Aluminum and Iron are extensively distinct, each exhibiting unique properties. However, both are equally important and serve distinct but crucial purposes. Every day, people have to make the hard choice of selecting between cast aluminium and cast iron for construction and other purposes.
Are you wondering what are the differences between cast aluminium and cast iron? Also, do you want to learn how they compare, and is this one better than the other? Stick around as we’ll uncover this and more in our blog today!
You are watching: Cast Aluminium Vs Cast Iron
What is Cast Aluminium?
Cast aluminium is a type of aluminum – it is made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. It is then left to cool and solidify so that it takes the shape of the mold.
It is often used to produce precision automotive parts, everyday lawn items and furniture, and other objects that need to be strong yet lightweight.
What is Cast Iron?
On the other hand, cast iron is made by pouring molten iron into a mold or scrap metal. It is a group of iron-carbon alloys containing more than 2% carbon content. The alloys are made by mixing iron with scrap metals and materials such as carbon, silicon, and manganese.
This mix is then poured into a mold and allowed to solidify to achieve the desired shape. Cast iron is known for making items that need to be durable and for its high compressive strength.
Cast Aluminium Vs. Cast Iron – What Are the Most Notable Differences?
As we have mentioned earlier, cast iron and cast aluminium exhibit distinct features. Here are some of them!
Weight
Weight is one of the most significant differences between cast iron and cast aluminium.
The aluminum cast is lighter, weighing about 2.7g/cm3, while the ironing cast weighs about 7.8 g/cm3. The aluminum weight makes it easier to transport, while it’s difficult to transport iron.
Strength
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We can tell from the weights of the two materials which one got better strength. Cast iron is considered superior and has more compressive and tensile strength than cast aluminium.
It can withstand high-temperature conditions more than its counterpart. However, cast aluminium is less brittle when subjected to low temperatures, unlike cast iron which is brittle at low temperatures.
In terms of tensile strength, cast aluminium is stronger than cast iron.
Durability
Cast iron is stronger and heavier; it has a high resistance to wear and tear than cast iron. It is, therefore, the ideal material to be used when making parts that are subjected to constant stress and friction over time.
Corrosion and Weather Resistance
Despite cast iron being highly durable, it is pretty brittle due to its high carbon content of about 4%. Therefore, even though its compressive strength is good, it easily fractures.
Cast aluminium has higher corrosion resistance and, therefore, can stand the test of time. It is also easy to keep cast aluminium products well-maintained.
On the other hand, cast iron is prone to rusting, especially when exposed to oxygen and moisture. Therefore, it is important to coat it with a water-resistant finish such as paint. This ensures that it remains well-maintained.
Cost and Maintenance
Generally, cast aluminium will always be cheaper than cast iron, for obvious reasons, of course – it is lighter. Therefore, transporting it is much easier and relatively cheap. Also, cast aluminium products need little to no maintenance, unlike cast iron, which requires constant care to keep it in proper shape.
Therefore, you might select cast aluminum over cast iron because it’s durable, needs fewer repairs and maintenance, and is less costly.
Thermal Properties and Heat Resistance
Cast iron is known to have low thermal conductivity. Its heat capacity is also high, and its heat retention rate is high, meaning it takes much longer to cool than cast aluminum.
Environmental Impact
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The carbon footprint of cast aluminum is significantly lower thanks to t being lightweight. This means that less energy is required for its production and transportation.
Also, cast aluminum does not rust, meaning that no energy is needed to maintain it or for repairs. All these properties prove that it is an environmentally friendly option.
Now, cast iron is known to corrode, has a high carbon footprint, and is heavier; therefore needs more energy to produce and transport it. It can therefore have more adverse effects on the environment.
Pros and Cons of Cast Aluminium
When selecting whether to go for cast aluminum or cast iron, it is important to look at the advantages of each. Cast aluminum has a fair share of its advantages which include:
- Able to resist high temperatures
- Less costly to produce and transport it
- It has a strong-to-weight ratio
- Good machinability
- It is lightweight
Like any other material, cast aluminum also has some cons. Here is a summary of them:
- It is highly porous
- has Low tensile strength, unlike other metals
- Susceptibility to damage
- It is difficult to repair it once damaged
- Limited design freedom
Pros and Cons of Cast Iron
If you are looking to use cast iron, here are some of the benefits you’ll experience:
- It has excellent machinability
- Relatively easy to cast
- It has a high compressive strength
- Highly durable
- Able to retain heat for long
- It has a relatively low cost
Here are some of the disadvantages you should watch out for on cast iron:
- It has a low tensile strength
- Highly brittle
- It is energy consuming
- Easily rusts
- Cast iron is significantly heavier when compared to aluminum cast
- It is expensive to repair
Cast Aluminium vs. Cast Iron Applications
Cast Aluminum Applications
- Making automotive parts such as wheels, and engine blocks
- Production of aerospace components such as aircraft engines [arts
- Used in electronic housings and heat sinks
- Helps in making medical equipment such as MRI machines and prosthetic limbs
Cast Iron Application
- Used in making machinery components such as gearboxes and pumps
- Makes ornamental objects such as statues and railings
- Used in rail constructions as it is strong and durable
- It also helps in making automotive parts and construction materials.
Cast Aluminium vs. Cast Iron – Which One Should You Go for?
When selecting cast aluminum and cast iron, the decision is based entirely on your needs and the purpose you want to fulfill. Check the features of each and determine whether the material you need can fulfill the job you want to be done.
For instance, if you want aerospace components, you would want to go for cast aluminum as it is generally lighter than cast iron. On the other hand, you would go for cast iron if you require heavy machinery components since it is stronger and more durable.
To wrap up, cast aluminum and cast iron are essential materials for different applications. Consider the pros and cons of each to determine which one is best suited for the task you need to be done.
Sunrise Metal is a leading company for die-casting aluminum components. Our efficient techniques and different finishing methods allow us to cast aluminum components well and give you excellent properties. So, if you are in the medical, automotive, aerospace, and marine industries and are looking for machinery, reach out to us, and we will sort you out!
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