Metals play an important role in manufacturing tools. Many hand tool manufacturers like Ajay Tools use metals like cast iron and steel because of their qualities, ranging from durability, strength, and the ability to be used for an extended time period. However, while metals like steel and cast iron share some features, they are not the same. It means that they both have different features, making them versatile for manufacturing different bench vice parts. Therefore, if you are looking to find the difference between steel vs cast iron, this blog is ideal for you. In this blog, we’ll provide answers to these questions and the benefits of using these two metals.
What is Cast Iron?
This iron is made using iron-carbon alloys. The carbon content of this alloy ranges between 2-4%. To clarify, the cast iron has a carbon content that is higher than 2%. Moreover, after the smelting process, the iron is poured into a mold instead of working the iron with tools and a hammer. Apart from carbon content, cast iron also has 1-3% silicon, enhancing its casting performance. Despite this, it has a certain amount of manganese. Impurities like sulfur and phosphorus may also be there. The few common mechanical properties of cast iron include elasticity, toughness, ductility, and hardness. There are different types of this material, but there are differences because of the different processing techniques and heat treatments used during the process. Here are some different types of cast iron:
- Gray iron
- White iron
- Malleable iron
- Ductile iron
- Compacted graphite iron
What is Steel?
Steel is an alloy of iron, which has some percentage of carbon, usually ranging between 0.15 to 2%. The carbon content of steel makes it robust while enhancing its resistance to breakage. It could also include other elements that will improve its qualities, including manganese, silicon, phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur. For example, stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which has 11% chromium. Steel has tensile strength, which helps in producing industrial tools, machines, vehicles, and even building infrastructure. There are different types of steels, such as:
- Carbon steel
- Alloy steel
- Stainless steel
- Tool steel
Cast Iron Vs Steel: What’s the Difference
- Carbon Content
Carbon content is the main difference between cast iron and steel. Cast iron has more than 2% carbon, while steel has less than 2% carbon. However, steel can also have other elements like chromium.
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Melting Point
Steel has a higher melting point than cast iron. Cast iron’s melting point is 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, on the other hand, steel has a melting point that ranges between 2500-2800 degrees Fahrenheit. Cast iron is easy to mold due to its low melting point.
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Strength
Cast iron and steel are both strong, but their strength may vary. Cast iron is stronger than steel. Steel, on the other hand, has more tensile strength than cast iron, allowing it to bend without necessarily breaking.
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Castability
Cast iron can be cast easily than steel. The reason is that it doesn’t shrink. On the other hand, steel is less fluid, which reacts with the mold material. In simple words, steel contains a relatively high viscosity. The ease of casting iron makes it ideal for material for detailed ironwork structures.
- Corrosion Resistance
While both look the same, cast iron is corrosion-resistant and resists rust better than steel. If you leave them exposed, they may undergo oxidation.
- Impact Resistance
Steel is better at resisting impact than cast iron, which is true for sudden impacts. With sudden impacts, steel doesn’t bend or break.
- Applications
Both materials come with different applications. Cast iron is suitable for manufacturing bench vices, fittings, machine parts, and other types of hand tools. On the other hand, steel can be used to manufacture electrical appliances, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Steel and cast iron are two highly used metal materials in the production of metal parts. Ajay Tools specializes in manufacturing bench vices made from cast iron and steel. You can buy any vice made from either cast iron or steel, as per your project’s needs.
