What is the difference between steel and cast iron?
Among the metals produced in one technological process, some of the most common are steel and cast iron. Despite the fact that one is made as a result of alteration of the other, these metals differ significantly from each other, both in their composition and in their use in the economy.
How steel is made
Steel is an iron-carbon alloy in which the carbon content does not exceed 3.4 percent . The usual figure is in the range of 0.1-2.14% .
It reduces the plastic characteristics of steel, while making it harder and stronger. Alloyed and highly alloyed contain more than 45% iron.
The elasticity of steel determines its demand for the creation of engineering products, primarily power springs and springs, shock absorbers, suspensions, braces and other elastic parts.
Regardless of the forms and operating conditions of the elastic parts of machines, mechanisms and devices, they have a common remarkable quality. It lies in the fact that, despite large shock, periodic and static loads, they have no residual deformation.
Steels are classified according to their purpose, chemical composition, structure and quality. There are many categories of appointments, including the following:
- Instrumental.
- Structural.
- Stainless.
- Heat resistant.
- Resistant to ultra-low temperatures.
Steels can vary in their carbon content, from low-carbon, in which it is up to 0.25%, to high-carbon with 0.6-2%. Alloyed ones can contain from 4 to 11 or more percent of the corresponding additives. Depending on the content of various impurities, they are classified into steels with ordinary qualities, high-quality and those with especially high qualities.
In its production, the main thing is to reduce to the required level the content of sulfur and phosphorus, which make the metal brittle and brittle. In this case, different methods are used for carbon oxidation, which can be open-hearth, converter and electrothermal.
The open-hearth method requires a lot of thermal energy, which is released when gas or fuel oil is burned. Arc or induction furnaces are heated using electricity. The converter version does not require an external heat source.
Here, molten pig iron is usually separated from impurities by blowing oxygen through it.
The raw materials for steel production are metal, pig iron, and additives that form slag and provide steel alloying. The smelting process itself can be carried out in different ways. It happens that it begins in an open-hearth furnace and ends in an electric one.
Or, in order to obtain steel that is resistant to corrosion, after melting in an electric furnace, it is poured into a converter. In it, it is purged with oxygen and argon to minimize carbon content. Steel melts at a temperature of 1450–1520 °C .
How to get cast iron
An alloy of iron and carbon can also be called cast iron. However, unlike steel, it must contain at least 2.14% carbon, which gives this very hard material high brittleness. At the same time, it becomes less ductile and viscous. Depending on the content of cementite and graphite in it, cast iron can be called white, gray, malleable and high-strength.
The first contains 4.3-6.67% carbon . It is light gray at the break. It is used primarily to produce malleable cast iron using annealing technology. Cast iron is called gray because of the gray color of its fracture due to the presence of graphite in lamellar form and the presence of silicon.
As a result of prolonged annealing of white cast iron, malleable cast iron is obtained. It has increased ductility and toughness, impact resistance and greater strength. Complex parts for machines and mechanisms are made from it.
It is marked with the letters “K” and “H”, after which numbers are placed indicating the tensile strength and relative elongation.
High-strength cast iron is distinguished by the presence of spheroidal graphite, which prevents stress concentration and weakening of the metal base.
A laser is used to strengthen it, which makes it possible to obtain critical machine parts of increased strength.
For industrial needs, there are various classifications of pig iron, anti-friction, alloy and graphite-containing cast iron. Its melting point is between 1,150 and 1,200 °C.
Cast iron has proven itself to be a versatile, inexpensive and durable material . Complex and massive parts of machines and mechanisms, as well as unique artistic products are made from it. Cast iron decorations and monuments decorate many cities around the world. Fences of ancient buildings, steps in them, and water and sewer pipes skillfully made from it have served people for centuries.
Cast iron hatches cover communication wells on the streets of many settlements. Bathtubs, sinks and sinks, heating radiators made of this material are reliable and durable. Crankshafts and cylinder blocks of internal combustion engines, brake discs and other automobile parts are cast from cast iron.
Typically, cast iron parts undergo additional machining after casting.
What makes them different
Steel and cast iron are materials widely used in industry, transport and construction. Outwardly they are very similar.
However, there are these main differences between them:
- Steel is the final product of steelmaking, and cast iron is the raw material for it.
- Steel has higher strength and hardness than brittle cast iron.
- It contains much less carbon than cast iron.
- Steel is heavier than cast iron and has a higher melting point.
- Steel can be processed by cutting, rolling, forging, etc.; cast iron products are mainly cast.
- Cast iron products are porous and have a thermal conductivity significantly lower than steel
- New steel parts have a silver shine, cast iron matte and black.
- To give steel special properties, it can be hardened; this is not done with cast iron.
Source: https://varimtutru.com/chem-otlichaetsya-stal-ot-chuguna/
Differences between cast iron and steel
The basis for making cast iron or steel is iron. In nature, it is a metal with a silvery tint and does not have sufficient hardness. This metal is practically not used in industry, and various iron alloys are widely used.
Cast iron and steel are alloys of iron and carbon, but the quality of the metal will depend on the content of these elements and impurities.
Cast iron
Cast iron is a primary product of metallurgy. Its composition contains more than 2% carbon and a significant amount of impurities that affect the properties of the metal: manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, alloying additives.
