CNC Machining in Cast Iron

Cast Iron is a versatile metal alloy made by melting iron, carbon, and silicon together. Its low melting point enables easy casting into intricate shapes.

Advantages of Cast Iron

Cast Iron offers high compressive strength, excellent wear resistance, and thermal conductivity. It has been widely used in various industrial applications due to its durability and versatility.

Key Features

High Strength and Durability

Heat Retention

High Corrosion Resistance

Excellent Castability

Available Cast Iron Specifications

The following table shows common cast iron alloys. If you have any other alloy requirements, please contact us.

Cast Iron

Tensile Strength

Elongation at Break

Hardness

Density

13,100 – 240,000 PSI

0.2 – 40%

Rockwell B40 – B97

0.20 – 0.30 lb/in³
(5.5 – 7.8 g/cm³)

Cast Iron Surface Finishes

The following table shows common surface finishes for cast iron.

Bead Blast

Black Oxide

Heat Treat

Electroless Nickel Plating

Polishing

Zinc Plating

Gold Plating

Silver Plating

Powder Coating

Brushing

Cast Iron FAQs

What precautions should be taken when machining cast iron?

Dealing with cast iron dust in machine shops requires proper precautions, though it poses no greater risk than other common dust types. To ensure safety, it's advisable to wear a suitable mask during CNC machining processes involving cast iron to prevent inhalation of fine particles. Additionally, implementing a vacuum filter system in enclosed machines can effectively capture dust, reducing airborne contaminants and promoting a healthier working environment.
What are the main material properties of cast iron?

Cast iron typically exhibits good fluidity and castability, as well as relatively high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
What challenges may cast iron face in CNC machining?

Cast iron may generate higher cutting forces, leading to increased tool wear, and may also encounter issues with tool vibration and chip control during cutting.