The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron

The ability to produce lighter parts with the desired properties is desirable not only because of the economic advantages it offers, but also due to the increasing importance placed on sustainability and energy conservation in recent years. Due to their relatively low cost, high operating temperatures, good ductility, and resistance to fatigue and wear, ductile cast irons are preferred as engineering materials in many different fields. In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of globally graphitized cast irons produced on an industrial scale with different casting temperatures and section thicknesses were examined, and the results were analyzed using the Taguchi method to calculate the effect levels of the variables. In the castings, all castings except for the 2 mm section thickness at 1290 °C were completely filled in the mold. The chemical composition analysis results showed that the carbon equivalent was calculated as 4.34. Thus, it was understood that the cast alloys had an eutectic composition. Microstructural examinations revealed that nodules are influenced by solidification distance, casting temperature, and section thickness. Using the Taguchi method, calculations were performed to determine which factor or interaction most significantly affects nodule size. Additionally, it was measured that as the solidification distance increases in globular graphite cast iron, hardness values also increase.