Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HANDBOOK
Compiled by :
IIF JAMSHEDPUR CHAPTER
Edited by :
Mr. Gautam Banerjee
1
Contents
Chapter Page
3
Forward
This handbook, is shape and content, is intended to be a
ready reference for practising foundryment. The focus is
on metallurgical aspects. In view of the bewildering wealth
of information available on metallurgy of cast iron, it lays
no claim to be encyclopaedic. The topics compiled herein
are based not only in literature survey but our experience
too.
5
CHAPTER - 1
FAMILY OF CAST IRON : AN OVERVIEW
Metallurgically cast iron is an alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon containing manganese,
sulphur and phosphorus as impurities, small in quantity but having appreciable
influence on properties.
There are five grades of unalloyed cast iron and their typical compositions are given
Table-I, the sixth grade of cast iron consists of alloyed cast iron and they have a wide
range in base composition and also contain major quantities of alloying elements.
Table-1.1
Typical Compositions of Unalloyed Cast Irons
Percent%
Type of Carbon Silicon Manganese Sulphur Phosphorous
Iron
Unalloyed 1.80-3.60 0.50-1.90 0.25-0.80 0.060-0.20 0.060-0.20
white
Malleable 2.20-2.90 0.90-1.90 0.15-0.20 0.020-0.20 0.020-0.20
Grey 2.50-4.00 1.00-3.00 0.20-1.00 0.020-0.25 0.020-1.00
Ductile 3.00-4.00 1.80-2.80 0.10-1.00 0.010-0.030 0.010-1.00
Compacted 2.50-4.00 1.00-3.00 0.20-1.00 0.010-0.030 0.010-1.00
Graphite
7
CHAPTER - 2
ii) The eutectioid and eutectic reactions occur over a range of temperatures
and at a higher temperature than in the Fe-C alloys.
8
The temperature range over which these transformations occur is a function of the
silicon content and increases with the silicon content.
The metallurgy of cast iron (Fe-C alloys) in fact is usually confined to iron-ironcarbide
metastable system, the former can occur either in the metastable system or the stable
iron-graphite system, or in both.
Effect of common elements present in cast iron and their influence on the
microstructure, cell size, rate of growth, atomic bond etc. are shown in Tables 2.1 &
2.3
9
10
11
CHAPTER - 3
Purpose :
Table - 3.1
Effects of Alloying Elements
On Grey Iron
Approximate Allioying elements
Structure
V Cr Mo Cu Ni Sn
Cell + + +
Pearlitisation 1 2 -1 1 0.2 12
Hardenability 3 3 19 8 19
12
Optimum Level of Alloy Additions :
1. Tin - around 0.1% - Suppresses free fertite and a minimum
harness of 190-200 Brinell is maintained.
Table - 3.2
Effects of alloy Addition on the Increase of
Tensile Strength of Pearlitic Grey Iron
Element % Addition Increase UTS
(N/mn2)
Copper 1 25-30
Nickel 1 15-25
Chromium 0.40 30-50
Molybdenum 0.25 25-30
Vanadium 0.20 25-35
13
Alloy Combination :
Logic
1. A synergy may exist in which the combined effect is much greater than that of
the individual elements resulting in a smaller and less expensive total addition.
Examples :
(a) 0.20 to 0.50% Cr - Hardness achieved 240 HB.
+ Tensile strength increased
0.25 to 0.60% Mo by over 80N/mm2.
(b) 1.0 to 1.50% Cu - Copper serves to counter act the chill formation
+ tendency of chromium whilst maintaining a
Cr or Cr + Mo high hardness and tensile strength.
Table - 3.3
Desirable Elevated Temperature
Properties & Alloys
Properties Alloys
Creep Resistance Mo
Pearlite Stability Cr, Sn, Mo, Cu.
Oxidation Resistance Cr
Thermal Fatigue Resistance High C, Mo, V
Nodular Irons :
Alloying Nodular Irons for Ambient Temperature Service : normally copper,
rickel, molybedenum and tin are the only alloy elements used.
14
Table - 3.5
Ferritic Elevated Temperature Nodular Irons
Type Alloys
Oxidation Resistance 4-6% Si, < 6% Al
Structural Stability 3-6% Si, < 6% Al
Strength 0.40-2% Mo
Thermal Fatigue Resistance 0.4% Mo
15
Influence of Alloying Elements on Various Factors
The effect of various elements, especially, in presence of one another, on
structure and properties of cast iron is quite complex. However, some approximate
predictions can be made and one can come across various formulae : (1)
tu (oC) = 738 + 18 Si 1.75 ........... (1)
t1 (oC) = 738 + 5 Si 2 ........... (2)
Liquidus temperature
Eutectic temperatures
Solidification interval
Eutectoid temperatures
16
Carbon content in the eutectoid
Where tc’, ∆t’, ts’ etc. are the respective characteristics for the metastable system and,
likewise, tc, ∆t, ts etc. signify the stable system.
These formulae are based upon the normal general engineering grade compositions.
Also, it needs to be clarified that the formulae assume equilibrium conditions and do
not take into account the common production fluctuations like the actual superheating
temperatures, cooling rates etc. which would also affect these relationships. To
illustrate this, according to J. E. Rehder,
where, V = cooling rate in 0C/hr. Now, during heating, the temperature is higher by
about 330 C and the lower limit is taken to be approximately 7000C.
For more accurate calculations, it needs to be borne in mind that for each 1% increase,
the influence of various elements on ts is as follows :
Si - +280C
P - +2200C
Mn - - 1300C
Ni - - 250C
The eutectiod tranformation temperature range affects the structure and properties of
cast irons, significantly. The generally accepted values of the eutectoid transformation
ranges in the case of different cast irons during heating are given below (0C) :
17
Grey iron - 750 - 850
Malleable iron - 730 - 790
S. G. iron - 750 - 850
Carbon Equivalent
Carbon equivalent of cast iron is another important indicator of its founding and
mechanical properties. It its simplest form it is expressed thus :
It is interesting to note that the latter formula is also valid for estimation of the
fuidity of the metal.
