Manufacturing and Fundamentals of Large Gray Iron Machine Tool Castings

Large cast iron machine tool castings are typically manufactured using the sand casting process, with common material grades being EN-GJL-250 and EN-GJL-300 as specified in the European standard EN 1561.

Advantages of gray cast iron for large machine tool castings include:

1.Excellent Vibration Damping
Gray cast iron exhibits superior vibration damping capacity, effectively minimizing operational vibrations and reducing noise during machine functioning.

2.Enhanced Lubricity
The microporous structure of gray iron can retain lubricating oil more effectively, while the free graphite within its matrix provides inherent self-lubricating properties. This contributes to improved wear performance and smoother operation of machine tool beds.

3.Superior Corrosion Resistance
Gray cast iron offers better corrosion resistance compared to steel, contributing to long-term dimensional stability and prolonged accuracy of machine tools.

4.High Compressive Strength
The compressive strength of gray cast iron is comparable to that of steel, making it fully capable of meeting the mechanical requirements for heavy-duty applications.

5.Excellent Castability
Gray cast iron demonstrates outstanding fluidity and shrinkage characteristics during solidification, allowing it to be cast into intricate and complex geometries with relative ease.

6.Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to many alternative metallic materials, gray cast iron provides a favorable balance between performance and cost, making it an economically viable option for large-scale castings.