Cast steel is a ferrous alloy with a maximum carbon content of approximately 0.75%. Steel castings are solid metal objects produced by filling the void within a mold with liquid steel. They are available in many of the same carbon and alloy steels that can be produced as wrought metals. Mechanical properties for cast steel are generally lower than wrought steels, but with the same chemical composition. Cast steel compensates for this disadvantage with its ability to form complex shapes in fewer steps.
Properties of cast steel
Cast steels can be produced with a wide range of properties. The physical properties of cast steel change significantly depending on chemical composition and heat treatment. They are selected to match performance requirements of the intended application.
Hardness
The ability of a material to withstand abrasion. Carbon content determines the maximum hardness obtainable in steel, or hardenability.
Strength
The amount of force necessary to deform a material. Higher carbon content and hardness result in steel with higher strength.
Ductility
The ability of a metal to deform under tensile stress. Lower carbon content and less hardness result in steel with higher ductility.
Toughness
The ability to withstand stress. Increased ductility is usually associated with better toughness. Toughness can be adjusted with the addition of alloying metals and heat treatment.
Wear resistance
The resistance of a material to friction and use. Cast steel exhibits similar wear resistance to that of wrought steels of similar composition. The addition of alloying elements such as molybdenum and chromium can increase wear resistance.
Corrosion resistance
The resistance of a material against oxidization and rust. Cast steel exhibits similar corrosion resistance to that of wrought steel. High-alloy steels with elevated levels of chromium and nickel are highly oxidation resistant.
Machinability
The ease at which a steel casting can change shape by removing material through machining (cutting, grinding, or drilling). Machinability is influenced by hardness, strength, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion.
Weldability
The ability of a steel casting to be welded without defects. Weldability is primarily dependent on the steel casting’s chemical composition and heat treatment.
High-temperature properties
Steels operating at temperatures above ambient are subject to degraded mechanical properties and early failure due to oxidation, hydrogen damage, sulfite scaling, and carbide instability.
Low-temperature properties
The toughness of cast steel is severely reduced at low temperatures. Alloying and specialized heat treatments can improve a casting’s ability to withstand loads and stresses.
Chemical composition of cast steel
The chemical composition of cast steel has a significant bearing on performance properties and is often used to classify steel or assign standard designations. Cast steels can be broken into two broad categories—carbon cast steel and alloyed cast steel.
Carbon cast steel
Like wrought steels, carbon cast steels can be classified according to their carbon content. Low carbon cast steel (0.2% carbon) is relatively soft and not readily heat-treatable. Medium carbon cast steel (0.2–0.5% carbon) is somewhat harder and amenable to strengthening by heat treatment. High carbon cast steel (0.5% carbon) is used when maximum hardness and wear resistance are desired.
Alloyed cast steel
Alloyed cast steel is categorized as either low- or high-alloy. Low-alloy cast steel (≤ 8% alloy content) behaves similarly to normal carbon steel, but with higher hardenability. High-alloy cast steel (> 8% alloy content) is designed to produce a specific property, such as corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or wear resistance.
ABOUT KEVA
Keva Casting is a professional casting company that focuses on Construction, Machinery, Automobile, Hardware, Pipeline and many other industries.
We provide top quality products with the best service based on our complete production chain including our own mold design, advanced production techniques, and full management of the supply chain. Keva Casting has two factories located in Zhucheng, China's Shandong province.
We use "shell molding", which is a new technique that has been developed in recent years.This new technique has simplified production procedures and reduced air pollution compared with traditional sand casting and investment casting. Shell making and core making are faster to ensure production in enormous quantities. The dimensions and surface finishing are satisfactory for all kinds of industrial requirements. Besides supplying our own formwork & scaffolding systems, our casting products also supply OEM services in various industries.