The rise and rise in the global demand for high-quality cast iron products – particularly during the COVID-19 ravaged 2020 – has been remarkable. By the end of last year, the international market for cast iron cookware sets was valued at just a shade under $2.7 billion. The corresponding figure is expected to reach $3.4 billion by 2027 – indicating a uniformly healthy CAGR worldwide. In India alone, the foundry market has been growing at well in excess of 12.5%, with cast iron items and ductile iron forming a significant share of this market.

Cast Iron Manufacturers- Creating Custom Products for Businesses

An iron alloy with at least 2% carbon content (generally, a maximum of 4%) is known as cast iron. It is prepared from iron ore, with the help of blast furnaces. Ductile iron, a variety of cast iron, exhibits extremely high elasticity, durability and material strength – thanks to its unique microstructure. Cast iron manufactured products are also noted for their corrosion-resistant properties (due to the relatively high carbon content). 

Cast iron tools and items are being increasingly used in business/factory setups. Over here, we will take you through 5 applications each of products made with cast iron for businesses.

Application Of Cast Iron Products In Businesses:

1. Cast Iron Pipe Fittings and Flanges – Cast iron and ductile iron are used worldwide for making strong and durable flanged pipes, pipe fittings and other important HVAC fixtures. Different moulding processes are used to manufacture these pipe fittings, to ensure optimal quality and performance. Leading foundries or cast iron product manufacturers, like Crescent Foundry, prepare best-in-class cast iron pipes, flanges and fittings – and make them available at competitive rates.

2. Cast Iron Auto Components – Cast iron products also find extensive usage in the automobile industry. The enhanced toughness, rust-free nature and greater ductility of cast iron play important roles in making it the material of choice for making auto parts and accessories. CI auto components are typically low maintenance and rank high on durability, and are generally priced at reasonable levels too. Engine blocks, brake discs and cylinder heads are some common automotive components made with cast iron.

3. Cast Iron in Railways – Keeping the manufacturing logistics efficient and systematic is a prime point of concern in the railway sector. Cast iron rail components come up trumps in this regard (in addition, they are extremely affordable too). Generally, high-pressure moulding processes are used to manufacture shoulder parts, base plates and other parts for railways. The cast iron railway products are highly durable and show minimal wear and tear, even after long periods of use. As such, they deliver the best value for money. Leading manufacturers of the cast iron products have a greater role here in manufacturing robust products for railways.

4. Cast Iron in Construction – While all varieties of cast iron can be used for construction, ductile iron is the most commonly used type here. Secure manganese treatment processes are used to manufacture this type of cast iron (which has an elevated carbon content and better engineering properties). Ductile iron is typically used for making sewage pipes, construction tunnels, and other types of building pipes that are used for water transfer. Gates, staircases and lamp posts are also often made with casting moulds (the corrosion-resistant characteristic is an important reason for this). Cast iron is also used to manufacture manhole covers.

5. Cast Iron in Hydraulics – Different types of commonly used hydraulic tools and components are manufactured with cast iron. These include piston rings, hydraulic pumps, gear motors, cylinders, pipe cutters and several other related products. Since continuous cast iron typically has good self-lubrication properties, they are instrumental in maintaining the fluid power operations of hydraulic pumps, gears and motors. The specifications of CI hydraulic components can be customised, according to their precise use.

Apart from these, cast iron is used to manufacture high-strength marine anchors (for both boats and ships). Single and dual-mass flywheels are also made with cast iron and ductile iron by many leading foundry companies in the world. Several other types of high-quality industrial valves, motors and fittings are also created with cast iron. Crescent Foundry is one of the largest manufacturers of cast iron products such as flywheels etc..

From corrosion-resistance and minimal stress-damages, to excellent casting properties, good fluidity and powerful anti-vibration capabilities – the advantages of cast iron are many. As already highlighted above, cast iron cookware also comes with its set of benefits (including health advantages). Not surprisingly, the use of cast iron products is gaining momentum in both homes and industrial setups – and this trend is expected to grow even stronger in the foreseeable future.