Iron Casting VS Steel Casting
Casting is an extremely useful process to achieve a design detail. This manufacturing procedure requires melting a casting material and poured into a mold. The hollow cavity will dictate the shape and form of the material to be formed. Once solidified, the casting is achieved and should be ejected from the molder.
Casting is important in many industries. It plays a vital role in the manufacturing of components needed to make these industries work and serve. There are lots of industries that rely on castings. Such as automotive, agriculture, culinary, construction, aerospace, transportation, health care, and a lot more. The purposes that castings can provide are vast. Iron casting and steel casting are the ones most used by many industries. Learning the differences between these two will help industries know which one to use for the components they need.
Both iron casting and steel casting are important processes in manufacturing. These two have good iron and carbon components that make up the properties needed to create the products needed by the industry. With their properties, they are useful in many applications. The choice on which to use will rely on the properties needed by the product.
Iron cast VS Steel Cast
Fluidity
When melting iron versus steel, it appears that iron is easier to melt and more fluid than steel. Cast iron offers better flowability and lesser chances of shrinkage. With this, it is easier to work with cast iron than cast steel.
Cost
Cast iron is cheaper than cast steel. This is one reason many industries choose iron casting more.
Impact Resistance
Steel casting can withstand impact and stress better than iron casting. Though both are impact and stress-resistant, steel casting can survive longer.
Corrosion Resistance
Iron casting is better with resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear. It provides a longer lifespan even when exposed to extreme workload.
Ductility
Cast steel is more ductile than cast iron. It effectively deforms without losing its strength. Iron casting is more brittle.
Weldability
Steel casting is welding-able. This is one property that industries that need welding look into when choosing the cast to use. If they need to do welding, then they automatically choose steel casting over iron casting.
These properties dictate how each cast will perform based on the needed product to produce. Industries and design experts know very well which one to choose for their products. But how do you know which of these castings to choose?
You should choose iron casting when:
- You are not after the mechanical strength.
- You need to do a process that has high thermal operations. Iron casting has better heat retention.
- The process requires compressive strength.
- You need to produce the product in a faster amount of time. Cast iron is easier and faster to melt. This makes the procedure speedier to accomplish.
- You are looking into the costs and would want a cheaper expense.
Applications of Iron Casting
- It is used in making culinary equipment and tools. The cast-iron pan is the most popular kitchen product made from iron casting.
- It is used to make pipes that carry fluids.
- It is used to make different machines and equipment.
- It is used in making automotive parts.
You should choose steel casting when:
- You need ductility and strength in the process.
- The product to be produced should be impact-resistant.
- You need better toughness and strength.
- You want good electrical and thermal conductivity.
- You are making complex designs and forms.
- You will apply high temperature and pressure in the process.
Applications of Steel Casting
- It is used to make equipment for construction.
- It is used to make automotive parts and supplies.
- It is used in making drilling and mining equipment.
- It is used in making railroad parts and equipment.
- It is used to make household items and equipment.
With these, it is easy to determine the casting to choose to create the end product needed. However, not everyone knows how to determine which one is iron casting and which is steel casting. It is only the experts who can easily identify the type of casting that they have.
There are a lot of industries that make use of iron casting and steel casting. Through these products and components castings. The industries can become more efficient with their services to their clients.
How to test Iron Casting VS Steel Casting — Using Spark Test
The easiest way to tell cast iron and cast steel apart is through a spark test. This process involves putting a sample of the material into an abrasive wheel. This will cause sparks to shoot out. Now you will have to observe the sparks that are created in the process. When the sparks are in bright yellow, then you have steel casting at hand.
A metalwork expert can easily take this test and identify the casting that they have. However, it is difficult to do this, especially if you have no experience with the spark test. But with practice, the process and identification will come easier in time. There are other tests and ways to see which cast is iron or steel. But it takes knowledge and skills to master these techniques.
With the uses and applications of the two, there will be similarities and differences as well. Learning more about these will help in knowing the industries that can rely on the types of castings.
Conclusion
Iron casting and steel casting have properties that make them useful. With their capabilities, industries can depend on them for the manufacturing of the required products and components. These castings may have their differences but they also have similarities. What is clear is that both are useful and efficient in creating products for various industries.
The casting industry these days is getting bigger and better. There are already a lot of companies that manufacture and supply casting services and products. When choosing a casting company to deal with, the first thing to check is their reliability. Their reputation, experience, and efficiency should be your basis for choosing the company to deal with.
If you have any needs about Iron casting and steel casting, try to contact JC casting. You will get the best services and prompt reply within 24 hours.
