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CAST IRON CASTINGS

IS 210 • ASTM A48/A48M • ISO 185 • EN 1561

Built for demanding Industrial Applications. Explore Cast Iron Casting solutions from Bhanu Special Castings.

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CAST IRON CASTINGS

Cast Iron Castings

Reliable Strength. Superior Machinability. Proven Industrial Performance.

Bhanu Special Castings offers cast iron casting solutions engineered for dimensional stability, vibration damping, wear resistance, and dependable industrial performance. Cast iron components serve diverse engineering requirements across machinery, automotive, mining, pumps, and general industrial applications.

Cast iron valve bodies, flanges and industrial component housings
WHY CAST IRON CASTINGS?

Understanding Grey Cast Iron

Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy generally containing more than 2% carbon, along with silicon and other alloying elements. It is widely used in engineering applications because of its excellent castability, machinability, vibration damping, and cost-effective production.

Grey cast iron contains graphite in the form of flakes distributed throughout a metallic matrix. These graphite flakes contribute to excellent vibration absorption, thermal conductivity, and machining characteristics.

Grey cast iron is particularly suitable for complex-shaped components, machine structures, pump housings, engine blocks, and industrial wear parts.

Grey cast iron engine block with machined cylinder bores
KEY ADVANTAGES

Key Advantages

Excellent Machinability

Supports efficient machining and precision finishing.

Superior Vibration Damping

Reduces noise and vibration in machinery.

Good Castability

Enables complex shapes and intricate casting geometries.

Thermal Conductivity

Supports heat dissipation in industrial components.

Dimensional Stability

Suitable for rigid machine structures and housings.

Cost-Effective Manufacturing

An economical material for high-volume industrial applications.

THE VIBRATION DAMPING & MACHINABILITY ADVANTAGE

Engineered for Stability, Precision and Performance

Unlike many steel castings, grey cast iron contains graphite flakes that help dissipate vibrational energy and interrupt the formation of continuous machining chips. This combination makes it particularly effective for machinery foundations, engine components, pump bodies, and precision equipment.

Grey cast iron engine block from supplied reference

Excellent Vibration Absorption

The graphite structure helps reduce operational vibration and noise, improving the stability of industrial machinery.

Enhanced Machinability

Graphite flakes assist chip formation and reduce machining resistance, supporting efficient finishing operations.

Dimensional Stability

Proper casting design, cooling, and stress-relief treatments help maintain dimensional accuracy during machining and service.

Thermal Performance

Grey cast iron offers useful thermal conductivity and heat dissipation characteristics for components exposed to temperature variations.

05 INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS & GRADE SPECIFICATIONS

Grey Cast Iron Grades Across International Standards

Grey cast iron castings are classified under various national and international material standards that define requirements for tensile strength, graphite morphology, mechanical properties, hardness, testing methods, and material quality.

Understanding these standards helps manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and industrial buyers select suitable grey cast iron grades based on application conditions, strength, machinability, and engineering specifications.

Although grade designations may differ between countries, many standards cover comparable families of grey iron castings. Exact equivalence and grade selection must be confirmed against the applicable standard edition.