Cast iron is a brittle metal; it can easily be broken into fragments upon impact, so it is less practical to process and use. The type of carbon contained in cast iron affects its properties, therefore several types of cast iron are distinguished:
- gray, soft metal with a low melting point;
- white, with increased hardness, but brittle;
- malleable, secondary product of white cast iron;
- highly durable.
The density of cast iron is 7000 kg/m3.
Steel
The percentage of carbon in the alloy should not exceed 2%, and iron should not be less than 45%. The remaining 53% may contain various alloying additives and impurities that allow you to change its properties.
There are a large number of varieties and classifications. Depending on the number of connecting elements, they are distinguished:
— low-alloy;
- medium alloyed.
Also distinguished by the amount of carbon:
- low carbon;
- medium carbon;
- high carbon.
The quality of the metal is affected by the presence of non-metallic inclusions (oxides, sulfides, phosphides) and there is a classification by quality.
The general characteristic is that it is a metal with good strength, wear resistance, hardness, and is suitable for various types of processing. Steel density is 7700 – 7900 kg/m3.
Despite the large number of varieties of cast iron and steel, we can highlight the main differences between these metals:
— steel has greater strength, ductility and hardness;
- it is more plastic, therefore it lends itself well to processing (stamping, forging, rolling, welding), cast iron products are made by casting;
— cast iron has a lower cost;
— steel has high thermal conductivity, quality is improved by hardening, and cast iron, due to the porosity of the metal, is able to retain heat;
- alloys have different specific gravity.
Metallurgy supplies the market with hundreds of varieties of both alloys, which have their own characteristics and characteristics, but the essential components of these metals are iron and carbon. Therefore, steel and cast iron can be combined into the group of iron-carbon alloys.
Source: https://uas.su/articles/blastfurnace/otlichiya-chuguna-i-stali.php
Steel stove or cast iron?
Metal stove Koza/K10 for home heating
Choosing materials for a wood heating stove is not an easy task. Before making a final decision, there are many nuances that you should pay close attention to.
Fortunately, there are not very many such materials, and if we are talking not about brick, but about metal, then the task is simplified, if only because there can only be two options: steel or cast iron.
At first glance, it may seem that there is not much difference between them, but if you are planning to make such a serious purchase as a heating stove, then it is better to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Cast iron stove - pros and cons
Cast iron stove from KRATKI
Because cast iron stoves have thick walls, they take longer to heat up and begin releasing heat. On the other hand, cast iron retains heat much longer than steel due to its large mass and heat capacity.
As a result, it will emit thermal energy for several hours after the fire in the stove goes out.
Another advantage of this material is its strength and resistance to deformation, although low-quality versions of cast iron stoves can crack from the heat.
Cast iron stoves are made by pouring molten metal into molds to create individual cast plates that are then bolted together. A heat-resistant insulating cord and fire-resistant cement are laid between these parts, preventing smoke from escaping into the room.
A large number of parts complicate the repair of such stoves, however, thanks to casting and the ability to make molds of any configuration, cast iron stove models are extremely decorative.
Often potbelly stoves made of cast iron are made as replicas of ancient models, with lace casting and beautiful glass-ceramic windows, stylized as stained glass.
Wood burning cast iron stove Koza/K6 from KRATKI
Pure cast iron can corrode, so to protect it from rust, it is covered with ceramic tiles or painted with heat-resistant enamel. For families with small children, manufacturers recommend buying only cast iron stoves covered with ceramics or natural stone so that the child cannot get burned.
The ceramics used to line the furnace bodies can be standard, produced on automated lines, or custom-made. The latter, as a rule, is made by hand using proprietary technologies.
It may not have a completely smooth surface, covered with a barely noticeable web of microcracks, but this will not indicate a defect, but speak of true authenticity.
The combustion part of cast iron stoves is often reinforced with additional cast iron plates, which increase the heat-accumulating properties of the device. For the same purposes, the body is ribbed and massive cast iron disks are placed on the outlet pipe of the furnace, which not only increases the heat transfer area, but also lengthens the path of flue gases, since they move in a spiral in the disks.
Also popular is the internal lining of the combustion chamber with fire-resistant vermiculite or chamotte, which allows maintaining the combustion temperature of the wood at the desired level.
Maintenance of cast iron and iron stoves is virtually the same, including replacing parts such as fireclay bricks or insulating cord. Despite the obvious advantages of cast iron stoves, they are not free from disadvantages: they are difficult to repair, have an inertial time delta for heating and cost about twenty percent more than their steel counterparts.
Advantages and disadvantages of a steel furnace
Steel stove fireplace with firewood
Cast iron has long been the material of choice for wood stoves because steel versions deteriorate quickly. However, the quality of steel has improved significantly over the past few decades, and if you choose a high-quality steel stove, there is no need to worry about its longevity.
However, there are a few differences between the two types of these metal stoves that are worth considering before making your final decision. Heating speed is the first thing to talk about when listing the pros of a steel stove.
If you're walking into a cold house and want to heat it up as quickly as possible, a steel stove will allow you to achieve this much sooner than a cast iron version. But, on the other hand, steel, due to its physical properties, cools faster than cast iron.
And, if this material, just like cast iron, radiates heat after the fire in the firebox has gone out, then for a relatively short time. The above, however, does not apply to high-tech steel furnaces lined with, for example, soapstone, which, due to its unique properties, can radiate heat for many hours.