The C.E. value (1) is used to calculate the Degree of Normality which is given by
(C —CE)
D. N. =
(Cc —CE) ........... (3)
Where,
C = Carbon content of the cast ion
CE = Carbon content of saturated austenite
Cc = Carbon content of the eutectic
C - 2.01 + 0.15 Si
D. N. = ........... (4)
4.26 - 0.3 Si - 2.01 + 0.15 Si
Simplifying,
C + 0.15 Si - 2.01
D. N. = ........... (5)
2.25 - 0.15 Si
18
For quick, practical assessment one can use the following equation
Actual carbon content
D. N. =
Eutectic carbon content
C
= ........... (6)
4.26 - 0.3 (Si + p)
For more accurate estimation of the carbon equivalent the following relationship can
be used in the case of irons of normal compositions :
19
Table - 3.7
Relative Effect of Elements on
Properties of C.I.
Element Max. content, Increase in %
% transverse strength
Cr 0.5-1.0 4-6
Mo 0.75-1.0 12-15
W 2.0-3.0 20-30
V 0.3-0.5 6-7
Ti 0.10-0.15 2-5
Ni 1.5-2.5 3-7
Cu 2.0-3.0 4-8
Sn 0.05-0.12 3-5
Recommended Ratios :
Table - 3.8
Classification of Elements in Cast Iron
Group Elements Effect on as-Cast Effect on I and II
structure of metallic stage grtaphitization
matrix
1. a. Cr, Mo, V, Mg, Stabilize pearlite and Inhibit
Te, B, O, N, H cementite. Increase graphitization
chilling tendency.
c. At relatively
high concentration
Ti, Zr
20
Group Elements Effect on as-Cast Effect on I and II
structure of metallic stage grtaphitization
matrix
2. Si, C, Al Graphitize and ferri- Promote both
tize stages.
21
22
Table - 3.10
Effect of Alloying Elements
Cr 0.15-1 ++ Refines
V 0.15-0.5 ++ ++
Mn 0.3-1.25 + +
Mo 0.3-1.0 + +++
Cu 0.5-2.0 - 0 (approx)
C — Coarsens
Si — -do-
Al — -do-
Ni 0.1-3.0 – Refines
Ti 0.05-0.1 – +++ Ref.
Zr 0.1-0.3 – 0 (approx)
Cc pearlite Matrix
23
24
Table - 3.13
Effect of Some Elements on
Properties of Cast Iron
25
CHAPTER - 4
High alloy irons, in view of their chemistry, are those in which the alloy contents is
more than three percent.
In this group of irons are included high alloy grey, white and ductile irons. Malleable
irons are not heavily alloyed because alloying interferes with the mallablizing process.
The high alloy irons are classified below under three kinds of service conditions :
1. Corrosive Service :
3. Abrasive Condition :
1. Corrosive Service :
26
range of 1.8 to 6%, and in some, to copper contents in the range of 5.5
to 7.5 (see table 4.1 & 4.2).
b) High Silicon Irons :
These irons owe their corrosion resistance to the presence of silicon in
the range of 14.2 to 14.75% (see table 4.3). The high silicon irons have
poor machinability due to their high hardness.
2. Elevated Temperature Service :
These irons must satisfy three major conditions :
• should resist deformation and fracture at service load at the highest
temperature to which they will be subjected during application.
• should resist oxidation by the ambient atmosphere in the temperature
range of application.
• should be structurally stable in the temperature range of application.
Typical compositions, mechanical properties and applications of the
four kinds of high alloy irons for elevated temperature are given in
Table 4.4.
3. Abrasive Condition :
The predominant carbides in the microstructure of high alloy white cast
irons makes them specially suitable for abrasion resistant applications.
The matrix structure is developed by adjusting the alloy content and/
or heat treatment to have the necessary balance between abrasion
resistance and repeated impact loading.
The compositions, mechanical requirements and applications of these
irons are detailed in Table 4.5 and Table 4.6.
A type D white iron made to Ni-hard 4 specification confirms to the
following specification :
C - 2.8 to 3.2%
Si - 1.5 to 2.0%
Mn - 0.4 to 0.7%
Cr - 7.5 to 9.0%
Ni - 5.5 to 6.5%
For maximum wear resistance type D iron is usually heat treated as
given below :
27
Castings are heated to 7500C and held at that temperature for 8
hours followed by air cooling. Complex shaped castings with varying
cross section are heated to 5500C for 4 hours and air cooled to room
temperature. This is foollowed by holding for 16 hours at 4500C and air
cooling. The heat treated castings have a tensile strength in the range
of 520 to 550 MPa (75,000 to 80,000 psi) and hardness of 600 to 800
BHN. All Ni-hard castings are stress relived at 200 to 2300C for 4 hours
before placing it in service.
28
Mechanical Properties :
Y.S U.T.S. %E BHN
N/mm2 N/mm2
750-1250 900-1500 2-8 285/360
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
CHAPTER - 6
The production of casting of high metallurgical quality and consistency requires the
control of three fundamental components -
These three components of melt quality are affected by many individual factors
which also require close and careful control. Fig. 6.1 indicates the important aspects
of molten-metal production and treatment processes and the necessary features of
control.
Metal composition - Basemetal, alloying elements trace elements.
Fig. 6.1
Factors in the control of metal production.
42
Efects of Metal Composition on Quality :
The final composition, both the main elements and those present at trace levels,
need to be adequately controlled, since the level of individual elements and the
interrelation between certain elements can have important effects on both material
properties and quality of castings. The main effects of the various alloying elements
are given in Chapter 3.
Acquisition of raw material and its control should involve the preparation of
specifications, selection of suppliers, testing of the material on delivery, storage of
materials in marked locations and maintenance of regular and detailed records.
Raw material control is a basic element affecting the final casting quality.
Table 6.1 gives the common raw materials and their effect on quality due to lack of
control.
