Metals play a huge part in manufacturing. Besides, many manufacturers employ metals like iron and steel because of their qualities, ranging from strength, durability, and the ability to retain sheen over an extended time.
However, while metals like cast iron and steel have a similar appearance, they are not the same. That is to say, they both have distinguishing features that could either be an advantage or disadvantage to a production process.
So, do you want to know the differences between cast iron vs steel? Is steel stronger than iron? Read on as we provide answers to these questions and the advantages and disadvantages of these two metals.
What’s Cast Iron?
This iron is made through smelting iron-carbon alloys. The carbon content of this alloy is often between 2-4%. To clarify, the cast iron has a carbon content higher than 2%. Furthermore, after the smelting process, the ironsmith pours the iron into a mold instead of working the iron with a hammer and tools.
Aside from carbon content, cast iron also contains 1-3% silicon, improving its casting performance. Besides, it contains trace amounts of manganese. Impurities like phosphorus and sulfur may also be present. The few common mechanical properties of cast iron include hardness, elasticity, ductility, and toughness.
There are different types of this brittle material, with the differences arising due to the different processing techniques and heat treatments employed during the process. The different types of cast iron include：
What’s Steel?
Steel is an alloy of iron that contains a minute percentage of carbon, usually between 0.15 to 2%. The carbon content of steel makes it stronger while improving its resistance to breakage. It could also include other elements that will enhance its qualities, including silicon, manganese, phosphorus, Sulphur, and oxygen. For instance, stainless steel resistant to oxidation and corrosion often contains 11% chromium.
Steel has high tensile strength, which gives it application in producing tools, vehicles, machines, weapons, and even building infrastructure. It also has application in the use of steel guides for custom prototyping.
There are different types of steel. These include:
Cast Iron Vs Steel: What Are Their Differences
What is the difference between cast iron and steel? The cast iron vs steel debate gets more complicated because they are quite different though both metals have a similar appearance. So let’s examine the other differences between them below.
Cast IronSteelCarbon content2% to 4%Less than 2%Melting Point2200 degree Fahrenheit2500 – 2800 degrees FahrenheitStrengthMore Compressive strengthMore Tensile strengthCastabilityEasy to cast because of low shrinkage and good flowabilityLess easy to cast than cast iron as it has low flowability and more shrinkage.Corrosion ResistanceMore corrosion resistantNot as resistant as Cast ironImpact ResistanceMore Impact resistantLess impact resistantCostCheaper because of the lower material cost, labor, and energy needed to produce the final productMore expensive than cast iron, although there are cheaper alternatives, like prefabricated steel forms like; rods, bars, beams, and tubes.ApplicationsPipe fittings, washers, farm equipment, machine parts, mining hardware, hand tools, and electrical fittings.Infrastructure, vehicles, electrical appliances, rockets, tools, and weapons.Carbon Content
The main difference between cast iron and carbon steel is the carbon content. Cast iron contains over 2% carbon, while steel contains less than 2% carbon. However, steel can also contain other elements like chromium. The addition of these elements results in steel of different qualities and grades.
Melting Point
Cast iron has a lower melting point than steel. Its melting point is 2200 degree Fahrenheit, while that of steel ranges between 2500-2800 degree Fahrenheit. The low melting point of iron makes it easy to mold into any form or shape.
Strength
Both materials are strong, but their strength varies. Cast iron has more strength than steel. On the other hand, steel has more tensile strength than cast iron, which allows it to bend without necessarily breaking. To clarify, compressive strength makes iron very hard, making it resistant to dents and bending. On the downside, it breaks when under excessive pressure.
Castability
Cast iron is easier to cast than steel. The reason is that it has more flowability and does not shrink. On the other hand, steel is less fluid, reacts to the mold material, and shrinks when it cools. To clarify, steel has a relatively high viscosity. The ease of casting iron makes it the perfect material for detailed ironwork structures.
Corrosion Resistance
While both look similar, cast iron resists corrosion and rust better than steel. However, these metal materials are not susceptible to corrosion. If you leave them exposed and unprotected, both materials will undergo oxidation, which would lead to decomposition.
Impact Resistance
Steel is better at resisting impact better than cast iron. This is especially true for sudden impacts. With sudden impacts, steel does not bend, break or deform as quickly as cast iron.
Cost
Cast iron is cheaper than steel because of the lower cost of material needed to produce cast iron. Furthermore, producing raw steel requires more labor and energy consumption.
Applications
Both materials have different applications. Cast iron is ideal for making pipe fittings, washers, farm equipment, machine parts, mining hardware, electrical fittings, and hand tools. On the other hand, steel is perfect for making tools, weapons, electrical appliances, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Cast Iron Vs Steel: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between these metals will require knowing the pros and cons of both metals. Below are their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cast Iron
Advantages
Disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel
Advantages of Steel
Disadvantages of Steel
So, between cast iron vs steel, Which do you prefer? Having seen the advantages and disadvantages of both types of materials, the one you ultimately choose to use would be dependent on your product requirements.
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Get Instant QuoteConclusion
Cast iron and steel are two popular metal materials used in metal parts production. Between cast steel vs cast iron, we provide you with what you need to know above.
There are different types of cast iron; White Iron, malleable iron, gray Iron, compacted graphite iron, and ductile Iron. Steel also comes in different types; tool steel, stainless steel, alloy steel and carbon steel. These metal types have different uses and applications, and knowing the ideal one for your product is the first step in the right direction.
Do you want to source your metal parts? RapidDirect is just the best solution for you. With rapid online quotations and free DFM analysis, you start production faster.
FAQs
Which Is More Durable Steel or Cast Iron?There is no straightforward answer to this question. Both materials have different types of strength. While cast iron has compressive strength, steel has more tensile strength. But generally, steel is more durable than cast iron.
Does Cast Iron Rust?Cast iron, like every other type, rusts on excessive exposure to moisture. This is especially true if there is no surface treatment on the cast iron.
How To Identify Difference Between Cast Iron and SteelOne way to identify these metals is by using an abrasive wheel. Grind each metal specimen using the abrasive wheel and look for spark color and pattern. It is important to note that while steel gives off bright yellow sparks, irons produce orange or red sparks.