What Is The Difference Between Cast Iron, Carbon Steel & Ductile Iron?

These three types of metal are all very different, and they are used for vastly different purposes; the tension, strength, and durability of cast iron, carbon steel, and ductile iron, are at differing levels.

Cast Iron

• Cast iron is derived from pig iron, which is a by-product of smelting iron in a foundry. The properties of cast iron are different than the properties of carbon steel and ductile iron; the main characteristic of cast iron is that it is somewhat fragile - generally cast iron will be used for kitchen pans and other implements that are not likely to endure a lot of rough use that might snap the metal.

Carbon Steel

• Carbon Steel, on the other hand, is not fragile at all. This alloy is made when steel is mixed with carbon during the alloying process. Sometimes, strong, tough carbon steel may also be coated with case hardeners that give it a durable coating. Carbon steel is often used for car parts and other mechanical components, since its strength and durability are excellent.

Ductile Iron

Also known as nodular iron, ductile iron offers superior hardness and durability when compared to brittle cast iron. Although cast iron and durable iron are in the same general family, they are not used in the same way. Made of an alloy created from silicon, carbon, and iron, this metal was invented to improve upon the basic properties of cast iron, which is more fragile than ductile iron. Ductile iron also has a quicker firing process - it doesn't require a long and drawn-out heating process. Ductile iron is commonly used for iron pipe.

Different types of metal are used for different reasons, and two or three types of iron and steel may be needed to create a large machine or structure. Since scientists and engineers understand the properties of metal, they know how to use the right material for their needs.

In cast iron percentage of carbon is greater than 2%, it is hard and brittle. Carbon steel has a maximum of 2% of carbon. It is ductile and easily deform. Ductile iron can be deformed easily. And in this carbon percentage is very less.

When we say ductile, it refers to a substance that can be drawn and bent without breaking it. According to this definition, ductile iron is the one that can be easily shaped because it is flexible. It has nodular graphite inclusions in it that give it its flexibility. Cast iron is an alloy that has quite the opposite properties. It is brittle and breaks down when it is drawn. Actually, cast iron is a general term that covers many different alloys and the ductile iron is a subset within this major category.

Cast iron will break easy. Carbon steel is as hard as you can get. Ductile can be drawn or hammered thin with out breaking.

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In cast iron percentage of carbon is greater than 2%, it is hard and brittle. Carbon steel has a maximum of 2% of carbon. It is ductile and easily deform. Ductile iron can be deformed easily. And in this carbon percentage is very less. Examples Steel Crates , Steel Bins

If I made a frying pot of steel pipe and plate iron is it safe to cook with.