Grey cast iron industrial components with world map

Cross-Reference: International Grey Cast Iron Standards Worldwide

Country / RegionApplicable StandardsRepresentative Grades / Coverage
IndiaIS 210:2009; IS 3355:1974; IS 3005 (Parts 1–4); IS 4771:1985; IS 7925:1976; IS 5519:1979; IS 13655:1993; IS 1536:2001FG 150, FG 180, FG 200, FG 220, FG 260, FG 300, FG 350, FG 400
USAASTM A48/A48M; SAE J431Class 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60; G1800, G2500, G3000, G3500, G4000
GermanyDIN EN 1561; DIN 1691 (Legacy)EN-GJL-150, 200, 250, 300, 350; GG-15, GG-20, GG-25, GG-30, GG-35
EuropeEN 1561EN-GJL-100, EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
ChinaGB/T 9439; GB/T 7216HT100, HT150, HT200, HT250, HT300, HT350
JapanJIS G 5501FC100, FC150, FC200, FC250, FC300, FC350
United KingdomBS EN 1561; BS 1452 (Legacy)EN-GJL-150, 200, 250, 300, 350; Grade 150, 180, 220, 260, 300
FranceNF EN 1561EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
ItalyUNI EN 1561EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
AustraliaAS 1830T150, T180, T220, T260, T300, T350
South AfricaSANS / SABS aligned Grey Iron StandardsGrade 150, Grade 200, Grade 250, Grade 300
RussiaGOST 1412SCh10, SCh15, SCh20, SCh25, SCh30, SCh35
SpainUNE-EN 1561EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
SwedenSS-EN 1561EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
NorwayNS-EN 1561EN-GJL-150, EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300, EN-GJL-350
South KoreaKS D 4301GC150, GC200, GC250, GC300, GC350
COUNTRY-WISE MATERIAL GRADES

Interactive Country-Wise Chemical Composition Tables

Select a country to explore grey cast iron grades and typical published chemical composition ranges (mass %).

IS 210 (India) — Grey Cast Iron Grades

GradeC %Si %Mn %P %S %Min. Tensile Strength (MPa)Brinell Hardness (HBW)
FG 1503.40–3.702.10–2.600.50–0.80≤ 0.200.06–0.15150130–180
FG 2003.20–3.501.80–2.300.60–0.80≤ 0.200.06–0.15200160–220
FG 220As agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreed220180–220
FG 2603.10–3.401.60–2.100.60–0.80≤ 0.150.06–0.12260180–230
FG 300As agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreed300180–230
FG 350As agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreed350207–241
FG 400As agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreedAs agreed400207–270

Chemistry: typical foundry examples, not IS 210 limits (Clauses 6.1–6.2). Tensile strength and hardness: IS 210:2009, Table 3; tensile values apply to separately cast test bars. FG 150 testing is required only when specified by the purchaser.

CAST IRON PRODUCT RANGE

Industrial Cast Iron Components
for Diverse Applications

The following categories represent potential grey cast iron product applications. Contact BSCPL to confirm manufacturing suitability for your component and specification.

Pump Castings — representative cast iron components01

Pump Castings

Cast iron components designed for fluid-handling equipment, dimensional accuracy, and structural stability.

Subproducts
  • Pump Casings
  • Volute Casings
  • Impeller Housings
  • Bearing Brackets
  • End Covers
  • Pump Base Plates
Valve & Pipeline Components — representative cast iron components02

Valve & Pipeline Components

Cast components used in industrial flow-control systems and pipeline assemblies.

Subproducts
  • Valve Bodies
  • Bonnet Castings
  • Flanged Housings
  • Pipe Fittings
  • Strainer Bodies
Machine Tool Castings — representative cast iron components03

Machine Tool Castings

Rigid, vibration-damping components for precision manufacturing machinery.

Subproducts
  • Machine Beds
  • Lathe Beds
  • Base Frames
  • Support Columns
  • Slide Housings
  • Gearbox Housings
Industrial Machinery Castings — representative cast iron components04

Industrial Machinery Castings

Engineered structural components for equipment assemblies and rotating machinery.

Subproducts
  • Bearing Housings
  • Gearbox Casings
  • Motor Housings
  • Compressor Bodies
  • Mounting Brackets
Automotive & Engine Castings — representative cast iron components05

Automotive & Engine Castings

Cast iron components designed for heat dissipation, wear performance, and machining precision.

Subproducts
  • Engine Blocks
  • Cylinder Liners
  • Brake Drums
  • Flywheels
  • Clutch Housings
  • Exhaust Manifolds
General Engineering Castings — representative cast iron components06

General Engineering Castings

Custom components manufactured for industrial machinery and engineering assemblies.

