Technical Information 17

Recommended Target Analysis for Grey Iron

The table shows suggested target analysis for the six ISO standard grades of grey cast
iron. Recommended composition ranges for carbon, silicon, manganese and sulphur, as
well as maximum level of phosphorus are given in the table. Also, the calculated carbon
equivalents (CE) are shown in the table.

Recommended target composition for grey cast iron according to the ISO standard grades.

Element ISO Grade

contents 100 150 200 250 300 350
%C 3.5 – 3.8 3.4 – 3.7 3.2 – 3.5 3.1 – 3.4 3.0 – 3.2 2.9 – 3.1
% Si 2.3 – 2.8 2.1 – 2.6 1.8 – 2.3 1.6 – 2.1 1.3 – 1.9 1.1 – 1.5
% Mn 0.4 – 0.8 0.5 – 0.8 0.6 – 0.8 0.6 – 0.8 0.7 – 0.9 0.8 – 1.0
%P max. 0.20 Max. 0.20 max. 0.20 Max. 0.15 max. 0.10 max. 0.10
%S 0.06 – 0.15 0.06 – 0.15 0.06 – 0.15 0.06 – 0.12 0.06 – 0.12 0.06 – 0.12
CE 4.2 – 4.6 4.0 – 4.3 3.8 – 4.1 3.6 – 3.9 3.4 – 3.7 3.2 – 3.5

It is important to note that following the recommended composition ranges given above
will provide a good basis for obtaining the respective ISO grade properties. However, cor-
rect properties are not guaranteed unless several other important parameters are handled
properly. Among these are:
• Correct choice of inoculant material and proper addition procedures (see Elkem
Technical Information Sheets No. 4 and 15).
• Avoidance of superheating and prolonged holding times.
• Careful choice of raw materials in order to avoid excessive concentrations of minor and
alloying elements that may interfere with the mechanical properties. (see Elkem
Technical Information Sheet No. 12).
• Proper slag removal to avoid inclusion defects.
• Consideration to the effect of moulding medium on cooling rate and solidification
structure.

It should also be noted that for special purpose grey irons it may be advantageous to
deviate from the recommended analysis in order to improve specific properties (e.g. better
thermal conductivity, lower shrinkage tendency, improved damping capacity, etc.)

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Technical Information 17 2

The effect of carbon content and carbon equivalent (CE) value on tensile strength can be
illustrated in simple diagrams. The figures below show the connection between these
parameters in grey iron.

Effect of increasing carbon content on the Tensile strength as a function of carbon

tensile strength in grey irons equivalent value (CE value) in grey irons