Steel Gray Iron As Cast vs Gray Iron N&T
Steel · Gray Iron temper comparison
Gray Iron As Cast and Gray Iron N&T are two conditions of the same steel grade, Gray Iron: As Cast versus N&T (normalized and tempered). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Gray Iron N&T is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Gray Iron As Cast, about 36% more. In exchange, Gray Iron As Cast is the more ductile: elongation 0.5% versus 0.4% for Gray Iron N&T, and Gray Iron N&T is harder (240 HB vs 187 HB). Gray Iron N&T is stiffer (125 GPa vs 103 GPa).
Gray Iron As CastChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Gray Iron N&TChoose it when strength drives the design.
Gray Iron As Cast vs Gray Iron N&T: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Gray Iron As CastGray Iron N&T
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Shear Modulus 41 GPa5.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.26 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 165 MPa23.9 ksi · Reduction in Area 0% · Shear Strength 275 MPa39.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf · Hardness, Rockwell B 90 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 195 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.15 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,150°C2,102 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,200°C2,192 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11.5 µm/m·K6.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 220 J/g94.6 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 400°C752 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m39.4 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.61 V · Corrosion Resistance 18 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 85 / 100 · Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 3 / 100 · Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 50 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 18 MJ/kg7,739 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 1.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 40 L/kg4.8 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 90%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Gray Iron As Cast vs Gray Iron N&T — frequently asked
Is Gray Iron N&T stronger than Gray Iron As Cast?
Yes. Gray Iron N&T has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for Gray Iron As Cast — about 36% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, As Cast or N&T?
As Cast is the default Gray Iron condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose Gray Iron As Cast over Gray Iron N&T?
Pick Gray Iron As Cast when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick Gray Iron N&T when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Gray Iron As Cast and Gray Iron N&T side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.