Grey Cast Iron | Metallurgy for Dummies

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What is Grey Cast Iron ?

Grey Cast Iron - Meaning and Definition

Grey cast iron is characterized by its graphitic microstructure, which causes fractures of the material to have a grey appearance. It is the most commonly used cast iron and the most widely used cast material based on weight. Most cast irons have a chemical composition of 2.5 to 4.0% carbon, 1 to 3% silicon, and the remainder is iron. Grey cast iron has less tensile strength and shock resistance than steel, but its compressive strength is comparable to low and medium carbon steel.

Grey Cast Iron Microstructure (500x). Photo courtesy: Leila Bjerregaard, Struers A/S

Grey cast iron also known as flake graphite cast iron, is a type of casting iron in which most of the carbon is present as flake graphite .The properties of grey cast iron depends on the distribution, sizs and amount of graphite flakes, and the matrix structure. Casting quality are influenced mainly by the manufacturing conditions, chemical composition, solidification time and rate of cooling in the mould.

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