Ductile iron has far superior mechanical properties compared to gray iron as well as significantly improved castability and attractive cost savings compared to cast steel. This chapter begins with information on graphite morphology and matrix type. It then discusses the advantages and applications of ductile iron. Next, the effects of various factors on the grades, chemistry, matrix, and mechanical properties of ductile iron are covered. This is followed by a section detailing the ductile iron treatment methods and the quality control methods used. Guidelines for gating and feeder design are then provided. Further, the chapter addresses the technology of ductile iron castings, including the performance and geometric attributes, molding and core-making processes used, material grades, mechanical properties, and chemical compositions of a few applications. Finally, it describes ductile iron casting defects and presents practical cases of problem-solving.

This appendix includes tables and figures that provide approximate Brinell equivalent hardness numbers for steels.

This appendix is a collection of tables listing examples of published hardness conversion equations, approximate Rockwell B and C hardness conversion numbers for nonaustenitic steels, and equivalent hardness numbers for Brinell hardness numbers and Vickers (diamond pyramid) hardness numbers for steel.

This appendix contains abbreviations and symbols related to aluminum alloy castings.

This data set presents aging response curves for a wide range of aluminum casting alloys. The aging response curves are of two types: room-temperature, or "natural," curves and artificial, or "high-temperature," curves. The curves in each group are presented in the numeric sequence of the casting alloy designation. The curves included are the results of measurements on individual lots considered representative of the respective alloys and tempers. The properties considered are yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and Brinell hardness.

This data set contains approximately 50 growth curves for a wide range of aluminum casting alloys at various temperatures. Growth curves are used to determine the dimensional changes that must be anticipated during service in applications where close dimensional tolerances are required. Hardness curves are provided for many of the alloys. The hardness values are from corresponding aging response studies in which measurements were made on individual lots considered representative of the respective alloys and tempers.

This appendix lists approximate equivalent hardness numbers and tensile strengths for Brinell hardness numbers for steel.