Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) Castings – Properties & Applications
What Is Austempered Ductile Iron?
Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) is a specially heat-treated form of ductile iron. It is produced by austenitizing ductile iron and then austempering it through controlled isothermal quenching. This process forms an ausferritic microstructure, which combines:
- The castability and machinability of ductile iron, and
- The strength, toughness, and wear resistance often associated with alloyed steels.
At TX Metal, we provide ADI castings engineered for demanding environments where high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance, and durability are critical.
Why Engineers Choose ADI Castings From TXmetal
Austempered Ductile Iron offers a unique balance of properties, enabling it to replace forged steel in many applications.
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Tensile strengths from 800 MPa up to 1600 MPa, with useful ductility.
- Superior Wear Resistance – Ausferrite microstructure resists abrasion and fatigue loading.
- Excellent Fatigue & Impact Performance – Withstands cyclic stresses and shock loads.
- Design Flexibility – Near-net-shape casting reduces need for welding or forging.
- Cost Efficiency – Delivers steel-like performance without the expense of forgings or billet machining.
ADI Grades and Standards
TX Metal supplies ADI castings to major international standards:
- ISO 17804: EN-GJS-800-10, EN-GJS-900-8, EN-GJS-1050-6, EN-GJS-1200-2, EN-GJS-1400-1, EN-GJS-1600-1
- ASTM A897: Grade 1 (800-10), Grade 2 (900-8), Grade 3 (1050-6), Grade 4 (1200-2), Grade 5 (1400-1), Grade 6 (1600-1)
- China (GB/T 34804): ADI800-10, ADI900-8, ADI1050-6, ADI1200-2, etc.
Typical Mechanical Properties of ADI
| Grade (ASTM A897) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 (800-10) | 800 | 10 | High ductility, general use |
| Grade 2 (900-8) | 900 | 8 | Balanced strength and ductility |
| Grade 3 (1050-6) | 1050 | 6 | Gears, drivetrain components |
| Grade 4 (1200-2) | 1200 | 2 | Powertrain, structural parts |
| Grade 5 (1400-1) | 1400 | 1 | Heavy-duty, structural loads |
| Grade 6 (1600-1) | 1600 | 1 | Maximum strength applications |
TX Metal’s ADI Casting and Heat Treatment Capabilities
TX Metal integrates foundry expertise with precision heat treatment to deliver consistent ADI quality.
- Material Base: High-quality ductile iron (QT600–QT700) for ADI conversion
- Heat Treatment Control: Austenitizing and austempering with precise cycle monitoring
- Casting Range: 5 kg – 300 kg, complex geometries supported
- Process Control: Spectrometer analysis, nodularity control, microstructure validation
- Post-Processing: CNC machining, surface finishing, coating options
- Quality Assurance: Tensile, hardness, fatigue, and microstructure testing with full documentation
Why Choose TX Metal for ADI Castings?
TX Metal integrates foundry expertise with precision heat treatment to deliver consistent ADI quality.
- Specialized in heat-treated castings with controlled austempering processes
- ISO-certified production facilities for global compliance
- Engineering-driven design support for lightweight, high-strength solutions
- Prototype-to-production flexibility for both small batches and mass manufacturing
- Proven experience in supplying ADI components for automotive, mining, and defense sectors
Get a Free Quote from Our Iron Foundry
Looking for a reliable partner in Austempered Ductile Iron castings? TX Metal provides engineered solutions that combine strength, durability, and cost efficiency.