Why Ductile Iron?
At Farrar Corporation, we only pour ductile iron and ductile iron properties for austempered ductile iron (ADI).
That’s because this type of metal has many advantages that best suit the needs of our customers, as we can manufacture products that are of the highest quality and in a cost-effective manner.
Ductile iron was founded in 1943 by Keith Millis, as part of an effort to produce a stronger iron that could be used for the American military in World War II. This type of iron cast contains a secret ingredient — spherical graphite nodules — which is what provides the many benefits ductile iron offers compared to other metals.
Why is ductile iron the choice for you? There are several reasons.
Strength
Ductile iron has much higher tensile strength compared to other options such as gray iron. In our foundry, we primarily pour four grades of ductile iron (60-40-18, 65-45-12, 80-55-06, 100-70-03) which equates to tensile strength between 60,000 and 100,000 psi. With the austempering grades we offer (130-90-09, 150-100-07, 175-125-04, 200-155-02, 230-185-01), that strength level rises between 130,000 and 230,000 psi.
Versatility
Because of the spherical nodules, ductile iron has superb wear resistance and elongation properties. This versatility allows for varying elongation within designated iron types, which allows end users to design their product in the most efficient and cost-effective manner; selecting a needed strength complemented with a needed elongation.
Lightweight
Despite its toughness, ductile iron’s strength-to-weight ratio stands apart from other metals. Therefore, these castings have become the popular choice for products that need to be lightweight but maintain strength. This is one reason why the automotive industry, agricultural industry and the heavy truck industry rely heavily on ductile iron.
Cost-effective
Compared to products such as steel, ductile iron offers an efficient manufacturing process which allows it to be more affordable for customers.
“Quality ductile iron comes from quality raw materials. At Farrar, we have strict parameters around our scrap steel, minerals/additives/inoculants, sand, and other critical path raw materials. This gives us the ability to control the chemistry and ensure the properties you buy are exactly what you specified.”
Scott Case, President/CEO of Farrar Corporation
If ductile iron sounds right for your next project, visit our contact page to get in touch with our manufacturing experts.
