Compacted graphite iron (CGI) invariably includes some nodular (spheroidal) graphite particles, giving rise to the definition of the microstructure in terms of percent nodularity. This article discusses the graphite morphology and mechanical and physical properties of CGI. The mechanical and physical properties of CGI with ferritic and pearlitic matrix structures are summarized in a table. The article describes the standards for CGI, with the definition of the grades based on the minimum tensile strength. It also provides information on the applications of compacted graphite iron castings.

According to the ISO 16112 standard for compacted graphite cast irons (CGIs), the graphite particles in CGIs shall be predominantly in the vermicular form when viewed on a two dimensional plane of polish. This article begins with a schematic illustration of compacted graphite microstructures with nodularity. It describes the tensile properties, hardness and compressive properties, and impact properties of CGI. The article concludes with a discussion on the fatigue strength and thermal conductivity of CGI.

The morphology of the graphite particles in compacted graphite iron (CGI) is intermediate to the graphite particles found in gray iron or ductile iron. This article discusses the castability and product design of compacted graphite iron. The introduction of modern measurement and control technologies has made CGI a viable material for high-volume series production. The article describes the production of compacted graphite iron castings and the process control that depends on the production volume of components made from compacted graphite iron. It also discusses the process control for high-volume CGI commonly based on thermal analysis.