Description / Abstract: This material specification covers castings made of nodular iron, also known as spheroidal or ductile iron, as used in automotive and allied industries. This specification describes the material properties, not specific casting properties, based on data obtained from separately cast Y-block test samples. Any specific requirements for the whole or a critical section of a casting shall be identified on the engineering drawing.

Material Description. Nodular iron is a cast iron with an ascast structure containing graphite of a spheroidal or nodular shape. These irons are produced commercially by treating molten iron of appropriate base metal composition with magnesium. The presence of the graphite in the truly spheroidal condition results in a significant improvement of ductility.

Applicability. Nodular cast iron is used for those applications which require high strength, toughness and high resistance to wear, thermal shock and scaling. Typical applications include crankshafts, camshafts, knuckles, control arms, motor mounts and differential carriers.