Ductile iron casting, also known as spheroidal graphite iron (SGI), is a casting method where molten iron is alloyed with magnesium to produce a material that has spherical graphite inclusions. This structure gives the iron improved strength, ductility, and toughness compared to regular gray iron.
Applications: Automotive parts (e.g., crankshafts, suspension components), heavy machinery, and pipes.
Advantages:
High strength and ductility.
Better fatigue resistance.
Suitable for high-load applications.
Disadvantages:
More complex process compared to gray iron casting.
Higher material costs due to the use of magnesium.