Automatic tilting ladle pouring station for gray iron, ductile iron, and ADI casting production in a modern foundry.

Ductile Iron Casting – Properties, Grades & Applications

What Is Ductile Iron?

Ductile Iron Casting, also called Nodular Cast Iron, Spheroidal Graphite Iron (SG Iron), features graphite in a spherical form instead of flakes. This microstructure delivers higher tensile strength, ductility, and impact resistance compared with Gray Cast Iron.

At TX Metal, we specialize in precision ductile iron castings for industries that demand safety-critical, high-load, and pressure-tight components. Our engineering approach ensures every casting meets strict performance requirements.

Automatic flaskless horizontal sand molding line and control room for gray iron, ductile iron, and ADI casting production.

Why Engineers Choose Ductile Iron From TXmetal

Ductile Iron combines the casting advantages of iron with the strength and toughness of steel, making it a preferred choice in modern engineering.

  • High Strength & Ductility – Tensile strength up to 900 MPa and elongation >10% in many grades.
  • Excellent Fatigue & Impact Resistance – Performs well under cyclic loading and shock conditions.
  • Pressure-Tight Performance – Nodular graphite reduces leakage paths, ideal for pumps, valves, and hydraulics.
  • Good Machinability & Weldability – Easier to machine than steels, and weldable with proper procedures.
  • Design Flexibility – Capable of thin-wall and complex castings, reducing weight without sacrificing durability.
Engineer conducting hardness and metallurgical testing of gray iron, ductile iron, and ADI castings in a foundry quality control laboratory.

Ductile Iron Grades and Standards

TX Metal manufactures ductile iron castings according to global standards:

  • China (GB/T 1348): QT400-18, QT450-10, QT500-7, QT600-3, QT700-2
  • USA (ASTM A536): 60-40-18, 65-45-12, 80-55-06, 100-70-03
  • Europe (EN 1563): EN-GJS-400-15, EN-GJS-500-7, EN-GJS-600-3, EN-GJS-700-2
  • Germany (DIN 1693): GGG40, GGG50, GGG60
  • Japan (JIS G5502): FCD400, FCD500, FCD600
Casting simulation with MAGMA software showing liquid fraction and solidification analysis for defect prevention at TXmetal.

Mechanical Properties (Typical Range)

Grade (ASTM A536)Tensile Strength (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (%)Hardness (HB)
60-40-18 (QT400-18)≥400≥25018130–180
80-55-06 (QT500-7)≥500≥3707170–230
100-70-03 (QT600-3)≥600≥4203190–270

Applications of Ductile Iron Casting

Ductile Iron is widely used in industries where both strength and reliability are required:

  • Automotive: Crankshafts, suspension arms, steering knuckles, hubs
  • Machinery & Equipment: Gearboxes, press housings, heavy-duty brackets
  • Pumps & Valves: Hydraulic fittings, pressure-tight housings, waterworks components
  • Energy & Infrastructure: Wind turbine hubs, railway parts, construction machinery components
Close-up of casting bracket clamped in CNC machining fixture for precision cutting at TXmetal factory.

Why Choose TX Metal for Ductile Iron Casting?

Ductile Iron is widely used in industries where both strength and reliability are required:

  • 20+ years of foundry expertise in ductile iron metallurgy
  • ISO-certified production for global compliance
  • Prototype-to-production capability for both small batches and mass volumes
  • One-stop solution: casting, machining, finishing, and testing in-house
  • Engineering-driven approach ensuring performance beyond basic specifications
ZEISS SPECTRUM Coordinate Measuring Machine for dimensional inspection of cast iron and machined components.

Get a Free Quote for Ductile Iron Casting from Our Iron Foundry

Looking for a reliable partner for Ductile Iron castings? TX Metal provides durable, precision-engineered components trusted by global industries.