What is ductile iron?

Ductile iron, also known as nodular cast iron or spheroidal graphite iron, is a type of cast iron that has improved strength, ductility, and impact resistance compared to traditional cast iron. This is achieved by adding nodular graphite to the iron during the casting process, which gives it a unique microstructure with spherical nodules instead of the flake-like graphite particles found in grey iron.

Ductile iron is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including pipes, fittings, automotive components, machinery parts, and construction materials. It offers a good combination of strength, toughness, and machinability, making it a versatile material for various engineering purposes.

One of the key advantages of ductile iron is its high tensile strength, which is typically 60-70% higher than grey iron. This makes it suitable for applications that require high load-bearing capacity and resistance to bending or twisting.

Ductile iron is also known for its excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and damping properties, making it a popular choice for components exposed to harsh environments or dynamic loading conditions.

Overall, ductile iron is a cost-effective and reliable material that offers a good balance of mechanical properties and performance characteristics, making it a preferred choice for many industrial applications.