Gray cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy where carbon is present in the form of lamellae. This lamellar structure gives gray iron specific properties, such as high tensile strength, good vibration damping, and sound attenuation. The importance of gray cast iron also lies in its ease of formability, relatively low cost, and high thermal conductivity. Currently, there are many different types of cast iron, but gray iron remains an important and versatile choice in industry.

At Seco Industries, s.r.o., gray iron is melted in a medium frequency induction electric furnace and then cast by automatic pouring devices into sand molds.

Gray cast iron and its advantages

To start with, it is much stronger compared to white cast iron, followed by high tensile strength. This makes it an ideal material for parts that must be able to withstand large forces and pressures. Another positive property is its excellent ability to dampen vibrations caused by the lamellar structure. It is also easy to shape, making it an ideal material for the production of complex parts with different shapes and sizes. In addition, it has high resistance to corrosive processes and chemicals, making it suitable for environments with aggressive chemicals. And even repeated friction and wear are not a problem, as it also has resistance to wear.

All these positives lead to one important property, which is long service life. And if that weren’t enough, gray iron is generally cheaper than other materials with similar properties, making it an economically undemanding material.

Use of gray cast iron

Thanks to its wide range of positive properties, gray iron finds its use in various industrial sectors for the production of various parts:

• Automotive industry – engine blocks, crankshafts, gearboxes, and other automotive parts Construction – castings used in sewers, pipes, ventilation, and other construction applications
• Electrical engineering – motor hubs and covers and other electrical parts
• Agriculture – agricultural tools, such as gates, fences, and other agricultural machinery Industrial pumps – pump bodies, rotors, and other pump parts
• Food industry – castings, such as molds for making cheeses and other food products
• Furniture industry – metal components of furniture, such as table and chair legs
• Sports equipment – weights for weightlifting or dumbbells

Technological and production capabilities

• Weight of castings from 0.1 to 4.0 kg
• Accuracy of castings according to ISO 8062-3, DCTG 7, EN 1563
• Material according to EN-GJL 200, EN-GJL 250/ EN 1561

Related category: Ductile iron