Steel stove ABX (Czech Republic) lined with soapstone
Unlike cast iron stoves, steel stoves have a clean, sleek body geometry that fits well with modern home design. If we are talking about steel fireboxes, then they can be integrated into the fireplace mantel of a wide variety of designs: from classic to modern.
The oven body is often made from a single folded section welded to the top to form a sealed unit. The legs are welded to the bottom. The inner surface of the combustion chamber, as in the case of cast iron stoves, is lined with heat-resistant ceramics, which takes on the main thermal load during operation of the heating device.
Many fireplace companies produce stoves that are not made entirely of steel, but have cast iron elements, such as the door or internal parts.
Modern steel stoves with reliable fireproof protection and a deflector are in no way inferior to cast iron stoves, so when choosing heating equipment for your home, you should focus not so much on the material of manufacture (cast iron or steel), but on the following factors:
- seriousness and fame of the fireplace brand;
- device performance;
- placing the stove indoors (in a corner, island, wall);
- design;
- the price you are willing to pay.
Whether you choose a steel or cast iron wood stove is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Think about what is more important to you: heating your home as quickly as possible or keeping it warm as long as possible after the fire in the furnace goes out.
Also, don't forget about your fireplace accessories and your furniture and home decor because a stove that matches the style of your home will enhance it even more.
Just be sure not to make any compromises when it comes to quality, whether you are thinking about buying a steel or cast iron stove.
Table of steel and cast iron stoves
Our permanent assortment includes steel and cast iron stoves from leading European companies: KRATKI. ABX, NORDPEIS.
| Name | Manufacturer | Peculiarities | Opening method | Material | Efficiency | Firebox weight | Power |
| KENT | ABX (Czech Republic) | Clean glass system, external air supply | Lateral | Steel | 82% | 85 kg | 5 kW |
| BAVARIA K – COMBO insert | ABX (Czech Republic) | Secondary combustion, firewood burner, clean glass system | Lateral | Cast iron body, steel door | 78% | 71 kg | 7 kW |
| Stockholm8 (7 kV in water, 5.5 kV in air) | ABX (Czech Republic) | Clean glass system, firewood | Lateral | Steel | 83% | 259.7 kg | 7 kW |
| Tulsa 7 (talc) | ABX (Czech Republic) | Clean glass system, external air supply | Lateral | Steel | 83% | 125 kg | 6 kW |
| Koza/K10 | KRATKI (Poland) | Clean glass system, hob | Lateral | Steel | 75% | 111 kg | 10 kW |
| Koza/K5/S | KRATKI (Poland) | Secondary combustion, clean glass system | Lateral | Steel, cast iron | 76% | 107 kg | 7 kW |
| SMARTY | NORDPEIS (Norway) | Secondary combustion, built-in legs, external air supply | Guillotine | Steel | 81% | 134 kg | 5 kW |
| Koza/K8 (turbine) | KRATKI (Poland) | Clean glass system, built-in turbine | Lateral | Steel, cast iron | 75% | 127 kg | 9 kW |
Photo gallery of steel and cast iron stoves
Steel stove Koza/K5/S from KRATKI
Wood burning stove BAVARIA (steel body, cast iron door) from ABX
Metal freestanding wood burning stove
Cylindrical steel oven
Corner stove fireplace made of steel
Tiled steel stove with firewood
Cast iron stove KOZA (KRATKI)
ABX steel stove for living room
Wood burning stove BAVARIA (steel body, cast iron door) from ABX
Wood burning stove DUO4 (NORDPEIS)
Powerful steel heat storage furnace for home heating
Norwegian steel stove, wood burning
Wood-burning steel stoves UNO series (Nordpeis)
Wood burning stove ORION fireplace with high legs. Norway.
Wood burning stove BERGEN from NORDPEIS
Wood-burning metal stove with three-sided glazing
Source: https://ikamin.ru/pechi/chugunnaya-pech-ili-stalnaya.html
Cast iron or stainless steel: what to choose?
Cast iron and stainless steel are reliable and practical metals that are used in industry and in the production of household metal products. With high strength, both materials are durable and not subject to corrosion and the aggressive effects of humidity and the environment. As a result, the question arises: what to choose, cast iron or stainless steel? What material should you use to make your metal products so that they are in demand and do not cause any complaints?
Comparison of metals
If you compare stainless steel and cast iron, the comparison will be incorrect. Both metals have varieties that differ in their performance characteristics. However, there are also common properties.
Essentially, both metals are an alloy of iron and carbon, and the main difference is the percentage of the latter. If stainless steel contains 1.5-2% carbon, then cast iron contains 2%. It is this slight difference that causes the difference in the characteristics of metals:
- Stainless steel has a dense structure, which gives strength and ductility to the material. Therefore, stainless steel is processed in various ways - cut, welded or forged.
- Cast iron, on the contrary, has a loose and porous structure, which determines its excellent heat capacity. But this material does not like sudden temperature changes and bursts in such situations. It is basically impossible to repair a cast iron item that is damaged during use, since this metal is cast. As a result, the metal product (or its part) will have to be replaced with a new one.
Economic benefits of materials
The cost of stainless steel is higher than that of cast iron, but better performance characteristics determine the cost-effective use of the material. In the production of industrial and household metal products, preference is often given to stainless steel:
- First of all, this concerns the variety of types of rolled metal. If stainless steel is made in the form of sheets and cut into transverse or longitudinal strips, then cast iron cannot be processed in this way.
