In this paper is presentation flake graphite iron. Finds use due to: its cheapness and
ease of machining; low-melting temperature (1140-1200°C); ability to take good casting
impressions; wear resistance; high damping capacity; a reasonable tensile strength of
108-340 MPa associated with a very high compressive strength, making it very suitable for
applications requiring rigidity and resistance to wear. The different types vary from
grey iron which is machinable to either mottled or white iron which is not easily
machinable. The white irons of suitable composition can be annealed to give malleable
cast iron. During the last thirty years much development work has taken place and it has
been found worth while to add even expensive elements to the cheap metal because vastly
improved properties result. The new irons formed by alloying or by special melting and
casting methods are becoming competitors to steel.

Flake graphite iron finds use due to:
1. its cheapness and ease of machining;
2. low-melting temperature (1140-1200°C);
3. ability to take good casting impressions;
4. wear resistance;
5. high damping capacity;
6. a reasonable tensile strength of 108-340 MPa associated with a
very high compressive strength, making it very suitable for
applications requiring rigidity and resistance to wear.
The different types vary from grey iron which is machinable to either
mottled or white iron which is not easily machinable. The white irons
of suitable composition can be annealed to give malleable cast iron.
During the last thirty years much development work has taken place and
it has been found worth while to add even expensive elements to the
cheap metal because vastly improved properties result. The new irons
formed by alloying or by special melting and casting methods are
becoming competitors to steel.
The various irons can be classified as shown in Fig. 1 based on the
form of graphite and the type of matrix structure in which it is
embedded. The metallurgical structure, composition and section of the
casting largely govern the engineering properties. One of the
differences between cast iron and steel is the presence of a large
quantity of carbon, generally 2-4%, and frequently high silicon
contents. While carbon in ordinary steel exists as cementite (Fe3C), in
cast iron it occurs in two forms:
• stable form-graphite;
• unstable form-cementite, analysed as combined carbon.