Selecting between cast iron vs cast steel when sourcing materials for manufacture, construction, or engineering is important. The variety of properties both metals portray makes them suitable for different uses. These materials may seem to be similar. However, they possess significant differences in their characteristics and serve different purposes in many applications. This difference is based on their composition, basically in the amount of carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphor, and sulfur that both of these metals have. In this blog, we will discuss what cast iron and cast steel are, the difference between cast iron and steel, their applications, and benefits.
Cast iron, being pretty hard and brittle, is most suitable for products that are mechanically robust and have wear resistance. Then, what is cast steel? Cast steel has high levels of toughness, plasticity, and impact resistance, which make it a suitable product for components that experience stresses and strains. Cast iron and cast steel are not competitors. In fact, each type of alloy is ideal for use in different situations. The primary consideration here is the selection of the appropriate material for a given product with the right combination of strength and efficiency in the production process.
What is Cast Iron?
Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon and has a carbon percentage of 2% – 4%. It is also made up of silicon and manganese. It contains traces of phosphorus and sulfur as impurities. The molten iron that has been produced is then poured into molds, where it cools down to form its shape. It is used for its excellent heat-retaining properties, high durability and high compressive strength. Cast iron is used for the manufacture of applications that need robustness and stability.
What is Cast Steel?
Cast steel is also an iron-carbon alloy that contains a lesser percentage of carbon, usually between 0.15% and 2%. It also contains small amounts of silicon, manganese, iron sulfides and phosphides. But can you cast steel and what are their unique character traits? Yes, you can cast steel. This cast steel is characterized by high tensile strength, ductility, and shock resistance. It is ideally suited for application in the construction and transport industries.
Key Differences Between Cast Iron and Cast Steel
Advantages and Uses of Cast Iron
Cast iron is used for the manufacture of components and parts in various industries that need incredible strength. It is highly resistant to pressure and heat, which makes it suitable for use in large machinery and construction equipment as well as infrastructures.
Key Advantages:
- Heat Retention: Cast iron can retain and conduct heat, which is useful in producing cookware.
- High Compressive Strength: Withstanding heavy loads without the deformation of its shape, appropriate for construction and manufacturing of engines.
- Wear Resistance: Resistance to wear and tear, especially used in high-impact areas.
Common Uses:
- Engine Blocks: Cast iron is the most suitable type of material since it is high heat and pressure resistant.
- Heavy Machinery Components: This application is used for producing strong and long-life useful parts in mining and agricultural industries.
- Bridge Components and Structural Columns: Often offer the required support and stability to manage large projects.
Advantages and Uses of Cast Steel
Due to its applicability and high tensile strength, cast steel is used extensively in various manufacturing sectors. It can be easily molded into various forms and is perfect for precise designs.
Key Advantages:
- Versatility: Cast steel is a perfect material for precision manufacturing since it can be shaped in intricate forms.
- High Tensile Strength: It does not crack under stress and pressure, thus ideal for use in load-bearing structures such as construction and travel industries.
- Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel types of cast steel do not corrode and are perfect when used in areas that are exposed to outdoor conditions or moisture.
Common Uses:
- Construction Materials: In beams, support and frames, steel is used due to its strength and flexibility.
- Transportation: Applicable in vehicle frames and their components because of their lightweight.
- Machinery and Industrial Components: Steel is useful in manufacturing items where strength and accuracy are highly important.
Which One to Choose - Cast Iron or Cast Steel?
The decision to use cast iron or cast steel depends on the exact specifications of the project. Both metals have their unique strengths and characteristics, including the following.
Dampening Capability:
- Cast Iron: This is very effective in the reduction of vibrations making it appropriate in precise machinery.
- Cast Steel: Cast Steel works best for applications where loads are likely to vary as it is flexible and strong.
Resistance:
- Cast Iron: Resistant to wear and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for areas with high heat environments.
- Cast Steel: Appropriate for use in outdoor equipment or in areas with high stress since it has a high impact strength and is resistant to corrosion.
Malleability:
- Cast Iron: Its brittleness makes it unsuitable for use in designs that are complicated in nature.
- Cast Steel: Very flexible, can be easily molded into complex forms and designs, and is suitable for custom designs.
Different Types of Cast Iron and Cast Steel
Each type of cast iron and cast steel has its own set of properties that make it ideal for certain applications.
Types of Cast Iron:
- Gray Iron: Easy to machine and also possesses high thermal conductivity.
- Ductile Iron: More flexible and has higher impact resistance.
- White Iron: Very hard and wear-resistant materials.
- .Malleable Iron: Produced through a heat treatment process, which offers both ductility and strength.
Types of Cast Steel:
- Carbon Steel: Extremely strong and versatile.
- Alloy Steel: It has components like chromium or nickel to offer enhanced properties.
- Tool Steel: Can withstand abrasion and wear, suitable for cutting tools.
- Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant due to its chromium content.
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Conclusion
It is not a battle between cast iron vs cast steel as to which is the better material but which is best for a particular job. Cast iron has high compressive strength and heat retention capability. It is widely used in heavy machinery and cookware utensils. On the other hand, cast steel has high tensile strength and is malleable; hence, it is best suited for structural and industrial applications. Depending on whether you require the rigidity of cast iron or the flexibility of cast steel, it is better to understand some of the key differences between cast iron and steel that can guide you in making the right decision. We have a worldwide industrial metals supply of ductile and gray iron to lay a solid base of ductility for your project.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the primary difference between cast iron and cast steel?
The main difference lies in their carbon content: Cast iron contains carbon between 2% to 4%, while cast steel contains carbon between 0. 15% to 2%. The capacity of cast iron to resist ductility is low compared to cast steel. Cast iron is more brittle, and cast steel is more malleable.
Which material is more corrosion-resistant, cast iron or cast steel?
Cast steel, especially stainless steel, has a higher resistance to corrosion than cast iron, which easily rusts if left untreated.
Can cast iron or cast steel be welded?
The processes of welding cast steel are easier than welding cast iron because cast steel contains a lesser percentage of carbon and is more malleable.
Which is easier to cast, cast iron or cast steel?
Compared to steel, cast iron is easier to cast since it has high fluidity when it is in the molten state and is thus able to make intricate shapes.
Which material is heavier, cast iron or cast steel?
In general, cast iron is heavier than cast steel because of its composition and specifically due to the higher percentage of carbon.
Is cast iron stronger than steel?
Yes, cast iron is stronger.
Is steel heavier than iron?
No, steel is lighter than iron.