- Stainless steel is lighter. The weight of a sheet of stainless steel and cast iron of the same thickness differs, and this is important in the manufacture of many metal products where sheet material is used. Steel is easier to transport and install, and the base underneath is not reinforced.
- The strength characteristics of stainless steel allow the use of thinner sheets of metal compared to cast iron when solving the same problems.
Cast iron does rust, and this primarily concerns low-quality material produced by unscrupulous manufacturers. While stainless steel is not affected by corrosion. Today they even solve the problem of carbon loss when welding metal products. In this case, the manufacturer uses vacuum processing of the material, which allows the characteristics of the metal to be preserved.
Source: https://www.globus-stal.ru/articles/chugun-ili-nerzhaveyka-chto-vybrat/
What is the difference between cast iron and steel. How do cast irons differ from steels? Physical properties of cast iron and cast steel - Pravsila
Ferrous metallurgy products are widely used in many sectors of the national economy, and ferrous metal is always in demand in construction and mechanical engineering. Metallurgy has been successfully developing for a long time, thanks to its high technical potential. Cast iron and steel products are most often used in production and in everyday life.
Cast iron and steel both belong to the group of ferrous metals; these materials are alloys of iron and carbon that are unique in their properties. What are the differences between steel and cast iron, their main properties and characteristics?
Steel and its main characteristics
Steel is a deformed alloy of iron with carbon , which is always up to a maximum of 2%, as well as other elements.
Carbon is an important component because it gives strength to iron alloys, as well as hardness, thereby reducing softness and ductility.
Alloying elements are often added to the alloy, which ultimately results in alloyed and high-alloy steel, when the composition contains at least 45% iron and no more than 2% carbon, the remaining 53% being additives.
Steel is the most important material in many industries; it is used in construction, and as the technical and economic level of the country grows, the scale of steel production also increases. In ancient times, craftsmen used crucible melting to produce cast steel, and this process was low-productivity and labor-intensive, but the steel was of high quality.
Over time, the processes for producing steel changed; the crucible method was replaced by the Bessemer and open-hearth methods of producing steel, which made it possible to establish mass production of cast steel.
Then they began to smelt steel in electric furnaces, after which the oxygen-converter process was introduced, which made it possible to obtain especially pure metal.
Depending on the number and types of connecting components, steel can be:
- Low alloy
- Medium alloyed
- High alloy
Depending on the carbon content, it is:
- Low carbon
- Medium carbon
- High carbon.
The composition of the metal often includes non-metallic compounds - oxides, phosphides, sulfides; their content differs depending on the quality of the steel; there is a certain classification of quality.
The density of steel is 7700-7900 kg/m3 , and the general characteristics of steel consist of such indicators as strength, hardness, wear resistance and suitability for various types of processing.
Compared to cast iron, steel has greater ductility, strength and hardness.
Due to its ductility, it is easy to process; steel has a higher thermal conductivity, and its quality is improved by hardening.
Elements such as nickel, chromium and molybdenum are alloying components, each of which gives steel its own characteristics.
Thanks to chromium, steel becomes stronger and harder, and its wear resistance increases. Nickel also imparts strength, as well as toughness and hardness, and increases its anti-corrosion properties and hardenability.
Silicon reduces viscosity, and manganese improves weldability and hardening properties.
All existing types of steel have a melting point from 1450 to 1520°C and are strong, wear-resistant and deformation-resistant metal alloys.
Cast iron and its main characteristics
The basis for the production of cast iron is also iron and carbon, but unlike steel, it contains more carbon, as well as other impurities in the form of alloying metals. It is fragile and breaks without visible deformation. Carbon here acts as graphite or cementite and, due to the content of other elements, cast iron is divided into the following varieties:
- White - where cementite is in the lead in the majority, this material is white at the fracture. This component is fragile and at the same time hard. It is easy to work, which imparts malleability to cast iron.
- Gray - in this variety, a large proportion is graphite, due to which the cast iron is ductile. Ready cast iron has a low melting point, is soft, and is easier to cut.
- Malleable - achieved by firing white cast iron, it is simmered in special heating furnaces at a temperature of 950-1000 ° C. The inherent hardness and brittleness of white cast iron are reduced; it is not forged, but only becomes more ductile.
- High-strength cast iron alloy - it contains nodular graphite, which is formed during crystallization.
The melting point of cast iron depends on the carbon content in it; the more of it there is in the alloy, the lower the temperature, and also its fluidity when heated increases. This makes the metal non-plastic, fluid, and also brittle and difficult to process. Its melting point ranges from 1160 to 1250°C .
Cast iron has higher anti-corrosion properties because it undergoes dry rust during use, this is called chemical corrosion. Wet corrosion also attacks cast iron more slowly than steel. These qualities led to a discovery in metallurgy - steel with a high chromium content began to be smelted. This is where stainless steel came from.
We draw a conclusion
Based on their numerous characteristics, we can say the following about cast iron and steel, what is their difference:
- Steel is stronger and harder than cast iron.
- Steel has a higher melting point and is heavier.
- The lower percentage of carbon in steel makes it easier to work with, easier to cut, forge and weld.
- For this reason, cast iron products can be cast, while steel products can be welded or forged.
- Steel products are less porous than cast iron, so they have greater thermal conductivity.
