Spheroidal graphite cast iron
High ductility and strength
Spheroidal graphite cast iron is a cast iron material in which the graphite is spherical due to the introduction of magnesium into the liquid cast iron. This significantly improves the strength and toughness of the material and can achieve almost steel-like properties. The load-bearing capacity and resistance to mechanical stress are significantly increased.
Compared to grey cast iron, cast iron with nodular graphite has a higher ductility and malleability. Cast parts made from nodular graphite cast iron can deform more under mechanical stress without breaking. This is particularly important for components that are exposed to vibrations.
Advantages of cast iron with nodular graphite
The properties of spheroidal graphite cast iron speak in favour of the material.
- High strength and hardness
Ductile cast iron has a higher strength and hardness than grey cast iron. These properties make it ideal for applications where high mechanical loads occur. - Good ductility and toughness
Compared to grey cast iron, ductile cast iron has increased ductility and toughness. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where impact loads can occur.
- Excellent casting properties
Due to its special properties/structure, ductile cast iron has good flowability during mould filling. This enables the production of complex moulds and thin-walled parts with high precision and surface quality. - Good thermal conductivity and vibration damping
Nodular cast iron has good thermal conductivity and vibration damping properties. This makes it suitable for applications where efficient energy dissipation is required, such as in brake systems or transmission components.
Ductile iron materials
Abbreviation and material number
At the Behringer iron foundry, we offer you various materials and qualities of ductile cast iron. You can find the specifications in the material table below and further details in the downloadable data sheet.
| Current abbreviation according to DIN EN 1563:2019 | Abbreviation old according to DIN 1693 | Material number according to DIN EN 1561:2019 | Material number according to DIN EN 1561:1997 | Material number before 1997 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN-GJS-400-18 | GGG-40.3 | 5.3103 | EN-JS1025 | 0.7043 |
| EN-GJS-400-15 | GGG-40 | 5.3106 | EN-JS1030 | 0.7040 |
| EN-GJS-500-7 | GGG-50 | 5.3200 | EN-JS1050 | 0.7050 |
| EN-GJS-600-3 | GGG-60 | 5.3201 | EN-JS1060 | 0.7060 |
| EN-GJS-700-2 | GGG-70 | 5.3300 | EN-JS1070 | 0.7070 |
Applications of ductile cast iron
Cast iron with spheroidal graphite is used for many products
The high strength, toughness and ductility of nodular graphite cast iron make it an indispensable material in numerous industries. Whether in mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, shipping or plant engineering. Cast iron with nodular graphite is used to make engine blocks, steering knuckles, crankshafts and many other components that have to withstand high loads.
GGG and GJS are two designations for the same material: ductile cast iron with nodular graphite. The difference lies in the nomenclature and the standards that are used:
GGG (spheroidal graphite cast iron):
GGG is often used in German-speaking countries and in older documentation.
- Designation: GGG is the German abbreviation for "Gusseisen mit Kugelgraphit".
- Standard: This designation was used in older German standards, in particular in DIN 1693.
GJS (spheroidal graphite cast iron according to European standard):
GJS is used in modern European standards and technical documentation.
- Designation: GJS is the abbreviation used in the European standard DIN EN 1563.
- Standard: This standard replaces the older DIN 1693 and is valid throughout Europe. "JS" stands for "spheroidal graphite cast iron".
Summarised:
- GGG is the older German designation according to DIN 1693.
- GJS is the modern European designation according to DIN EN 1563.
The quality of nodular cast iron is ensured by precise control of the chemical composition, production temperatures and treatment with magnesium. Testing methods such as tensile tests, hardness tests and metallographic analyses are frequently used.
Ready-to-install parts made from nodular cast iron can be installed immediately in machines, systems or other systems without any further processing. Nodular cast iron is characterised by its spheroidal graphite structure, which gives the material high strength and ductility. This makes it particularly suitable for applications that require both a high load-bearing capacity and a certain degree of flexibility.
Ready-to-install means that the cast parts have undergone all the necessary production steps:
- Design: the parts are precisely designed, using CAD-aided simulation, to fulfil specific requirements and functions.
- Heat treatment: The mechanical properties of nodular cast iron are improved through targeted heating and cooling. The material structure is optimised, which increases the durability and strength of the parts.
- Machining on CNC machining centres: These machining steps include turning, milling, drilling and other mechanical operations. Using computer-controlled machines, the parts are precisely and efficiently moulded and machined to achieve the most accurate dimensions and surface qualities.
- Quality assurance: To ensure that the parts meet high quality standards, they undergo rigorous inspections and tests.
These comprehensive services ensure that your parts can be installed in their intended applications immediately after delivery. No additional processing steps are required. This saves time and costs and increases the efficiency of your production.