Subproducts
  • Pulleys
  • Wheels
  • Covers
  • Counterweights
  • Agricultural Machinery Parts
  • Custom OEM Castings
Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

From Raw Material to
Finished Cast Iron Components

Our manufacturing workflow is structured around material control, casting accuracy, process consistency, and quality inspection.

01

Raw Material Selection

Selection and preparation of suitable iron-bearing charge materials, returns, and alloying additions.

02

Pattern & Mould Preparation

Development of patterns, cores, and moulds according to approved component drawings.

03

Melting & Composition Control

Melting of charge materials with adjustments to achieve the targeted chemical composition.

04

Inoculation & Melt Treatment

Controlled inoculation to promote the desired graphite formation and casting structure.

05

Molten Metal Pouring

Pouring at controlled temperatures using suitable gating and feeding arrangements.

06

Cooling & Solidification

Controlled solidification to develop the required graphite and metallic matrix structure.

07

Shakeout & Fettling

Removal of moulding materials, runners, risers, and surface irregularities.

08

Heat Treatment (If Required)

Stress relieving or other specified treatments to improve dimensional stability or microstructure.

09

Machining & Finishing

Machining, dimensional finishing, and surface preparation according to customer requirements.

10

Inspection & Dispatch

Final verification, documentation, protection, and packaging for delivery.

MECHANICAL & PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Typical Properties of
Grey Cast Iron Castings

The mechanical and physical properties of grey cast iron depend on chemical composition, graphite flake morphology, matrix structure, casting section thickness, cooling conditions, and manufacturing process.

TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF GREY CAST IRON (IS 210:2009)

Grey cast iron grades are classified based on minimum tensile strength as per IS 210:2009. Hardness values are specified ranges for the respective grades.

GradeNominal Minimum
Tensile Strength (MPa)
Brinell Hardness Range (HBW)
(as per IS 210:2009)
FG 150150130–180
FG 200200160–220
FG 220220180–220
FG 260260180–230
FG 300300180–230
FG 350350207–241
FG 400400207–270

Tensile strength values are specified for separately cast test bars under IS 210:2009 conditions. They do not guarantee identical properties at every location within a finished casting. Hardness verification should be performed at agreed inspection locations.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The following values are general engineering reference ranges for grey cast iron.

PropertyRepresentative Range
Density7.0–7.3 g/cm³
Elastic Modulus70–140 GPa
Thermal Conductivity35–55 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity450–550 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion10–13 × 10⁻⁶/K
Poisson’s RatioApproximately 0.20–0.28
Melting / Solidification RangeApproximately 1,150–1,250°C

These are typical values and may vary depending on chemical composition, microstructure, temperature, casting section thickness, and test conditions. Grade-specific certified values should be used for critical design calculations.

FACTORS AFFECTING PROPERTIES
OF GREY CAST IRON CASTINGS

The final properties of grey cast iron components are influenced by several metallurgical and manufacturing factors. Proper control of these factors helps achieve the desired mechanical, physical, and machining characteristics.

CARBON (C)

Influences graphite formation and matrix structure. Higher carbon content promotes graphite flakes, improving machinability but reducing tensile strength.

SILICON (Si)

Acts as a graphitizing element. Improves fluidity, castability, and thermal conductivity. Helps stabilise graphite and influences matrix structure.

GRAPHITE FLAKE MORPHOLOGY

Size, distribution, and orientation of graphite flakes affect tensile strength, machinability, vibration damping, and thermal conductivity.

MATRIX STRUCTURE

Ferritic, pearlitic, or mixed matrix structures influence hardness, strength, wear performance, and machining characteristics.

COOLING RATE

Affects graphite flake size and matrix structure. Controlled cooling helps achieve uniform properties and reduces the risk of internal defects.