- They also differ in color: steel is light and shiny, while cast iron is darker with a matte surface.
- The cost of steel is always higher than cast iron materials.
We can conclude that steel and cast iron are united by the content of carbon and iron in them, but their characteristics are different and each of the alloys has its own characteristics.
- Nikolay Ivanovich Matveev
Source: https://pravsiila.ru/chem-otlichaetsja-chugun-i-stali-chem-chuguny-otlichajutsja-ot-stalej-fizicheskie-svojstva-chuguna-i-litoj-stali.html
What is the difference between cast iron and iron? The difference between steel and cast iron - Lawyer in touch
Cast iron and steel products from the metallurgical industry are used both in everyday life and in production. Both materials are unique alloys of iron and carbon. Everyone knows that iron is mined from the depths of the earth in huge quantities.
But it is impossible to use it in its pure form; this element is too soft and therefore unsuitable for the manufacture of high-strength products. Therefore, for industrial, construction and household purposes, it is not iron in its pure form that is used, but its derivatives - cast iron and steel.
What is the difference between steel and cast iron?
Cast iron and steel are alloys of iron and carbon.
Their difference is manifested in many qualities, and the commonality of elements during production does not give the material identical characteristics.
Corrosion resistance
Both alloys are susceptible to corrosion, and improper use will accelerate this process.
Preparation of cast iron from ore.
Cast iron becomes covered with dry rust during use. This is the so-called chemical corrosion. Wet (electrochemical) corrosion affects cast iron more slowly than steel.
Initially, the conclusion suggests itself that the anti-corrosion characteristics of cast iron are much higher. In fact, both of these alloys are susceptible to corrosion to the same extent; it’s just that for cast iron products, due to thick walls, the process takes longer.
This, for example, can explain the difference in the service life of boilers: steel - from 5 to 15 years, cast iron - from 30 years.
In 1913, Harry Brearley made a discovery in the field of metallurgy. He discovered that steel with a high chromium content had good resistance to acid corrosion. This is how stainless steel was born. It also has its own gradation:
- Corrosion-resistant steel is resistant to corrosion in basic industrial and domestic conditions (oil and gas, light industry, engineering industry, surgical instruments, household stainless steel utensils).
- Heat-resistant steel is resistant to high temperatures and aggressive environments (chemical industry).
- Heat-resistant steel has increased mechanical strength at high temperatures.
Thermal shock and shock resistance
Comparative indicators of cast iron and steel.
Cast iron and steel are often used in the manufacture of heating boilers. In this case, the issue of resistance to thermal shocks becomes especially important. If cold water gets into a cast iron boiler that has not cooled down, it may crack.
Thermal shock is not dangerous for steel products. Steel is more elastic and tolerates temperature differences well.
But large and frequent temperature changes in steel contribute to the appearance of “tired” zones and, as a result, cracks in places that are weakened by welding.
Good ductility makes steel products resistant to mechanical damage. The fragility of cast iron inevitably leads to the formation of cracks due to impacts or distortions.
Gray cast iron has a more uniform structure, increased ductility and anti-corrosion properties, and is able to withstand large temperature changes.
- Cast iron is less durable and hard than steel.
- Steel is heavier and has a higher melting point.
- The lower carbon content of steel, unlike cast iron, makes it easier to process (cook, cut, forge).
- For a similar reason, cast iron products are produced only by casting, while steel products can be forged and welded.
- Products made of steel are less porous than those made of cast iron, and therefore their thermal conductivity is much higher.
- Products made of cast iron are usually black in color and have a matte surface, while those made of steel are light-colored with a shiny surface.
How to distinguish cast iron from steel?
- According to the density of the product. It is necessary to weigh the object and determine how much water it will displace. The density of steel lies in the range of 7.7-7.9 g/cm³, gray cast iron - does not exceed 7.2 g/cm³. This method is not particularly reliable because white cast iron has a density between 7.6 and 7.8 g/cm³.
- Using a magnet. Cast iron is less magnetic than steel.
The disadvantage of this method is that steels with a high nickel content practically do not attract a magnet.
- The most accurate way is to determine the cast iron using a grinding machine and the type of chips produced.
You should take a file with a fine notch and run it over the surface of the object several times. The resulting sawdust must be collected on paper, folded in half and rubbed vigorously.
Cast iron will noticeably stain paper, steel will leave virtually no marks.
You can draw conclusions about the material by the size, shape and color of the sparks that appear during grinding. The more carbon, the brighter and stronger the sheaf of light yellow sparks will be. As we already know, cast iron contains more carbon than steel.
Also, when drilling a product with a thin drill, you can determine the material by the type of chips. Cast iron shavings will literally turn into dust before your eyes, steel shavings will take on the appearance of a coiled spring.
Cast iron is a combination of carbon (C) and iron (Fe), which has a number of characteristics and certain similarities to steel. Steel also contains carbon and iron. When analyzing the characteristics of metal as a chemical element, it is worth paying attention to whether cast iron is magnetic or not? What influences its characteristics and what do they depend on?
General information
It is an alloy of iron and carbon, which must contain at least 2% in the alloy. Has several varieties:
By its nature, iron is a very soft but strong material; in order to cope with its softness and give strength, carbon is added to the alloy. Malleable cast iron - this name does not mean that the metal can be forged, but indicates its ductility.
