Continuous Casting Standard Grades and Process
AIA/Lawton Standard offers a variety of continuous-cast iron grades. We offer years of industry knowledge to provide you with the exact grades for your specific application. Call us if you don’t see what you're looking for below. Our custom metal supply program options are endless.
Gray iron
Gray iron is preferred by producers seeking a low-cost option for producing custom continuous-cast iron components with high density and strength. It is best used in vibration-damping equipment such as blocks and frames for manufacturing equipment.
Gray iron is an excellent thermal conductor with good wear resistance, but is not very flexible, containing no recognizable elongation. It can withstand approximately 2 foot-pounds of impact, with lower impact resistance than ductile iron (which can withstand around 7 foot-pounds of impact).
Ductile iron
Ductile iron is a more flexible alloy, offering greater fatigue resistance and higher impact resistance than gray iron. Instead of rod-like flakes, the ductile iron bar is composed of graphite nodules, making it flexible during solidification. In addition, ductile iron molecules are more malleable and feature greater ductility—the ability of a metal to be shaped into wires.
Ductile iron stock is available for sale as a raw material for you to process and finish on your own, or we can finish and machine it into custom continuous cast iron components based on your requirements at our state-of-the-art CNC facility in Waukesha. We provide you with high-quality ductile iron in whatever form you desire.
CC-2 Gray Iron
Class 40 Gray Iron
CC-3 Ductile Iron
65-45-12 Ductile Iron
CC-4 Ductile Iron
80-55-06 Ductile Iron
CC-2 Gray Iron
CC-2 class 40 gray iron has a tensile strength of 40,000 psi with a compression strength of 150,000 psi. It's ideal for bearings, bushings, and hydraulic components.
Learn MoreCC-3 Ductile Iron
CC-3 ductile iron has a tensile strength of 65,000 psi with a yield strength of 45,000 psi. It's fine ferritic structure makes it a very easily machinable material.
Learn MoreCC-4 Ductile Iron
With a tensile strength of 80,000 psi and a yield strength of 55,000 psi, CC-4 ductile iron is a more efficient and affordable alternative to steel.
Learn MoreThe difference between gray and ductile iron
Gray and ductile continuous cast iron are two dominant metals in the industry. Ductile is often considered an “upgraded” version of gray iron, but this outlook is sweeping and simplistic. Each has unique, distinguishable metallurgical characteristics that position it strategically in the metal goods market. Therefore, when considering what's best for your application, you must know the differences between ductile and gray iron.
Frequently asked questions about gray and ductile continuous cast iron
Is gray/ductile iron magnetic? 
Yes, under the right conditions. Iron ceases to be magnetic at 1043 K (about 770°C or 1418°F). This temperature is called the Curie point. Applying thermal energy to iron reduces its magnetism.
Why is gray iron more brittle and weak in tension?
Gray iron's composition has a lower tensile strength of under 60,000 psi. Gray iron contains graphite flakes, so it is harder to withstand compression. Its weakness becomes a strength because it's easier to machine.
How is gray iron made?
Gray iron is an alloy comprised of carbon, silicon, and graphite. The metal is continuously cast by feeding molten iron horizontally through a water-cooled die.
Can you weld ductile iron?
It is not recommended. Ductile iron is still more likely to crack under stress than other non-cast iron metals because of its changes in composition when heated. Gray iron is easier to weld.
Is ductile iron conductive?
Yes, but it has a lower thermal conductivity than gray iron.
Is ductile iron malleable?
Yes, ductile iron is malleable and uses less energy than malleable iron.
Is ductile iron ferrous or nonferrous?
Ductile iron is ferrous. Ferrous materials are materials that contain iron. Some characteristics include magnetic properties, excellent tensile strength, and vulnerability to rust.
Is ductile iron stronger than steel?
Yes! Ductile iron is a stronger alternative to steel.
Continuous casting process
The continuous casting process makes it metallurgically superior to sand-cast iron and other steel alternatives on the market. Continuous cast iron solidifies more uniformly than sand cast iron, making it more durable. Learn about the advantages of continuous casting and how your company saves money by utilizing the remarkable process.
