Difference Between Cast Iron and Iron

Iron is a metal that has many applications in various industries. The metal is commonly used in construction, transportation, manufacturing, and many other fields. However, there are different types of iron, including cast iron and pure iron. In this article, we will explore the differences between cast iron and iron and their various uses.

What is Cast Iron?

Cast iron is a type of iron that contains more than 2% carbon and other alloying elements such as silicon, manganese, and sulfur. It is produced by melting iron and adding carbon and other alloys before pouring it into a mold to form different shapes. The process results in a hard, brittle material with low tensile strength.

Examples of Cast Iron

• Gray iron
• White iron
• Ductile iron
• Malleable iron
• Nodular iron

Uses of Cast Iron

• Cookware
• Machine tool structures
• Engine blocks and cylinder heads
• Pipe systems
• Railway track components
• Manhole covers and gratings

What is Iron?

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a dense, malleable, and ductile metal with a silver-gray appearance. Pure iron is relatively soft and ductile, but it becomes harder when carbon is added to it. The metal is commonly used in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and many other fields.

Examples of Iron

• Pure iron
• Wrought iron
• Low-carbon steel
• Medium-carbon steel
• High-carbon steel

Uses of Iron

• Construction materials, including steel beams and metal roofing
• Manufacturing of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles
• Tools and machinery, such as drill bits, saw blades, and cutting tools
• Household goods, including appliances, utensils, and furniture
• Art, sculptures, and decorative items

Differences between Cast Iron and Iron

Difference Area	Cast Iron	Iron
Carbon content	Contains more than 2% carbon	Contains less than 2% carbon
Appearance	Brittle and hard with low tensile strength	Malleable and ductile with varying strength
Production process	Melted and poured into a mold	Extracted from iron ore and processed into different grades
Applications	Cookware, machine tool structures, engine blocks, pipe systems, railway track components, manhole covers, and gratings	Construction materials, manufacturing of automobiles and other vehicles, tools and machinery, household goods, and art
Tensile strength	Low tensile strength	Higher tensile strength depending on the grade
Density	Denser than iron	Less dense than cast iron
Corrosion resistance	Prone to rusting and other forms of corrosion	Can be treated to resist corrosion
Cost	Relatively cheaper than iron	Costs vary depending on the grade and application
Malleability	Less malleable than iron	More malleable than cast iron
Hardness	Harder than iron	Softer than cast iron

Conclusion

Although cast iron and iron share similar properties, there are significant differences between the two. Cast iron contains more carbon and other alloys and is more brittle and hard, while iron is less dense and more malleable. Understanding the differences between these materials is essential for making informed decisions in various industries.

Knowledge Check

1. What is cast iron?

Cast iron is a type of iron that contains more than 2% carbon and other alloying elements such as silicon, manganese, and sulfur. It is produced by melting iron and adding carbon and other alloys before pouring it into a mold to form different shapes.

2. What is the main difference between cast iron and iron?

The main difference between cast iron and iron is the carbon content. Cast iron contains more than 2% carbon, while iron contains less than 2% carbon.

3. What are some examples of cast iron?

Gray iron, white iron, ductile iron, malleable iron, and nodular iron are some examples of cast iron.

4. What are some uses of iron?

Construction materials, manufacturing of automobiles and other vehicles, tools and machinery, household goods, and art are some uses of iron.

5. What is the production process for cast iron?

Cast iron is produced by melting iron and adding carbon and other alloys before pouring it into a mold to form different shapes.

6. What is the appearance of cast iron?

Cast iron is brittle and hard with low tensile strength.

7. What is the density of iron?

Iron is less dense than cast iron.

8. What is the tensile strength of cast iron?

Cast iron has low tensile strength.

9. What is the cost difference between cast iron and iron?

Cast iron is relatively cheaper than iron.

10. What is the difference in malleability between cast iron and iron?

Cast iron is less malleable than iron.

Related Topics

• Differences between low-carbon steel and high-carbon steel
• Different grades of iron and their applications
• Types of cast iron and their properties
• Corrosion resistance of metals