White cast iron is white when broken. It is heavy, durable and not susceptible to wet corrosion. It has several varieties and is used for the manufacture of malleable materials.
Gray cast iron contains impurities; this epithet refers to an alloy of iron, carbon and silicon. Most of the carbon in the master alloy is in the form of graphite. At the break it is gray in color.
It is worth paying attention to high-strength cast iron, which contains spheroidal graphite. It does not weaken the metal mesh as much and is not considered a stress raiser.
In terms of production volumes, Russia is one of the top three, second only to China and Japan.
Carbon in the alloy is contained in the form:
Graphite is a mineral in the form of nuggets, considered a modification of carbon. You can see this element if you have a pencil in the house, where the graphite is in the form of a rod.
Graphite has been known for a long time, its use depends on the industry: it is relatively soft, in ancient times it was used in the manufacture of clay dishes.
In an alloy with iron, it is a source of carbon, and changes with increasing temperature, becoming harder but more brittle.
Source: https://jurnasf.ru/chem-otlichaetsja-chugun-ot-zheleza-raznica-mezhdu-stalju-i-chugunom.html
Cast Iron vs Steel. Cast iron or steel firebox?
The fireplace insert is the heart of your fireplace, the place where the flame is born, bringing warmth and comfort to your home. And it is very important to choose the right firebox - this will guarantee a long service life of the fireplace lining and high-quality heating of the room. When selecting fireplace inserts, whether cast iron or metal, we take into account literally every detail, creating the ideal configuration to unleash the full potential of your fireplace.
The Magic of Comfort company offers all residents of Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region to buy a fireplace with a firebox , delivery and installation, both cast iron and metal.
As manufacturers of cladding and fireplace portals, we are ready to offer not only a variety of solutions for installing fireplaces and sauna stoves, but also the development of individual projects.
Our main advantages: a wide selection of granite and marble cladding of our own production, affordable prices for the entire range, the highest quality of goods and prompt execution of orders.
How to choose a fireplace insert: 5 most important nuances
Why install a firebox in a finished fireplace at all? It has not only a functional, but also a purely aesthetic purpose:
- it gives the fireplace a finished look;
- provides maximum convenience when operating the fireplace;
- minimizes room contamination with dust and soot;
- allows you to heat the room more efficiently;
- makes using the fireplace completely safe.
Traditional firebox materials are metal and cast iron. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. True, cast iron has many more advantages - you can read about this below.
The firebox itself is one of the most important elements of the fireplace, on which the quality and convenience of heating the room directly depends. And when choosing, you should pay attention to a number of nuances:
- Wall thickness. This determines how long the fireplace will give off heat after the flame goes out. The thicker the walls, the greater the heat-accumulating capacity of the firebox. But it is important to consider that as the thickness increases, the weight of the structure also increases, which may require strengthening the old one or installing an additional foundation.
- Constructions. When choosing a design, it is important to consider in what mode you are going to operate the fireplace: constantly or occasionally. In the first case, it is better to buy a solid cast iron fireplace insert , in the second - a prefabricated cast iron or combined steel one.
- Power. It determines the maximum volume and number of rooms a fireplace can heat. Our store of cast iron fireplace inserts offers a wide range of products of varying power - some models can easily be used for heating two-story country houses.
- Functionality. The configuration may include ducts that provide warm air to one or more rooms, a lifting mechanism for glass, flame breakers and much more.
- Type of metal. Products are made of steel or cast iron (cast iron alloy). And the choice of material directly affects the efficiency, durability and ease of use of the fireplace. Below we will look at which is better to buy a fireplace insert in Ekb (Ekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk region) - cast iron or steel.
Buying a fireplace insert: cast iron or steel?
The issue of choosing the material for making a product is the main problem that people face when purchasing.
Consider the advantages of cast iron:
- it has a higher heat capacity, which means steel retains heat much longer;
- Cast iron fireplace inserts are resistant to high temperatures and temperature changes;
- cast iron is impervious to moisture and resistant to corrosion;
- the porous structure of cast iron “smoothes out” thermal attacks that occur during intense combustion of fuel. This means that the fireplace lining will be reliably protected from overheating. But it is important to consider that due to their thick-walled construction, cast iron fireboxes are heavier than steel ones. This can cause certain problems when installing them yourself.
But if you purchase with delivery and installation from an official supplier - the Magic Comfort company, you will receive a guarantee of high-quality and fast installation in accordance with all building codes and fire safety rules.
The Yekaterinburg steel fireplace insert its popularity due to its relatively light weight and lower price compared to cast iron products.
As one of the universal options, you can use a combined metal firebox: its design includes cast iron elements that significantly increase thermal efficiency.
We sell cast iron fireplace inserts in Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region for cash and non-cash payments; our online store works with organizations and individuals. Delivery of goods to any city in Russia by transport companies is possible.
You can get professional advice and assistance in choosing fireboxes and fireplace surrounds by contacting our company representatives using our toll-free phone number or ordering a call back.
Source: https://telefakt.ru/lenta/chugun_vs_stal._chugunnaya_ili_kaminnaya_topka.html
How cast iron differs from steel: basic properties and distinctive characteristics
Ferrous metallurgy products are widely used in many sectors of the national economy, and ferrous metal is always in demand in construction and mechanical engineering. Metallurgy has been successfully developing for a long time, thanks to its high technical potential. Cast iron and steel products are most often used in production and in everyday life.