Charge make-up
A basic requirement in metal production and its quality control is the charge
calculation and any changes should be carried out only after proper calculations
taking into account the raw material composition and expected recoveries from the
various furnace additions.
For consistent quality in production reliable weighing facilities must be available for
the main charge materials and additives.
The effects of the use of cupola or electric melting are given in Table 6.2
Carburization, desulphurization and inoculation are a few of the useful molten metal
treatment processes in use which have a profound effect on quality.
43
Desulphurization
a) In grey iron sulphur levels less than 0.1 percent reduce the dross forming
tendency and leads to the reduction in subsurface blowholes.
c) It can be done in ladles and agitation can be carried out by mechanical stirring
or gas injection through a porous plug.
Table 6.1
Effect of Raw Material Quality on Castings.
44
Poor quality material will result in increased
nitrogen & aluminium content leading to fissure
defects and pinholes.
Table 6.2
Effect of furnace type
2. A high steel scrap charge results in losses The loss of trace elements is
of trace elements and hence, a less pure significantly reduced and hence
charge can be employed. cleaner & purer charge material will
have to be used.
Carburization
b) Less pure carburizers such as coke is suited to grey iron production. High
percentage additions lead to nitrogen pick up which causes nitrogen fissure
defects.
45
c) High carbon recovery is favoured at high temperature and bath agitation.
e) Carburizers should be stored in dry condition lest there is hydrogen pick up.
Alloy additions
b) The composition of the additives and expected recovery should be taken into
account before any additions.
c) The weights of the metal to be treated and the alloy should be accurately
known.
d) Lumpy forms (pieces greater than 25mm) is to be in the primary melting unit
and granular material (less than 6 mm) should be used for ladle additions.
Inoculation
b) Pure ferrosilicon is not an effective inoculant and hence, silicon based inoculants
should contain one or more minor elements like aluminium, cerium, barium
etc.
d) For ladle inculation, the inoculant should be sized in the range 3-8 mm. and
for metal stream inoculation it should be less than 1.5 mm.
e) They should be stored in a dry area to prevent hydrogen pick up and should
be easily identifiable.
46
fades with time and hence, the inoculated metal should be poured as quickly
as possible.
Nodularization
Table 6.3
Effect of Inoculation
47
Metal Handling and On-line Controls :
Ladle practice
a) Lining material should be high quality refractory with fusion point in excess
of 14500C.
b) Ladle lining condition should be properly maintained and ladle spouts kept
clean.
c) Temperature losses should be minimized by the use of insulating covers.
d) Ladle should always be preheated prior to use.
Temperature control
a) The pouring temperature is one of the most important control parameters
for obtaining defect free castings. High temperature pouring can result in
porosity, swollen castings, core distortion and metal penetration.
b) Every casting has an optimum pouring temperture range. This should be
determined and maintained.
Chill test
This test is a reliable indicator of the chilling propensity of cast iron and is
detailed in speficiation A 367 in the 1974 book of ASTM standards.
The moulds are made in well baked resin or oil bonded core sand with an AFS
fineness ranging from 70 to 100.
Chill plates against which the specimen are cast is mostly made of cast iron
with fairly fine finish.
Thermal analysis
It is used for the determination of total cabon, silicon contents and carbon
equivalent values in cast irons.
The accuracy depends on the precise phosphorus value used in calculating the
carbon equivalent which is given by the relation.
CE1 = Tc% + Si% / 4 + P% / 2
Spectroscopic analysis
Rapid analysis based on optical emission or X-ray fluorescence aids in accurate
compositional control.
48
CHAPTER - 7
1. Grey Iron castings normally are used in as cast state. Stress relieving is done
before machining in case of castings with very close machined dimensional
tolerance, susceptible to distortion after machining.
Normalizing is resorted to only when the castings are soft or have chilled
edges, or residual carbides in welded areas. Typical Cycle : 9200C - 30 mins. to
120 mins., depending on section size - air cool.
2. Nodular iron may be heat treated for one of the following reasons :
d) to improve machinability
Annealing
Foundries which do not make as cast grades of ferritic nodular iron resort to annealing
to ferritize the matrix.
Normalising
49
a) Normalise - 9200C, 2 hours - Air cool
Temper - 6800 to 7100C, 2 to 4 hours.
b) Step Normlize - 9200C, 2 hours furnace cool to 8000C - hold for 30 mints.
- furnace cool to 5000C - hold for 30 mins.
Stress Relieving
3. Malleable iron -
Table 7.1
Malleable Iron : Chemical Composition
% Pearlitic Ferritic
C 2.30/2.40 2.30/2.40
Si 1.30/1.50 1.30/1.50
50
Ladle addition :
Bi .01/.015
B .001/.0015
b) Boron addition :
- Reduces FSG/SSG by better nucleation.
51
52
53
CHAPTER - 8
1. Fusion Welding
a) Metal Arc
3. Brazing
4. Soldering
5. Cold Welding
1. Fusion Welding :
Because of high carbon content cast irons are difficult to weld. Rapid
solidification after welding may lead to the formation of hard and brittle
carbides in the fusion zone and martensite and/or bainite in the heat
affected zone of the base iron, making the iron crack prone and difficult
to machine. However, these problems can be circumvented through the
use of proper welding techniques and electrodes.
Weld preparation :
- Any contaminants such as slag, rust, paint, oxide, and and oil should be
removed.
- The grooves and cavities should be shaped to allowe ease of access and
manipulation of the welding torch or electrode (Fig 8.1)
54
preparation. Flame or arc gouging methods are not recommended as
considerable hardening of the iron adjacent to the seared surface takes
place due to the formation of undersirable martensitic/or bainitic
structure. Even preheating does not help.
55
Table 8.1
Electrodes for the Welding of Cast Irons
56
Table 8.2
Typical Chemistry and Mechanical Properties
of Nickel-based Electrodes
*Nearest
Preheating
57
Post Heating
Note :
a) Arc Welding-Electrodes :
b) Gas Welding :
Filler Rods :
Chemical composition -
Fluxes :
1. Calcined borax.
This process combines the advantages of the low heat input of brazing, with
strength and homogeneous joints obtained by fusion welding of the parent metal.
