No, cast iron is not 100% steel; they are two different iron-carbon alloys.
The main difference between cast iron and steel lies in their carbon content:
Cast iron: The carbon content is typically between 2.11% and 4%, with industrial cast iron generally containing 2.5%–4%. Carbon in cast iron mainly exists in the form of graphite, giving it good casting properties, wear resistance, and shock absorption, but it is relatively brittle and has poor plasticity and toughness.
Steel: The carbon content is below 2.11%, typically between 0.02% and 2%. The lower carbon content of steel gives it higher strength, toughness, and ductility, making it more suitable for withstanding impacts and dynamic loads.
Furthermore, cast iron and steel also differ significantly in their microstructure, mechanical properties, and applications:
Casting properties: Cast iron has good fluidity and low shrinkage, making it easier to cast parts with complex shapes; steel has relatively poor casting properties. Mechanical Properties: Cast iron has high compressive strength but low tensile strength and impact toughness; steel has significantly better tensile strength and toughness than cast iron.
Typical Applications: Cast iron is commonly used to manufacture engine blocks, pipes, valves, machine tool bases, etc.; steel is widely used in building structures, vehicles, tools, pressure vessels, and other applications requiring higher strength and toughness.
Therefore, cast iron and steel are two materials with different compositions, properties, and uses; cast iron is not a type of steel.
Of course, if you have large-scale custom cast iron parts needs, you can choose to cooperate with Mulan Manufacturing Group. Mulan Manufacturing Group has 13 years of experience in metal casting and processing, and exports to Europe, North America, Japan, and South Korea year-round. Our quality has passed multiple certifications. We look forward to your consultation.
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