Cast iron and steel both belong to the group of ferrous metals; these materials are alloys of iron and carbon that are unique in their properties. What are the differences between steel and cast iron, their main properties and characteristics?
Difference between steel and cast iron
The metallurgical industry products often used in everyday life are cast iron and steel. Both materials are a unique alloy of iron and carbon. But the use of identical components in production does not endow the materials with similar properties. Cast iron and steel are two different materials. What are their differences?
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To make steel, you need to fuse iron, carbon and impurities. In this case, the carbon content in the mixture should not exceed 2%, and the iron content should not be less than 45%. The remaining percentage in the mixture can be alloying elements (substances that bind the mixture, for example, molybdenum, nickel, chromium and others). Thanks to carbon, iron acquires strength and extreme hardness. Without his participation, a viscous and plastic substance would be obtained.
Differences
In metallurgy, a fairly large number of varieties of steel are distinguished. Their classification depends on the amount of one or another component in the mixture. For example, a high content of binding elements produces high-alloy (more than 11%) steel. In addition there are:
- low alloyed – up to 4% binding components;
- medium alloyed - up to 11% of connecting elements.
carbon in the alloy also gives its classification to the metal:
- low-carbon metal – up to 0.25% C;
- medium carbon metal – up to 0.55% C;
- high carbon – up to 2% C.
And finally, depending on the content of non-metallic inclusions that are formed as a result of reactions (for example, oxides, phosphides, sulfides), classification is carried out according to physical properties:
- especially high quality;
- high quality;
- quality;
- ordinary steel.
This is far from a complete classification of steel. The types are also distinguished by the structure of the material, production method, and so on. But no matter how the main components are fused, the result is a hard, durable, wear-resistant and deformation-resistant material with a specific gravity of 7.75 (up to 7.9) G/cm3. The melting point of steel is from 1450 to 1520°C.
Unlike steel, cast iron is more fragile; it is distinguished by its ability to collapse without noticeable residual deformations. In this case, the carbon itself in the alloy is presented in the form of graphite and/or cementite; their shape and, accordingly, quantity determine the types of cast iron:
- white - all the necessary carbon is contained in the form of cementite. The material is white when broken. Very hard, but fragile. It can be processed and is mainly used to produce the malleable variety;
- gray – carbon in the form of graphite (plastic form). It is soft, easily processed (can be cut) and has a low melting point;
- malleable - obtained after prolonged annealing of a white appearance, resulting in the formation of graphite. Heating (over 900°C) and the cooling rate of graphite negatively affect the properties of the material. This makes welding and processing difficult;
- high-strength - contains spherical graphite formed as a result of crystallization.
The carbon in the composition determines its melting point (the more it is, the lower the temperature) and the higher the fluidity when heated. Therefore, cast iron is a fluid, non-plastic, brittle and difficult to process material with a specific gravity of 6.9 (7.3) G/cm3. Melting point – from 1150 to 1250°C.
Conclusions TheDifference.ru
- Steel is stronger and harder than cast iron.
- Cast iron is lighter than steel and has a lower melting point.
- Due to its lower carbon content, steel is easier to process (welding, cutting, rolling, forging) than cast iron.
- For the same reason, cast iron products are made only by casting.
- Products made of cast iron are more porous (due to casting) than those made of steel, and therefore their thermal conductivity is much lower.
- Typically, art products made from cast iron are black and matte, while those made from steel are light and shiny.
- Cast iron has low thermal conductivity, while steel has higher thermal conductivity.
- Cast iron is the primary product of ferrous metallurgy, and steel is the final product.
- Cast iron is not hardened, but some types of steel must be subjected to a hardening procedure.
- Products made of cast iron are only cast, and products made of steel are forged and welded.
Source: https://TheDifference.ru/chem-otlichaetsya-stal-ot-chuguna/
Differences between cast iron and steel
18.01.2018 18:12Steel and cast iron are some of the most popular types of casting materials used in industry. They are quite similar in their properties; you can understand the difference between steel and cast iron in different ways. Some of the methods can only be used in a factory environment using high-precision equipment, while others are suitable for use at home.
The main difference between cast iron and steel is the composition of the metals. Steel is an alloy of iron (45%) with carbon (no more than 2%) and alloying impurities, which can be substances such as nickel, molybdenum or others.
This metal is characterized by high strength, ductility, and ease of processing. Cast iron also contains iron and carbon, but the latter should be 2% or more.
Alloying additives are usually silicon, phosphorus, manganese or other components.
Differences in physicochemical characteristics
The main difference in the qualities of these metals is as follows:
- The hardness of steel is higher than that of cast iron.
- The weight of steel products is less, and the material melts more easily.
- Certain types of processing are available only for steel workpieces (forging, welding), while cast iron products are manufactured only by casting.
- The thermal conductivity of cast iron products is lower than that of their steel counterparts.
- Cast iron does not require mandatory hardening.
Is it possible to distinguish cast iron from steel visually?
If we are talking about fragments or workpieces, the processing of which will not cause harm, you can look at the visual differences between the metals. When a cast iron product is scrapped, a dark gray matte tint appears; the steel surface is lighter and has a glossy texture.
The appearance depends on the content of carbon components; they can be distinguished by the type of cracks: on high-carbon steel surfaces they look like a defect in the form of a split; on a product made of a low-carbon iron alloy, the cracks look like a plastic-type rupture.