The base metal is not brought to fusion temperature; thereby; eliminating formation
of carbide structure. The bond is obtained through surface alloying whereby a
58
nonfusion filler rod tins the base metal and also interalloys by diffusion in a nrarrow
zone at the filler alloy base metal interface.
In case of arc welding low heat input is realised by a shorter arc, shorter
welding time and lower intensity of current.
No preheating of the job is required. The hot weld joint is quenched by water
to avoid slow cooling through 7100C which leads to cracking.
Amperage Required :
3. Brazing :
Alloys :
35 to 90% silver, alloyed with copper and zinc. Other alloying elements added
-cadmium, nickel, manganese, tin, lithium.
Fluxes :
Type Form
Flouride Powder
Liquid
Paste (most polular)
59
4. Soldering :
This process too has limited application in this field. Soldering is carried out
at temperatures below 4250C.
Typical Composition :
Solder Flux
% Sn % Pb % Zn
35 30 35 Zn cl2
5. Cold Welding :
Material :
2 part system -
Method :
A mix of filler plus hardener of right consistency is prepared. Then the defect
is filled up with this paste by pressing and smearing. Dressed after drying.
b) Sealing of microporosity :
Material :
Method :
Brushed on the affected area of the casting, the one component system as
such, the two component system sequentially. After application cold cured for 24 to
48 hours.
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
CHAPTER - 10
On 30 mm f test bar.
69
UNITED KINGDOM BS 1450 : 1977
mm N/mm2
mm Kp/mm2
GG10 30 10
GG15 13 23
20 18
30 15
45 11
GG20 13 28
20 23
30 20
45 16
70
Grade Dia. of as-Cast Tensile Strength
test bar Rm’ min
mm Kp/mm2
GG25 13 33
20 28
30 25
45 21
GG 30 20 33
30 30
45 26
GG35 20 38
30 35
45 31
GG40 30 40
45 36
GG12* 30 12
GG14 30 14
GG22 30 22
GG26 30 26
*The grades shown in italics are from DIN 1691 : 1949, now superseded by DIN
1691:1964. They are given in DIN 1691:1964 and are still accepted until further
notice.
71
USA ANSI / ASTM A 48-76
mm mm MPa
N/mm2 ksi*
72
Nominal Nominal Tensile Strength
section dia. of Rm’ min
Grade thickness as-cast
test-bar
mm mm MPa
N/mm2 ksi*
all dimensions of test bar S shall be agreed upon between the manufacturer
and the purchaser.
73
74
75
76
77
USA ANSI/ASTM A159-77 SAE J431c (1975)
(Automotive grey iron castings)
Grade Hardness,
HB
G1800 187-max
G2500 170-229
G3000 187-241
G3500 207-255
G4000 217-269
G2500a 170-229
G3500b 207-255
G3500c 207-255
78
79
80
81
82
83
USA SAE J434B*
(Automotive ductile iron casting : 1970)
Hardness Structure
Grade
HB
DQ&T** — Martensite
*These irons are primarily specified on hardness and structure. The mechanical
properties are given for information only.
84
CHAPTER - 11
Tabloe 11.1
Temperature Converstions
Albert Sauveur type of table. Look up reading in middle column : if in degrees
Centigrade, read Fahrenheit equivalent in right hand column; if in degrees Fahrenheit,
read Centigrade equivalent in left hand column. Values as printed in Bethlehem Alloy
Steels.:
