For over 5000 years, the technique of metal casting has been used to produce components with geometric shapes. The process has undergone continuous development and today highly sophisticated, complex castings are produced for a wide range of applications. From filigree thin-walled components to complex components with weights of several tones. In addition to the wide variety of shapes, iron casting offers the possibility of producing complex shapes and this from a highly resistant material. In addition to the excellent mechanical properties with the highest life expectancy, the material is 100 percent recyclable without losing its properties.
Casting materials are divided into two groups: Ferrous casting materials and non-ferrous casting materials. We have focused on cast iron material in order to specifically implement our competence and experience for you.
Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy with a carbon content higher than 2.06 %. Within the alloys, a distinction is made between three types of cast iron according to the graphite geometry, which are selected depending on the application.
Cast iron with lamellar graphite (EN 1561 GJL):
In this casting, the graphite is in the form of thin, irregularly shaped lamellae. The tensile strength of this material is relatively low, but the compressive strength is much better when compressive stresses are transmitted. The structure gives good sliding properties due to the high resistance to friction wear.
Cast iron with vermicular graphite (EN 16079 GJV):
In this casting, the graphite is neither in spherical nor in lamellar form, but in the form of small worms (vermiculite). The mechanical properties of this cast iron lie between cast iron with lamellar graphite and cast iron with nodular graphite. However, the production is more complex.
Cast iron with spheroidal graphite (EN 1563 GJS):
In nodular cast iron, the graphite is in the form of spheres, which is achieved by desulphurizing the melt. This type of casting has mechanical properties very similar to steel. The casting has high strength and elongation values and good machinability.