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Materials
In terms of produced tonnage, cast
iron materials are by far the largest group of cast
construction materials. Using alloying and heat
treatment it is possible to produce a wide range
of grades with a wide spectrum of properties.
The grey solidified grades with lamellar graphite
and spheroidal graphite account for the biggest
percentage of production. These materials have excellent
casting properties. They also offer a whole range
of advantages for the user of the material as well.
For example, they are very easy to work and machine
and can be deployed across a large temperature interval.
The high graphite content makes the material excellent
at damping vibrations, which means less noise for
many applications. Moreover, the graphite also provides
for good anti-seizure performance. Being highly
environmentally compatible, 100% recyclable and
having a positive energy balance, these materials
are also a good choice in terms of environmental
considerations as well.
Given the diversity of cast iron materials there
is often a “specialist” material for
many applications, one which is particularly suitable
for the specific profile of requirements.
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 Source:
DGV |
Percentage
distribution of cast
iron production in 2004
(weight-based) |
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