C. F. C. F.
-273 -459.4 -134 -210 -346
-268 -450 -129 -200 -328
-262 -440 -123 -190 -310
-257 -430 -118 -180 -292
-251 -420 -112 -170 -274
-246 -410 -107 -160 -256
-240 -400 -101 -150 -238
-234 -390 -96 -140 -220
-229 -380 -90 -130 -202
-223 -370 -84 -120 -184
-218 -360 -79 -110 -166
-212 -350 -73 -100 -148
-207 -340 -68 -90 -130
-201 -330 -62 -80 -112
-196 -320 -57 -70 -94
-190 -310 -51 -60 -76
-184 -300 -46 -50 -58
-179 -290 -40 -40 -40
-173 -280 -34 -30 -22
-169 -273 -459.4 -29 -20 -4
-168 -270 -454 -23 -10 14
-162 -260 -436 -17.8 0 32
-157 -250 -418 -17.2 1 33.8
-151 -240 -400 -16.7 2 35.6
-146 -230 -382 -16.1 3 37.4
-140 -220 -364 -15.6 4 39.2
85
C. F. C. F.
86
C. F. C. F.
87
C. F. C. F.
88
C. F. C. F.
89
C. F. C. F.
90
C. F. C. F.
Table 11.2
Density of Different Types of Cast Iron
Table 11.3
Relationship between Tensile Strength
and Density of Grey Cast Iron
T.S. kg/mm2 14 17 20 23 28 32 38
Desity g/cm3 6.8-7.1 7.0-7.1 7.2-7.3 7.25-7.4 7.3-7.4 7.3-7.4 7.4-7.6
91
Table 11.4
Density of Cast Irons
gm/c.c
92
Table 11.5
Specific Gravity and Melting Point of
Casting Alloys
93
Alloy Sp. Melting
Gravity Point, 0C
Table 11.6
Bulk Density (Wt., Kg/litre) of Some Materials
Bentonite 1.00
Oil 0.92
Dextrine 0.75
Molasses 1.35
Graphite 0.80
Tar 0.92
94
Table 11.7
Properties of Microstructural Consituents of Cast Iron
Graphite 2.3
Phosphide eutectic 7.32
Ferrite 7.87 35-45 110-130 15-25
Acicular Ferrite 230-260
Cementite 7.82 3-5 600-900
Austenite 200
Pearlite (unalloyed) 7.8 80-100 200-230 6
Spheroidized pearlite 7.8 160-190
Sorbite 120-140 240-280
Martensite 7.63
Table 11.8
Segregation of Elements in Cast Iron
Analysis from Si Mn P Cr Ni Cu
95
Table 11.9
Effect of Common Elements on Graphite and Eutectic Cells
C Si Mn S P
Eutectic cells + 0 0 – –
Number of nuclei + – – – +
Table 11.10
Composition of Cast Iron for Machine Tool Castings
Composition, %
X-Section, mm T.C. Si Mn S P Mo
96
Table 11.11
Relationship between Tensile Strength and Brinell Harness for
Various Microstructures and Compositions
Carbon Ration,
Equivalent, % Ten. Str. + BHN Microstructure
97
Table 11.12
The Influence of Notches on the Tensile
Strength of Two Grey Irons
1 inch=25.4 mm
1000 psi = 6.8947 N/mm2
Table 11.13
Gases in Cast Iron
General levels of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen in cast iron are as follows :
i) CC/100 g of metal ;
ii) per cent ;
iii) Parts per million. (ppm)
98
Their mutual relationship are as follows :
1 CC/100 g. of N2 = 0.00125%
= 12.5 ppm
1 CC/100 g. of H2 = 0.00009%
= 0.9 ppm
1 CC/100 g. of O2 = 0.00143%
= 14.3 ppm
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Osygen
Like in the case of hydrogen, the solubility of oxygen in hypereutectic irons also
increases due to adsorption.
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Acicular Structure :
A microstructure characterized by needleshaped constituents.
Acid Refractory :
Age Hardening :
Allotropy :
Alloys :
Alloying Elements :
Alpha iron :
The magnetic form of iron that is stable below the critical temperature (9060C
for pure iron) and characterized by a body-centered cubic cystal strucrture.
Annealing :
Generally a heat treatment to soften metals, for iron and steel, consists of
heating above the critical temperature followed by slow cooling usually in the furnace.
112
Anode :
Arc Furnace :
As-Cast Condition :
Atmosphere (protective) :
Austempering :
Austenite :
Austenitic Iron :
Bainite :
113
Blackheart Malleable :
See malleable iron.
Blast Furnace :
In ferrous metallurgy, a shaft furnace is supplied with a hot air blast and used
for producing pig iron by smelting iron in a continuous operation. The raw materials
(iron ore, coke, and limestone) are charged at the top, and the molten pig iron and
slag which collect at the bottom, are tapped out at intervals.
Brazing :
Joining metals by fusion of non-ferrous alloys that have melting points above
425 C but lower that those of the metals being joined.
0
Brinell Hardness :
The value of hardness of a metal determined by measuring the diamter of the
impression made by a ball of given diameter applied under a known load. Values are
expressed in Brinell hardness numbers (BHN).
British Thermal Unit (BTU) :
The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of ‘onelb’. of water
1 Fat or near its points of maximum density; a unit of heat measurement.
0
114
Carbonitriding :
Introducing carbon and nitrogen into solid iron by heat treating.
Carburizing :
The diffusion of carbon into solid iron by heat treatment in a carbon rich
atmosphere.
Case Hardening :
A process of hardening a ferrous alloy so that the surface layer or case is
made substantially harder than the interior or core. Induction hardening and flame
hardening are most commonly used for iron casting.
Cast Iron :
A generic term for the family or highcarbon-silicon-iron casting alloys.
Castability :
A complex conbination of liquid-metal properties and solidification
characteristics which promotes accurate and sound final castings.
Cathode :
The negative electrode in an electrolytic cell.
Cementite :
A very hard, intermetallic compound of iron and carbon, usually containing
other carbide-forming elements. (Loosely referred to as iron carbide or Fe3 C).
Centerline Shrinkage :
Shrinkage or porosity occuring along the central plane or axis of a cast part.
Charge :
i) The material placed in a melting furnace.
ii) Casting placed in a heat treating furnace.
Charpy Test :
A pendulum type of impact test in which a specimen, supported at both
ends as a simple beam, is broken by the impact of the swinging pendulum. The
energy absorbed in breaking the specimen as determined by the decreased rise of the
pendulum, is a measure of the impact strength of the metal.
115
Chill Test :
A small test casting that is fractured to indicate the carbide stability of the
iron.
Chilled Iron :
Cast iron that is poured into a metal mould or against a mould insert so as to
cause rapid solidification which often tends to produce a white iron structure in the
casting.
Coercive Force :
The magnetizing force that must be applied in the direction opposite to that
of the previous magnetizing force in order to remove residual magnetism, thus, an
indicator of retained strength.
Coining :
Cold Work :
Columnar Structure :
Combined Carbon :
Carbon in iron which is combined chemically with other elements not in the
free state as graphite or temper carbon. The difference between the total carbon and
the graphite carbon analyses.
Cast iron in which the graphite is in the form of interconnected flakes with
blunt edges. Its properties are intermediate between grey iron and ductile iron.
116
Compression Yield Strength :
The maximum stress that a material can withstand under compression without
sustaining unit plastic deformation beyond a predetermined unit.
Conductivity (Thermal) :
The ability of heat to flow through a material as measure in heat units per
unit time per unit of cross-sectinonal area per unit of length for a given temperature
differential. (Electrical) The ability of a material to conduct electricity. The reciprocal
of resistivity.
Constitutent :
Continuous Castings :
Cooling Curve :
A curve showing the relationship between time and temperature during the
cooling of a metal sample. Since most phase changes involve evolution or absorption
of heat, there may be abrupt changes in the slope of the curve.
Cooling Stresses :
Coupon :
Cracking Strip :
117
Creep :
The flow or plastic deformation of metals held for long periods of time at
stresses lower than the normal yield strength.
Critical Temperature :
Temperature at which metal changes phase. In usual iron alloys, the temperature
at which alpha iron transforms to gamma iron or vice versa. Actually, a temperature
range for cast irons.
Crucible :
Crystal :
Crystalline Fracture :
Cupola :
A vertically cylindrical furnace for melting metal, in direct contact with coke
as fuel, by forcing air under pressure through openings near its base.
