Ductile Iron Castings - Current Capabilities

This paper describes ductile iron castings used in the earthmoving industry. Ductile iron is a cast ferrous alloy with carbon (in the form of graphite) and magnesium in its iron base. The graphite form can be evaluated by ASTM A-247. Ductile iron has many of the properties of gray iron, cast-iron, and steel, but it has certain excellent properties of its own. It is strong, elastic, has a low melting point, and has good wear resistance. Various grades with different Brinell hardness and microstructure can be produced. The method of production is detailed, and the many applications of ductile iron are shown.