To the question of whether it is possible to distinguish finished products by shade or texture, one can give a definite answer: objects made of steel are lighter and almost always have a glossy tint, products made of cast iron are dark and matte.
The difference between steel and cast iron. What is the difference between steel and cast iron. What is steel? What is cast iron - Legitimate advice
Ferrous metallurgy products are widely used in many sectors of the national economy, and ferrous metal is always in demand in construction and mechanical engineering. Metallurgy has been successfully developing for a long time, thanks to its high technical potential. Cast iron and steel products are most often used in production and in everyday life.
Cast iron and steel both belong to the group of ferrous metals; these materials are alloys of iron and carbon that are unique in their properties. What are the differences between steel and cast iron, their main properties and characteristics?
What is more expensive: steel or cast iron?
The metallurgical industry products often used in everyday life are cast iron and steel. Both materials are a unique alloy of iron and carbon. But the use of identical components in production does not endow the materials with similar properties. Cast iron and steel are two different materials. What are their differences?
Cast iron or steel valves - similarities and differences
22 September 2019 13:05
// Valves
Shut-off valves are a type of pipeline fittings that ensure the movement of the working substance in pipeline systems and process lines. The movement of the locking mechanism (gate) occurs perpendicular to the axis of movement of the medium flow, allowing it to be fully opened and closed. The device is not intended as a tool for traffic control.
Significant advantageous characteristics of valves include:
- full bore and bidirectional, which is due to the design simplicity of the product;
- small hydraulic resistance;
- optimal overall dimensions corresponding to different working pipe diameters;
- choice of control method: mechanics or electric drive.
The movement of the locking mechanism depends on the type of spindle.
He can be:
- Retractable, performing a translational or helical movement. As a rule, such valves are characterized by ease of maintenance and versatility. Their disadvantage is their overall dimensions, which dynamically increase when the damper is moved to the “open” position.
- Non-retractable, the rotation of the nodal mechanism occurs inside the housing.
This design feature provokes exposure to the environment, which complicates the operation of the valve in aggressive environments. Due to the absence of a retractable element, the dimensions are significantly smaller, making it possible to use the fittings in places with difficult access.
The choice of modifications and product types allows you to select the appropriate type of device, taking into account technical requirements and production tasks. The Siberian Pipeline Fittings Plant LLC company is ready to offer products that meet consumer demand. The company is capable of producing high quality metal products.
High-quality steel and cast iron are used as materials for the production of fittings, which is reflected in the design specifics of the products.
The difference between a cast iron valve and a steel valve comes down to the differences in:
- strength characteristics;
- mechanical properties;
- production methods (technologies);
- specifics of operation.
Rice. 2 Cast iron valves
Cast iron is actively used for the production of valves of various modifications (with different types of locking mechanisms): wedge, parallel gate valves. The choice is made in favor of high-strength (HF) or malleable (CC) grades.
Advantages:
- wear resistance and safety factor;
- resistance to dynamic loads;
- resistance to vibration;
- resistance to low temperatures.
Technology for the production of cast iron valves - casting.
Compared to stamping and welding, products demonstrate higher strength and wear resistance. In most cases, full bore products are produced; there are also modifications with a narrowing of the nominal bore to the sections of connections with the pipeline, through which gas, steam, and water can be transported.
The method of fastening such a valve is a flange connection. One of the specific features of cast iron valves is the fragility of the devices. In this regard, the scope of their use is limited: the products are not installed in a pipeline system with an operating pressure of the medium above 16 kgf/cm³ and a flow temperature of more than 225º C.
Optimal conditional indicator
pipe diameter ranges from 50 to 400 mm.
The advantages of using cast iron valves include:
- no bends in the flow of the working substance;
- bidirectional design;
- low hydraulic resistance;
- blocking the movement of a substance with high viscosity.
The disadvantages of the product are the low speed of operation of the locking mechanism and the massiveness of the device (occupies a larger volume of working space).
In addition, it is not possible to use a cast iron valve on pipelines carrying crystallizing substances.
Rice. 3 Steel valves
Gate valves of all basic types and modifications are made from steel. They can use a single or double-disk wedge as a shutter. The production of fittings is carried out by stamping or casting. For this, high-quality steel of various types and grades is used: WCB, 20L, 25L, 35L, 2Cr13.
The devices are distinguished by high strength, frost and heat resistance, thanks to which they can be used in the temperature range from -40 to 560º C, with an operating pressure of the environment within 250 kgf/cm³.
The products demonstrate resistance to aggressive environments, so they are often used on pipelines transporting hydrocarbons, toxic substances, gases and even explosive substances.
Their main area of application is pipeline systems for:
- chemical production;
- oil refineries;
- energy facilities;
- machine-building enterprises.
The main method of producing steel valves is casting. For connection to the pipeline, flange and welded fastening methods are used.
As a result, we can highlight the main fundamental differences between steel and cast iron valves:
- Connection - cast iron valves are not welded;
- Working environment. Steel valves can be installed in aggressive environments, while cast iron valves are exposed to water and steam;
- The temperature of the working environment of cast iron valves is significantly lower than that of steel valves;
Source: https://sibzta.su/blog/zadvizhki/chugunnye-ili-stalnye-zadvizhki-skhodstvo-i-razlichie/
