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Gray Iron
Revised by Charles V. White, GMI Engineering and Management Institute

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Classes of Gray Iron

A simple and convenient classification of the gray irons is found in ASTM specification A 48, which classifies the various
types in terms of tensile strength, expressed in ksi. The ASTM classification by no means connotes a scale of ascending
superiority from class 20 (minimum tensile strength of 140 MPa, or 20 ksi) to class 60 (minimum tensile strength of 410
MPa, or 60 ksi). In many applications strength is not the major criterion for the choice of grade. For example, for parts such
as clutch plates and brake drums, where resistance to heat checking is important, low-strength grades of iron are the
superior performers. Similarly, in heat shock applications such as ingot or pig molds, a class 60 iron would fail quickly,
whereas good performance is shown by class 25 iron. In machine tools and other parts subject to vibration, the better
damping capacity of low-strength irons is often advantageous.

Generally, it can be assumed that the following properties of gray cast irons increase with increasing tensile strength from
class 20 to class 60:
All strengths, including strength at elevated temperature
Ability to be machined to a fine finish
Modulus of elasticity
Wear resistance

On the other hand, the following properties decrease with increasing tensile strength, so that low-strength irons often
perform better than high-strength irons when these properties are important:
Machinability
Resistance to thermal shock
Damping capacity
Ability to be cast in thin sections

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