Curie Temperature :
Current Density :
Cyaniding :
Introducing carbon and nitrogen into solid iron by heat treating above the
temperature at which austenite above the temperature at which austenite begins to
form in contact with molten cyanide salt of suitable composition.
118
Damping Capacity :
Decarburization :
Deflection :
Deformation :
De Lavaued Process :
Delta Iron :
The body-centered cubic crystal form of iron, which is stable from 13990C to
the melting point.
Dendrite :
Density :
The mass per unit volume of a substance, usually expressed in grams per
cubic centemetre or in pounds per cubic foot.
Desulfurizing:
Die Casting:
A castiong process in which the molten the molten metal is forced under
pressure into a metal mould cavity.
119
Diffusion:
Directional Solidification :
Ductile Iron :
Cast iron containing graphite in a spherulitic form also called nodular iron,
spherulitic iron, spherulitic iron, or S.G. Iron.
Duplexing :
Eddy Current :
Elastic Deformation :
Elastic Limit :
120
Electrical Resistance :
Electrode :
Elecroslag Welding :
An electric welding process in which the filler metal is melted and deposited
under a blanket of molten slag.
Elongation :
Embrittlement :
Loss of ductility.
Endurance Limit :
A limition stress below which the metal will withstand, without rupture, an
indefinitely large number of cycles of stress.
Endurance Ratio :
121
Etching :
In metallography, the process of revealing structural details by preferential
attack of reagents on a metal surface.
Eutectic :
(1) Isothermal reversible reaction of a liquid that forms two different solid
phases (in a binary alloy system) during cooling. (2) The alloy composition that
freezes at constant temperature, undergoing the eutectic reaction completely. (3) The
alloy structure of two (or more) solid phases formed from the liquid eutectically.
Eutectic Alloy :
In an alloy system, the composition at which two descending liquidus curves
in a binary system, or three descending liquidus surfaces in a ternary system, meet at a
point. Thus such an alloy has a lower melting point than neighbouring compositions.
Eulectic Temperature :
The lowest melting temperature in a series of mixture of two of more
components.
Eutectoid :
An eutectoid is the lowest transformation temperatures at which a solid
solution transforms into two solid phases.
Eutectoid Reaction :
Isothermal reversible reaction of a silid that forms two new solid phases (in
a binary alloy aystem) during cooling. As with eutectic, the word eutectoid can also
refer to an alloy composition or structure associated with the reaction.
Extensometer :
An instrument for measuring deformation in a material while it is under stress.
Fatigue Fracture :
The gradual propagation of a crack across a section due to cyclic stresses
within the elastic limit.
Fatigue Limit :
Maximum stress that a metal will withstand without failure for a specified
large number of cycle of stress. Usuaally synonymous with endurance limit.
122
Fatigue Ratio :
The ratio of fatigue limit or fatigue strength a N cycles to the static tensile
strength.
Fatigue Strength :
The maximum stress which a material can sustan, for a given number of stress
cycles without fracture.
Ferrite :
An essentially carbon-free solid solution in which alpha iron is the solvent,
and which is characterised by a body-centered cubic crystal structure.
Ferro-Alloy :
An alloy of certain elements with iron used to add these elements to molten
metal.
Ferrous :
Metallic materials in which the principal-component is iron.
File Hard :
Metal that is hard enough so that a new common file will not cut it.
File Hardness :
The hardness of metal generally at an edge as determind by whether a file of
an established hardness will bite into the metal.
First stage Graphitization :
The first phase of the annealing cycle in which all massive carbides are
decomposed and equilibrium is established between austenite and carbon for the
particular holding temperature.
Flake Graphite :
Graphite carbon, in the form of platelets, occuring in the microstructure of
grey cast iron.
Flame hardening :
Process of hardening a casting surface by heating it above the transformation
123
range with a high temperature flame followed by rapid cooling.
Fluidity :
Flux :
Fog Quenching :
Forehearth :
Free Ferrite :
Freezing Range :
Galvanizing :
Galvanizing Embrittlement :
Gamma Iron :
124
Gauss :
The electromagnetic unit of magnetic flux density.
Grain Growth :
An increase in the grain size of metal by a reduction in the number of grains.
Graphite :
One of the crystal forms of carbon; also the uncombined carbon in cast irons.
Graphitization :
Graphitizer :
Any material which increases the tendency of iron carbide to break down into
iron and graphite.
Graphitizing Anneal :
A heating and cooling process by which the combined carbon in cast iron or
steel is transformed, wholly or partly, to graphitic or free carbon.
Grey Iron :
Cast iron which contains a relatively large percentage of the carbon present in
the form of flake graphite. The metal has grey fracture.
Hardenability :
In a ferrous alloy, the property that determines the depth and distribution of
hardness induced by quenching.
Hardness :
125
indentation by another substance. For metals, hardness is usually defined on terms
of the size of an impression made by a standard indenter. (Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers
etc).
Heat :
Heat Treatment :
Heterogeneous Structure :
Hooke’s Law :
Hot Spots :
Hot Tear :
Hypereutectic Alloy :
Hysteresis :
Impact Resistance :
126
Impact Strength :
Impact Test :
A test to determine the energy absorbed in fracturing a test bar at high velocity.
See Izod Test; Charpy Test.
Impact Transition Temperature :
That temperature below which agiven metal will display brittle inpact fracture.
Impregnation :
The treatnent of defective castings with a sealing medium to stop pressure
leaks in porous areas. Mediums used include sillicate of soda, drying oils with or
without styrenes, plastics , and proprietary compounds.
Inclusions :
Non-metallic particles, such as oxides, sulphides or silicates that are held within
solid metal.
Induction Furnace :
An alternation current electric furnace in which the primary conductor is
coiled and generates a secondary current by eletromagnetic induction which heats
the metal charge.
Induction Hardening :
Process od hardening the surface of a casting by heating it above the
transformation range by electrical induction, followed by rapid cooling.
Inoculant :
Materials which, when added to molten metal, modify the structure, and
thereby change the physical and mechanical properties to a degree not explained on
the basis of the change in composition resultiong from their use.
