Cast iron: Generally refers to gray iron

Cast iron generally refers to gray iron, ductile iron, and malleable iron, which is an iron casting with a carbon content of more than 2%. Cast steel generally refers to ordinary carbon steel and alloy steel, which is a steel casting with carbons contents of less than 2%. The four basic types of cast iron - white iron , gray iron , ductile iron and malleable iron . Though ferrous alloys with more than 2.14 wt.% C are designated as cast irons, commercially cast irons contain about 3.0-4.5% C along with some alloying additions. Alloys with this carbon content melt at lower temperatures than steels i.e. they are responsive to casting. Hence casting is the most used fabrication technique for these alloys. Hard and brittle constituent presented in these alloys, cementite is a metastable phase, and can readily decompose to form α-ferrite and graphite. In ... In this guide, we'll unravel the secrets of cast iron by delving into its four distinct types: Grey, White, Ductile, and Malleable. By comprehending the strengths and applications of each variant, you'll be equipped to make informed choices in your own endeavors.