Cast Iron vs Cast Steel: How to identify Cast Iron and Steel

Both Cast iron and Cast steel are ferrous products containing iron and carbon as the major components. Cast iron is a ferrous material containing more than 2% carbon. On the other hand, Cast steel contains less than 2% carbon. So composition-wise the main difference is the amount of carbon present in cast iron and steel. Both cast iron and steel provide very good casting properties and are therefore used for a wide range of applications. Both cast iron and cast steel have very good mechanical properties. In this article we will explore the major differences between cast iron and cast steel; i.e Cast iron vs Cast steel.

Cast Iron vs Cast Steel

The main differences between cast iron and cast steel or Cast iron vs Cast Steel are provided below in a tabular format.

Cast Iron	Cast Steel
Cast Iron is very easy to cast due to its very good flowability and low shrinkage.	Cast Steel has less flowability and more shrinkage as compared to Cast Iron.
Cast iron is better in terms of corrosion resistance and resistance to mechanical wear.	Cast steel is better in terms of impact loads.
Cast iron is cheaper.	Cast Steel is costlier as compared to cast iron.
Cast iron has very good vibration-damping properties.	In terms of vibration damping, cast steel is inferior to cast iron.
Cast iron is more Brittle in Nature.	Cast steel is Ductile in nature.
The Machinability of cast iron is lower.	Cast steel provides good machinability.
The Weldability of cast iron is lower as compared to cast steel	Cast steel exhibits Good Weldability
Cast Iron has a relatively Low melting point	Cast Steel possesses higher melting points.
The main element in Cast iron in Iron and Carbon. Other elements can be present in a negligible amount.	Other alloying elements are present in cast steel in considerable amounts.

Cast Iron vs Cast Steel: Which one to Select?

Even though cast iron and cast steel have their own advantages and disadvantages; the selection between cast iron vs cast steel completely depends on the end use and application of the product.

Choosing Cast Iron:

• If mechanical strength is of less importance then cast iron is a great choice.
• Select cast iron if heat retention is required as cast iron has higher thermal capacities.
• If the more compressive strength is required, go for cast iron.
• If you need an economical item then choose cast iron as grey iron is cheaper to produce.
• The use of Cast iron is normally limited to low-temperature and pressure applications.

Choosing Cast Steel:

• If ductile behavior along with good strength is the requirement then choose Cast Steel.
• If the end product is to be used in impact loading conditions use Cast Steel as it has higher toughness properties.
• If you need very good thermal and electrical conductivity, select cast steel.
• Choose Cast Steel for flexibility in design.
• Use Cast Steel for high-temperature and pressure applications.

Cast Iron vs Cast Steel: How to Identify

There are various methods for the identification of Cast iron vs Cast Steel. Some methods are listed below:

Chemical Analysis: This is the best method to determine if a specimen is Cast iron or Cast Steel. The analysis will specifically determine the elements and percentage of carbon present from which steel and iron can easily be distinguished.

Spark Test: One of the easier methods to check cast iron vs cast steel is by spark test. The specimen can be grinded using an abrasive wheel and looking at the spark pattern and spark color, an experienced person can inform if the material is Cast iron or cast steel. Steel will most often give off bright yellow sparks, whereas iron produces more red or orange sparks.

In cast iron, the spark color tends to be the brightest at the end of the spark whereas for cast steel the spark originates at the grinding wheel and extends outwards.

Drilling Test: Drilling cast iron vs cast steel looks completely different. In cast iron, the generated chips are of very short length and resemble graphite flakes. On the other hand, the chips of cast steel form wire-like chips.

Grain Structure: Cast iron vs cast steel can also be identified by looking at the grain structures of the broken parts. The grain structures for cast iron and cast steel are completely different and one experienced engineer can easily differentiate between the two.