Intergranular Corrosion :
Corrosion in a metal taking place preferentially along the grain boundaries.
127
Internal Shirinkage :
A void or network of voids within a casting caused by inadaquate feeding of
that section during solidification.
Internal Stresses :
A system of balanced forces exisiting within a part when not subjected to a
working load. These stresses are frequently caused by the differential contraction
between parts of a casting as cools.
Inverse Chill :
The condition in a casting section where the interior is mottled or white,
while the other sections are grey iron. Also known as Revers Chill, Internal Chill and
Inverted Chill.
Investment Process :
The coating of an expendable patten with a ceramic material so that it forms
the surface of the mould that contacts the moten metal when the pattern is removed
and the mold is poured.
Isothermal Transformation :
The process of transforming austenite in a ferrous alloy to ferrite or ferrite-
carbide aggregate at any constant temperture below the critical temperature.
Isotropic :
Having equal physical and or mechanical properties in all directions.
Izod Test :
A pendulum-type impact test in which the specimen is supported at one end
as a cantilever beam; the energy required to break off the free end is used as a
measure of impact strength.
Keel Block :
A standard specimen for testing relatively high shrinkage ferrous alloys. A
rectangular block with a smaller rectangular bar attached accross the bottom and
resembling the keel of a boat.
Kerf :
The space resulting from material removal in cutting.
128
Kish :
Free graphite which separates from molten hypreutectic iron.
Knoop Hardness :
Microhardness determined from the resistance of metal to indentation by
a pyramidal dimond indentor having edge angles of 1720 30’ and 1300 making a
rhombohedral inpression with one long and one short diagonal.
Ladle :
Metal receptacle frequently linked with refractories used for transporting and
pouring molten metal.
Lamellar :
Plate-like.
Lamellar Structure :
A constituent microstructure composed of an intimate mixture of platelets of
two phases, typically resulting from an eutectoid reaction. The structure of pearlite
in the iron-carbon system.
Ledeburite :
Cementite-austenitte eutectic structure.
Liquid Contraction :
Shrinkage occuring in metal in the liquid state as it cools.
Liquidus :
A line on a binary phase diagram, or a surface on a ternary phase diagram,
representing the temperatures at which freezing begins during cooling, or melting
ends during heating under equilibrium conditions.
Macrograph :
A photographic reproduction of any object that has been magnified not more
than ten diameters.
Macroscopic :
Visible either with the naked eye or under low magnification (upto ten
diameteres).
129
Macro structure :
Structure of metals as releaved by macroscopic examination.
Magnetic Hysteresis :
The property of a magnetic material by virtue of which the magnetic
induction for a given magentizing force depends upon the previous conditions of
magnetization.
For a specified cycle of magnetizing force, the energy converted into heat as
a result of magnetic hysteresis when the magnetic induction is cyclic.
Magnetic Permeability :
Malleable Iron :
Manganese Sulfide :
Martempering :
The process of quenching iron or steel from above the critical tempertures in
130
a bath at a temperture in or slightly above the upper portion of the temperature range
of martensite formation, and holding in the bath until the temperature throughour
the piece is substantially uniform. The piece is then allowed to cool in air through the
temperature range of martensile formation.
Martensite :
Matrix :
Mechanical Properties :
Those properties of a material that reveal the elastic and inelastic reaction
when force is applied, or that involve the relationship between stress and strain; for
example, the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and fatigue limit. These properties
have often been designated as physical properties but the term mechanical properties
is preferred.
Melting Zone :
Portion of the cupola above the tuyeres in which the charge melts.
Metallography :
Metallurgy :
Science and art of extracting metals from their ores, refining them and
preparing them for final use.
Microhardness :
Microporosity :
131
Micro-Shrinkage :
Microstructure :
The structure of polished and etched metal and alloy specimens as revealed by
the microscope at magnifications over ten diameters.
Modulus of Elasticity :
The ratio of tensile stress to the corresponding strain within the limit of
elasticity of a material.
Modulus of Resilience :
The amount of energy absorbed when one cubic inch of material is stressed
to its elastic limit. The modulus of resilience is porportional to the area under the
elastic portion of the stress-strain diagram. Materials having modulus of resilience
are capable of withstanding higher impact without damage.
Modulus of Rupture :
The ulitmate strength or the breaking load per unit area of a specimen tested
in torsion or in bending (flexure). In tension it is the tensile strength.
A mixture of grey iron and white iron of variable proportions. The fracture
has a mottled (speckled) appearance.
NDT(Nil-Ductility Transition)
Ni-Hard :
The common trade name for nickel, chromium, alloyed white irons that have
a martensitic martix as-cast.
Ni-Resist :
The common trade name for high nickel content alloy grey and ductile irons.
132
Nitriding :
Nodular Graphite :
Nodular Iron :
Normalizing :
Notch Sensitivity :
Nuclei :
Sites at which a new phase can be instigated. In iron, places where graphite
can start forming.
Oersted :
Oil Quenching :
133
Open Grain Structure :
A machined or fractured surface that appears coarse grained with visible grain
separations, may be due to large graphite flakes or shrinkage.
Pearlite :
Peatlitic Malleable :
Phase :
Phase Diagram :
Physical Properties :
Pickle :
Pig Iron :
The crude product of the blast furnace where ore is reduced into iron and
from which it is cast into small bars (pigs).
A welding process in which the heat from an arc is transferred to the work by
a stream of ionized inert gas which also shields the weld.
134
Plasticity :
The property of a substance to be moulded or deformed (permanently) into
a desired shape or form without rupture.
Poisson’s Ratio :
The absolute value of the ratio of transverse strain to the corresponding axial
strain in a body subjected to uniaxial stress.
Post Heating :
Heating welded mtal immidiately after welding for tempering, stress relieving
or providing a controlled rate of cooling to minimize formation of a hard or brittle
structure.
Primary Carbides :
Iron carbide in the microstructure of cast iron that was formed during
solidification.
