NODULAR CAST IRON

Nodular Cast Iron

The nodular cast iron is also known as
• Ductile cast iron
• Spheroidal graphite iron
• Spheroidal graphite cast iron and
• SG iron
1. Gray cast iron.
2. White cast iron.
3. Nodular cast iron.
4. Malleable cast iron.
5. Wrought cast iron.
Nodular Cast Iron
Nodular cast iron otherwise popularly known as ductile cast iron varies
from the rest of the cast iron varieties with its nodular graphite
spherical structures. These graphite spheres differ in their size,
quantity and the arrangement pattern. The main difference is the
spherical shape of these graphite molecules unlike the graphite flakes
found in grey iron. Ductile iron or nodular cast iron differs in its
chemical composition due to the presence of these graphite inclusions
formed by the influence of magnesium, cerium and other particles.
Therefore nodular cast iron or ductile iron has more tensile strength,
high elasticity and toughness than any other cast iron types. Since it
has a high stiffness equal to that of a cast steel, it serves as a suitable
choice for the manufacturing of parts like propeller shafts.
Nodular cast iron is produced by melting the metal initially. This
molten metal is then inoculated with smaller quantities of magnesium
and cerium. The free carbons present in the final product form a
surface of the round graphite nodules or spheres which are surrounded
by ferrite. This adds to the elasticity of the metal.
Different structures of Cast Iron
Production of Nodular Cast Iron
 Nodular Cast Irons can be formed by adding Mg (or
Ce, Ca, Li, or Na) to a very low S alloy just before
casting.
 These additives cause graphite to form tiny balls of
spherules, rather than flakes- during eutectic
formation of grey cast iron.
 Since Mg is above its boiling point at casting
temperatures of 1400-1500 C, it is necessary to add it in
Mg-Ni alloy.
Cupola Furnace
Mechanical Properties of Nodular
Cast Iron
Ductile iron owes its remarkable mechanical properties
to the spheroidal shape of its graphite:
 tensile strength,
 impact resistance,
 high elastic limit,
 good elongation.
Chemical compositions of cast iron
Additional Mechanical Properties
 These properties are further enhanced by control of
the chemical analysis and heat treatment of the metal
matrix.
Ductile iron maintains the traditional qualities of
cast irons, resulting from the high carbon content:
 compression strength,
 castability,
 abrasion resistance,
 machinability,
 fatigue strength
Stress Vs Strain
 . Due to different
manufacturing processes
a wide range of
mechanical properties
are observalble, care
must be taken when
comparing stress-strain
or fatigue data. [1]
Tensile Strength Vs Elongation
 Mechanical properties are effected by

 .Graphite shape
 .Graphite volume
 .Carbide content
 .Matrix effect
 .Effects of Cu, Sn and some other alloys
Effect of Temperature
 Low Temperature Tensile Properties
 Ductile Irons are structurally stable at very low
temperatures, but when designing for low temperature
applications, the designer must take into consideration the
significant effect of temperature on strength and
elongation
 High Temperature Tensile Properties
 Ductile Irons exhibit several properties which enable them
to perform successfully in numerous elevated temperature
applications. Alloy Ductile Irons (see Section V) provide
outstanding resistance to deformation, growth and
oxidation at high temperatures
APPLICATIONS
 Much of the annual production of nodular cast iron
iron is in the form of ductile iron pipe, used for water
and sewer lines.
 It competes with polymeric materials such
as PVC, HDPE, LDPE and polypropylene, which are all
much lighter than steel or ductile iron; being softer
and weaker, these require protection from physical
damage
 Ductile iron is specifically useful in many automotive
components, where strength needs surpass that of
aluminum but do not necessarily require steel.
 Other major industrial applications include off-
highway diesel trucks, Class 8 trucks, agricultural
tractors, and oil well pumps.
 In wind power industry nodular cast iron is used for
hubs and structural parts like machine frames.
 Nodular cast iron is suitable for large and complex
shapes and high (fatigue) loads.
 SG iron is used in many grand piano harps (the iron
plates to which high-tension piano strings are
attached).
 Has higher strength
and toughness than
gray cast iron
Utilization of ductile cast iron
 Machine parts, gears, pipes, crankshaft, etc
References
 Wikipedia
 Callister
 Internet

 PRESENTED BY
P.VEDANTH (BT16MEC056)
P.BHARGAV(BT16MEC057)
P.VINEETH REDDY(BT16MEC058)
THANK
YOU