Wrought Steel vs Cast Steel

Wrought Steel vs Cast Steel

Wrought steel and cast steel are often confused by both consumers and manufacturers, as they both fall under the broader category of iron-based metals. However, these two materials are fundamentally different in terms of composition, manufacturing process, and properties. Understanding their distinctions is crucial when choosing the right material for a specific application.

Wrought steel is typically produced by heating the metal and then shaping it using mechanical tools and processes like rolling, forging, or extrusion. This method allows for greater control over the material's structure, resulting in a more uniform and ductile product. On the other hand, cast steel is created by melting the metal and pouring it into a mold, where it solidifies into the desired shape. The casting process is ideal for producing complex forms that would be difficult to achieve through traditional forming methods.

One key difference between the two is the carbon content. Wrought steel usually contains less carbon than cast steel, which makes it more malleable and easier to work with. This lower carbon content also contributes to its superior weldability and flexibility, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength and formability. In contrast, cast steel has a higher carbon content, giving it increased hardness and wear resistance but reducing its ability to be easily shaped or welded.

Wrought steel offers several advantages, including excellent ductility, good welding properties, and high tensile strength. It is commonly used in structural components, machinery parts, and architectural elements where flexibility and durability are essential. Its ability to be reheated and reshaped makes it highly versatile for various fabrication needs.

Cast steel, on the other hand, excels in applications where high compressive strength and wear resistance are required. It is widely used in heavy machinery, engine blocks, and industrial equipment. While it is less flexible than wrought steel, its ability to withstand extreme conditions makes it an ideal choice for demanding environments.

Table of contents

  • Difference between wrought steel and cast steel
  • Heat Treatment of cast steel
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of cast iron steel
  • Advantages of wrought iron
  • Puddling process vs Metal Casting process
  • Types of cast iron
  • Properties of 4140 cast steel
  • Chemical composition of Cast iron
  • Cast Iron mechanical properties
  • AISI 4140 Heat Treatment
  • Wrought Iron chemical composition
  • Wrought Steel mechanical properties
  • Inspection and Testing of Cast steel
  • Manufacturing process of 4340 steel casting
  • Cast steel valves temperature range
  • Difference between Wrought Iron and Steel
  • Surface finish of Cast iron parts

Difference between wrought steel and cast steel

Wrought Iron Cast Iron
It is iron that has been heated and then worked with tools. It is iron that has been melted, poured into a mold, and allowed to solidify
It is brittle It is ductile
Higher tensile strength Lower tensile strength compared to Wrought Iron
Low melting point High melting point
It is difficult to weld It is easily welded

Proper techniques for welding cast steel, explore 4140/4340 steel heat treatment and casting hardness

Heat Treatment of cast steel

  • Annealing
  • Precipitation Strengthening
  • Tempering
  • Case Hardening
  • Normalising
  • Quenching
Heat Treatment of cast steel

Explore the benefits of both cast and wrought steel products

Advantages and Disadvantages of cast iron steel

Advantages

  • Cast iron has excellent fluidity after melting
  • High Wear Resistance
  • Excellent Machinability
  • Compression Strength
  • Low Cost

Disadvantages

  • It is relatively brittle and may fracture
  • Very easily gets rusted
  • It is relatively heavy

Advantages of wrought iron

  • Increased ductility
  • Excellent weldability
  • Easily forged
  • High tensile & compressive strength
  • Enhanced malleability

Compare the puddling process with the metal casting process

Puddling process vs Metal Casting process

The puddling process involves converting pig iron into wrought iron by heating and stirring it in a furnace without using charcoal. This was one of the earliest methods for producing wrought iron in large quantities. In contrast, metal casting involves melting metal and pouring it into a mold to create a specific shape. This technique is especially useful for creating intricate designs that are challenging to produce using other methods.

