Cast iron
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Cast iron is an alloy consisting of iron (93%-96.9%), carbon (2.1%-4%) and silicon (1%-3%). Most mixtures have a melting point between 1100°C and 1200°C. Chemically it represents a midpoint between pig iron and steel. Cast iron resists rusting, is easy to cast, and relatively easy to machine.
Uses
- Structural Material: everything from gears to furniture to bridges.
Character
Two subtypes of cast iron exist:
- "Ductile Iron" is a cast iron with high cohesion. Scratches raise a burr, drilling gives twisted strands
- "Gray Cast Iron" is a cast iron with low cohesion. Scratches simply remove material, drilling gives primarily dust and small particles, with few strands.