CASTING SECTION THICKNESS

Thicker sections cool slowly, leading to coarser graphite and lower tensile strength. Thinner sections cool faster, resulting in finer graphite and higher strength.

KEY PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
OF GREY CAST IRON

Good
Machinability

Excellent
Vibration Damping

High
Thermal Conductivity

Dimensional
Stability

MICROSTRUCTURE OF CAST IRON CASTINGS

Understanding Flake Graphite
and Matrix Structure

The microstructure of grey cast iron primarily consists of graphite flakes distributed within a ferritic, pearlitic, or mixed ferrite-pearlite matrix. The morphology, distribution, and size of graphite flakes play a significant role in determining the casting’s strength, machinability, thermal conductivity, and vibration-damping behaviour.

Flake Graphite Structure — illustrative reference micrograph01

Flake Graphite Structure

Graphite flakes dispersed throughout the metallic matrix provide vibration damping and machinability.

Pearlitic Matrix — illustrative reference micrograph02

Pearlitic Matrix

A pearlite-rich matrix generally improves strength and hardness compared with a ferrite-rich matrix.

Ferritic Matrix — illustrative reference micrograph03

Ferritic Matrix

A ferrite-rich matrix provides lower hardness and generally favourable machinability.

Ferrite-Pearlite Matrix — illustrative reference micrograph04

Ferrite-Pearlite Matrix

A mixed matrix offers a balance between machinability, strength, and hardness.

Microstructural Characteristics

CharacteristicDescription
Graphite FormFlake / lamellar graphite
Graphite DistributionCommonly Type A; other distributions may occur
Matrix StructureFerritic, pearlitic, or ferrite-pearlite
Carbide ContentControlled according to required properties
Graphite SizeInfluenced by cooling rate and section thickness
Inspection MethodMetallographic examination

The micrographs shown are illustrative references. Production micrographs should be obtained from actual tested BSCPL samples before publication as company test evidence.

Illustrative grey cast iron flake graphite microstructure
QUALITY ASSURANCE & INSPECTION

Quality Control Throughout
the Casting Process

Our quality approach focuses on material verification, dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and compliance with customer-defined specifications.

Inspection / Testing Activities

A range of tests and inspections are carried out to ensure that castings meet the required mechanical, dimensional, and quality standards.

Inspection / TestPurpose
Chemical Composition AnalysisVerification of alloying elements
Tensile Strength TestingConfirmation of specified mechanical strength
Brinell Hardness TestingAssessment of hardness
Metallographic ExaminationEvaluation of graphite distribution and matrix
Dimensional InspectionVerification against approved drawings
Visual InspectionIdentification of surface imperfections
Ultrasonic Testing (where applicable)Assessment of internal discontinuities, subject to material limitations
Pressure / Leak Testing (where specified)Verification of pressure-retaining components
Surface InspectionAssessment of surface quality and finish
Chemical Composition Analysis — illustrative inspection image01

Chemical Composition Analysis

Verification of alloying elements

Tensile Strength Testing — illustrative inspection image02

Tensile Strength Testing

Confirmation of specified mechanical strength

Brinell Hardness Testing — illustrative inspection image03

Brinell Hardness Testing

Assessment of hardness

Metallographic Examination — illustrative inspection image04

Metallographic Examination

Evaluation of graphite distribution and matrix

Dimensional Inspection — illustrative inspection image05

Dimensional Inspection

Verification against approved drawings

Visual & Surface Inspection — illustrative inspection image06

Visual & Surface Inspection

Identification of surface imperfections.

Ultrasonic Testing (where applicable) — illustrative inspection image07

Ultrasonic Testing (where applicable)

Assessment of internal discontinuities.

Pressure / Leak Testing (where specified) — illustrative inspection image08

Pressure / Leak Testing (where specified)

Verification of pressure-retaining components.

Inspection procedures and acceptance criteria are selected according to applicable standards, purchase specifications, and component requirements.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

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Cast Iron Castings

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