Cast iron mixed with lamellar graphite is known as grey cast iron. In these materials the carbon content is higher than 2% and they are replenished with other elements like silicon and manganese.
In comparison with steel casting, grey cast iron consumes less energy when melted, moreover it has a good castability and good shock absorbing characteristics.
For grey cast iron carbon is used in the form of lamellar graphite, different to nodular cast for which carbon is used in the form of nodular graphite. Because of its good castability, grey cast iron is used for many casting products. Important examples are – among others – pulleys, engine casings, gear housings and brake drums.