, it’s the choice metal for many automotive and industrial applications.
Great Compressive Strength and Stability
Gray cast iron provides great compression strength, resisting damage and deformation from weight or other compressive forces. The level of compressive strength offered by gray iron is generally comparable to its low-carbon or mid-grade steel counterparts.
Ease of Machinability
Gray iron is also relatively easy to machine in post-production processes. This makes it an excellent choice for custom cast and machined components. The material’s exceptional machinability is a result of graphite flakes within the microstructure, which function as a sort of lubricant and promote chip formation during the CNC machining process.
Excellent Damping Properties
A unique benefit of gray cast iron is the natural damping characteristic of the metal, which translates to the end product. Essentially, the metal naturally dampens vibrations as a result of its unique microstructure and relatively low density. The damping properties make it an excellent manufacturing material for automotive, heavy equipment, and various industrial applications concerned with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and end-user comfort.
Good Resistance to Deformation and Oxidation
Depending upon the structural design of the part, gray cast iron resists deformation very well – largely a result of the material’s great compressive strength. It also offers good resistance to oxidation and corrosion compared to mild steel or wrought iron. This is due to a natural protective film layer that develops on the surface of the metal.
One of America’s Leading Foundries for Gray Iron Casting
Located in Coffeyville, Kansas, Acme Foundry has remained one of the nation’s leading foundries and machined casting providers since 1905. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified American manufacturer, we ensure uncompromising quality, consistency, and customer service through all of our contract manufacturing services.