The Industrial Company for Casting

Est.1972

Ductile Iron
Ductile iron is an engineered material that is lighter and stronger than cast,
or grey, iron, the traditional choice for manhole covers and gratings. It is an
ideal material for construction castings when standard gray iron castings do
not have the load bearing capabilities or required impact resistance for a
particular application. Ductile iron is often used in areas subjected to loads
greater that H20 loading such as: Industrial facilities with forklift traffic,
container ports, airports and freeway traffic.

Ductile iron, which conforms to the ASTM A536 standard, offers the
combination of a significantly higher strength-to-weight ratio, impact
resistance and predictable mechanical performance. These characteristics
make it possible to design covers and gratings that are stronger and more
durable, while also delivering ergonomic and functional advantages not
readily available with traditional alternatives.

Why Ductile Iron is Better

Ductile Iron Cast Iron

Engineered material Strength
derived from structural design
and material performance
Predictable mechanical
performance Materials allow
designs that achieve strength and
ergonomic and functional
efficiency
High strength-to-weight ratio
Makes lightweight, user-friendly
designs achievable
Ergonomically positive
Features like hinged covers and
automatic locks can
be incorporated; one-man
operation, enhanced safety
Highly impact resistant
Traditional material Strength
derived from sheer weight and
bulk
Unpredictable performance
Only way to achieve strength is to
add more material; little design
flexibility, vulnerable to
catastrophic failure
Relatively low strength-to-
weight ratio Results in
heavy, hard to handle covers
and gratings
Ergonomically negative
Two-man operation, chance of
back, hand and foot injuries
Impact sensitive due to brittle
nature of material