Cast iron is not low-alloy steel; the two belong to different categories:
Classification of Cast Iron
Cast iron is primarily carbon (>2%) and is an iron-carbon alloy. It is primarily classified as:
Gray cast iron (2%-4% carbon content)
White cast iron (low carbon and silicon content)
Mallet cast iron (annealed gray cast iron)
Ductile cast iron (graphite in the form of spheres)
Vermicular cast iron (graphite in the form of vermicular shapes)
Classification of Low-Alloy Steel
Low-alloy steel has a total alloying element content of ≤5%, falling under the category of steel and containing less than 0.2% carbon. Major types include:
Cast carbon steel (<0.2% carbon content)
Cast low-alloy steel (<5% alloying element content)
Differences between the two
Compositional differences
Cast iron has a carbon content of >2%, while low-alloy steel has a carbon content of <0.2% and a total alloying element content of ≤5%.
Performance Differences
Cast iron is hard but brittle, making it suitable for high-pressure applications; low-alloy steel offers excellent toughness and strength, making it suitable for complex structural parts.
Applications
Cast iron is primarily used for casting mechanical parts (such as gearboxes), while low-alloy steel is primarily used for manufacturing high-strength components (such as bridges and pressure vessels).
Of course, if you have large-volume casting needs, you can partner with Mulan Metal. With 12 years of casting experience, we have successfully completed casting operations for clients in over 30 countries and have received widespread recognition. We look forward to hearing from you.
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