This chapter discusses the conditions under which carburization and metal dusting occur. It describes the chemical reactions and thermodynamic relationships that drive carburization and metal dusting attack and the factors that determine the amount of damage that metals and alloys are likely to sustain. The chapter also explains how carburization affects creep strength and fracture toughness, and how surface conditions and finish and the presence of sulfur affect metal dusting behaviors.

This chapter describes the physical properties of steels used for castings. The properties covered include density, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal diffusivity, electrical resistivity, and magnetic properties.

This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the definitions, alloy classification, alloy selection, mechanical properties, hot gas corrosion resistance, and formability of heat-resistant high alloy steels. In addition, the applications of cast heat-resistant alloys are also discussed.

This chapter presents the factors affecting machinability. It provides a detailed discussion on the machining of steel castings. These include microstructure effects, hardness and strength effects, turning, face milling and drilling, casting surface effects, and weld area effects. The chapter also presents an overview of machining practices.