For many years malleable cast iron has been a reliable type of cast iron with a low silicon content. In the state of casting the whole amount of carbon is bound as carbide to the iron. The breaking structure is white and the material is brittle. This is called “malleable rough cast”.
Malleable cast iron is a traditional material that was used long before the invention of spheroidal graphite cast iron in applications where the mechanical properties of grey cast iron with lamellar graphite were insufficient. The higher strength values allow for a reduction in wall thicknesses and thus also a reduction in component weight, which is particularly important, for example, in overhead line construction. Malleable cast iron is a ductile cast iron material that is especially suitable for components subjected to vibrations and impacts. It combines a wide range of desirable properties. Malleable cast iron is also used in the automotive industry (chassis and steering components), in mechanical engineering, and in piping technology (fittings and valves).
Malleable cast iron is given its final qualities by heat treatment. If the material is completely decarburized, we speak of “white malleable cast iron”, whereas it is called ‚black malleable cast iron’ if a certain amount of carbon remains in the material.
The material’s mechanical qualities are better than those of standard grey cast iron. White malleable cast iron is also well weldable.