Steel Castings

Steel castings can be made from any of the many types of carbon and alloy steel produced in wrought form. They are divided into four general groups according to composition. Carbon and low-alloy steel castings can meet a wide range of application requirements because composition and heat treatment can be selected to achieve specific combinations of properties, including hardness, strength, ductility, fatigue, and toughness. This article discusses physical, mechanical, and engineering properties as well as fatigue properties and the effects of section size and heat treatment. Highly stressed steel castings for aircraft and for high-pressure or high-temperature service must pass rigid nondestructive inspection.