Machining Iron vs. Steel: Why Continuous Cast Iron?
Want less expensive, higher-quality parts? Switch from steel to continuous cast iron.
For years, the casting industry has been dominated by aluminum, magnesium, copper, steel, and iron alloys. Whether you have utilized iron or steel to produce utensils, stoves, rods, or pots and pans, AIA/Lawton Standard may change how you make and invest, thanks to continuous cast iron.
AIA's continuous cast iron bar: the sand-cast iron and steel alternative
Made of high-graphite-flake content, continuous cast iron retains oil for longer lubrication and lubricates itself when oil is lost. This game-changing property sets it far above steel and iron. The high graphite is also well dispersed, working as an effective self-contained chip breaker. This results in lower horsepower requirements, which can improve turning speeds by 30% or more. In other words, cont. cast bar makeup allows tools to last longer and saves companies time by reducing labor hours.
Any parts you produce using continuous cast iron will contain this metal's non-abrasive qualities.
If you're considering iron or steel, consider the machines that work with the metals you send through them. Continuous cast has better vibration-dampening capabilities than iron or steel, making it an efficient reducer of machinery noise and helping machines effectively control the fatigue caused by the vibrations.
Continuous cast iron has been used in several impressive projects, including building and repairing deepwater oil and gas facilities across the United States. Compared to standard cast iron, cont. cast can be used outdoors thanks to its high resistance and strength.
Sand cast iron, conversely, is not as versatile. Standard cast iron is a heavy metal that rusts easily, making it unsuitable for large-scale projects such as energy infrastructure construction. When cont. cast is cut, it is ready for the field, but iron must often be finished with a protective coating to be durable.
Superior material. Superior service.
Aside from a wide selection of raw continuous cast iron stock, including class 40 gray iron, 65-45-12 ductile iron, and 80-55-06 ductile iron, AIA/Lawton Standard machines your components to help you keep projects moving and save on shipping costs. Not only does the metallurgical makeup of cont. cast set us apart from competitors, but our metal services showcase our impressive capabilities as well:
- Continuous gray & ductile iron casting
- Bronze bar & tubing
- Custom metal products & services
- Precision CNC machining services
- Specialty castings and custom shapes