Primary Graphite :
Graphite that is formed in iron during its soldification.
Progressive Hardening :
Flame, induction, or laser heating of a surface of a ferrous material by
a traveling heating and quenching fixture. The heat imput and rate of travel are
controlled so as obtain the desired metal temperture for quenching.
Proof Stress :
The stress that will cause a specified small permanent set in a metal.
Proportional Limit :
The greatest stress that the material is capable of sustraining without a
deviation from the law of proportionality of stress to strain (Hooke’s Law).
PSI :
Pounds per square inch.
Pyrometer :
A device for measuring indicating and/or recording temperature.
135
Quench Hardening :
Process of hardening a ferrous alloy of suitable composition by heating within
or above the transformation range and cooling at a rate sufficient to increase the
hardness substantially. The process usually involves the formation of martensite.
Quenching :
A process of inducing rapid cooling from an elevated temperature.
RMS Value :
A term pertaining to the measured height of asperities constituting the
roughness of a mechanical surface (See Surface Fininsh).
Radiography :
A non-destructive method of integral exemination in which metal objects
are exposed to a beam of X-ray of gamma radiation. Differences in thickmess,
density, or absorption, caused by internal defects either on a fluorescent screen or on
photographic film placed behing the object.
Reduction in Area :
The difference between, the original cross-sectional area of a tensile, the piece
and that of the smallest area at the point of fracture, Usually stated as percentage of
the original area.
Remnent Magnetism (Residual Induction) :
The magnetic induction remaining in a magnetized material when the
magnetizing force has been removed.
Residual Stress :
A stress that is a member of a balancing stress couple existing within a free
body to generate the stress.
Resilience :
The energy stored in a material when strained elastically.
Resistivity :
The resistance of a material to the transmission of electrical energy. It is
measured by the resistance of a body of the material of unit cross-section and unit
length.
136
Rock well Hardness :
A hardness test in which the loss in kinetic energy of a falling metal ‘tup’,
absorbed by indentation upon inpact of the tup on the metal being tested, is indicated
by the height of rebound.
Scrap :
a) Defective casting, b) Metal to be remelted.
Second Stage Graphitization :
The second phase of the annealing cycie of malleableiron in which the last
quantities of carbon, remaining after first stage graphitization. are precipitated as
graphite on the modules formed during first-stage graphitization.
Selective Hardening :
Obtaining desired degrees of hardness in different area of a casting.
S.G.Iron :
See dudtile iron.
Shear strength :
Maximum shear stress that a material is capable of withstanding without
failure.
Shrinkage :
Decrease in volume of the metal as it solidifies
Silal :
An alloy grey iron containing 5 to 7% silicon.
Slag :
A product resulting from the action of a flux on the oxidized non-metallic
constituents of molten metals. May also be produced by oxidation of the molten
137
bath, ash from the fuel, erosion of the refractories, and floating of non-mentallics in
the charge.
Solid Contraction :
Solidification Shrinkage :
Solidus :
Specific Heat :
A long annealing at a temperature below but near the critical point, causing the
cementite to spherodize.
Spheroidized Cementite :
Spheroidized Pearlite :
Sphertulitic Graphite :
138
Spin Hardening :
Spot Hardening :
Localized hardening on a ferrous material by heating with flame, induction, or
laser without motion and thin quenching.
Streadite :
A hard phosphorus-rich microconstituent.
Stabillizer :
Any substance that increasees the tendency of carbon to remain as iron
carbide, i.e.retards graphitization.
Strain :
1) The change per unit of length in any material as a result of stress. Strain in
measured in inches per inch of length. 2) A casting defect, an out-of-shape castion
due to distortion of the mold.
Stress :
The intensity of force, force per unit area as pounds per square inch (psi)
Stress-corrosion Cracking :
Stress Raisers :
139
Stress Relieving :
Stress, Resedual :
Stress-Rupture :
Supercooling :
140
Test Lug :
A small projection on a casting that may be fractured to test the ductility of
the metal in the piece without destroying the casting itself.
Thermal Analysis :
A method of determining transformations in a metal by noting the temperatures
at which thermal arrests occur.
Thermal Conductivity :
The property of matter by which heat energy is transmitted. For engineering
purposes it is measured by the amount of heat trasmitted by a given section over a
given length under a known temperature difference in a unit of time,i.e. Cal/cm2/
cm/0C/sec.
Trermal Contraction :
The decrease in linear dimensions of a material accompanying a dectease in
temperature.
Thermal Expansion:
The increase in linear dimensions of a material accompanying an increase in
temperature.
Thermal stresses :
Stress in metal, resulting from non-uniform distributions of temperature.
Thermal Welding :
The wilding of metal parts with molten metal Which was heated by the
chemical reaction of metallic oxides and powdered aluminium.
Thermocouple :
A device for measuring temperatures by the use of two dissimilar metals in
contact, the junction of these metals gives rise to measurable elecrtical potential
which varies with the temperature of the junction. Thermocouples are used to
operate temperature indicators or heat controls.
Torsion Strength :
The shearing stress limit for a body when loaded by twisting.
141
Torsional Modulus :
In a torsion test, the ratio of the shear stress to the unit displacement caused
by it in the elastic range.
Toughness :
Undercooled :
Vermicular Graphite :
Vickers Hardness :
White Iron :
Irons possessing white fractures because all or susbtantially all of the carbon
is in the combined form.
Whiteheart Malleable :
Work Hardening :
142
Yield Point :
Yield Strength :
143
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Iron Casting Handbook, Edited by Walton & Opar, Published by Iron Casting
Society Inc.
5. The Effect of some Trace Elements in Cast Iron, M. J. Fallon, Indian Foundry
Journal June ‘80.
11. “Eutectic” Low Heat Input Metal Joining Process-Papers presented in seminar
organised at Jamshedpur in 1972 by Larsen & Toubro Ltd.
13. I S, I S O, B S, D I N, A S T M Standards.
14. Production of Machine Tool Castings, British Foundryman, 1963, No. 9, 418-
425, Discussion 425-426.
144