Types of cast iron

Gray Cast Iron

Gray Cast Iron

Ductile Cast Iron

Ductile Cast Iron

White Cast Iron

White Cast Iron

Malleable Cast Iron

Malleable Cast Iron

Properties of 4140 cast steel

  • Hardness
  • Ductility
  • Wear resistance
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Toughness
  • Strength
  • Machinability
  • Weldability
  • Low-temperature properties
  • High-temperature properties
Properties of 4140 cast steel
Explore types of cast steel materials, grades, composition, and density in kg/m³

Chemical composition of Cast iron

ASTM Chemical Requirements
STEEL GRADE Carbon Manganese Silicon Sulfur Phosphorus
Max % / Range
ASTM A27 / A27M
Grade N-1 0.25 0.75 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade N-2 0.35 0.60 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade U60-30 0.25 0.75 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade 60-30 0.30 0.60 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade 65-35 0.30 0.70 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade 70-36 0.35 0.70 0.80 0.06 0.05
Grade 70-40 0.25 1.20 0.80 0.06 0.05
ASTM A148 / A148M
Grade 80-40 N/A N/A N/A 0.06 0.05
Grade 80-50 N/A N/A N/A 0.06 0.05
Grade 90-60 N/A N/A N/A 0.06 0.05
ASTM A216 / A216M
Grade WCA 0.25 0.70 0.60 0.045 0.04
Grade WCB 0.30 1.00 0.60 0.045 0.04
Grade WCC 0.25 1.20 0.60 0.045 0.04

Cast Iron mechanical properties

ASTM Mechanical Properties
STEEL GRADE Tensile Strength Yield Point Elongation in 2 in. Reduction of Area
Min. ksi [Mpa] / Range Min. %
ASTM A27 / A27M
Grade U60-30 60 [415] 30 [205] 22 30
Grade 60-30 60 [415] 30 [205] 24 35
Grade 65-35 65 [450] 35 [240] 24 35
Grade 70-36 70 [485] 36 [250] 22 30
Grade 70-40 70 [485] 40 [275] 22 30
ASTM A148 / A148M
Grade 80-40 80 [550] 40 [275] 18 30
Grade 80-50 80 [550] 50 [345] 22 35
Grade 90-60 90 [620] 60 [415] 20 40
ASTM A216 / A216M
Grade WCA 60-85 [415-585] 30 [205] 24 35
Grade WCB 70-95 [485-655] 36 [250] 22 35
Grade WCC 70-95 [485-655] 40 [275] 22 35

AISI 4140 Heat Treatment

Soft annealing °C Cooling Hardness HB
650-700 slowly max. 280
Stress-relief annealing °C Cooling
630 – 650 Furnace
1st pre-heating °C 2nd and 3rd Hardening °C Quenching Tempering °C Hardness after Tempering HRC
up to approx. 400 in an air-circulating furnace 780 and 1000 1190 – 1230 Saltbath, at least 520 °C Oil ,Air at least twice 530-560 64 – 66

Wrought Iron chemical composition

Element Iron, Fe Carbon, C Phosphorus, P Silicon, Si Sulfur, S Manganese, Mn
Content (%) 99-99.8 0.05-0.25 0.05-0.2 0.02-0.2 0.02-0.1 0.01-0.1

Wrought Steel mechanical properties

Properties Imperial Metric
Tensile strength 34000-54000 psi 234-372 MPa
Modulus of elasticity 28000 ksi 193100 MPa
Yield strength 23000-32000 psi 159-221 MPa

Inspection and Testing of Cast steel

  • Dimensional accuracy
  • Surface finish condition
  • Internal soundness
  • Chemical analysis
  • Heat analysis
  • Tensile properties
  • Impact properties
  • Hardness
Inspection and Testing of Cast steel

Manufacturing process of 4340 steel casting

  • Furnace charging
  • Melting
  • Refining
  • De-slagging
  • Tapping (or tap out)
  • Furnace turn-around
Learn about cast steel valves uses and temperature limits

Cast steel valves temperature range

Temperature range -29°C to 425°C

Difference between Wrought Iron and Steel

Characteristics Wrought Iron Steel
Carbon content 0.08% 4%
Tensile Strength Very good tensile strength Greater tensile strength
Workmanship Requires less workmanship. Requires more craftsmanship than wrought iron

Surface finish of Cast iron parts

  • Shot Blasting
  • Painting
  • Powder Coating
  • Electroplating

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