valurautaan

Valurauta, or cast iron in English, is an alloy of iron with a minimum carbon content of 2.0%. The carbon content is typically between 2.0% and 4.0%, with silicon content between 1.0% and 3.0%. Other alloying elements may also be present, such as manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur. Valurauta is known for its excellent castability, making it suitable for complex shapes. It also possesses good wear resistance and vibration damping properties.

There are several common types of valurauta. Grey cast iron, the most prevalent type, is characterized by its graphite in a flake form. This gives it a characteristic grey fracture and good machinability. Ductile iron, also known as nodular iron, has graphite in a spherical or nodular form, which improves its ductility and toughness compared to grey cast iron. White cast iron has its carbon combined with iron as iron carbide (cementite), resulting in a very hard and brittle material with a white fracture. Malleable cast iron is produced by heat treating white cast iron to convert the cementite into graphite nodules.

Valurauta has been used for centuries in various applications. Historically, it was used for tools, weapons, and cookware. Today, it is widely employed in the automotive industry for engine blocks, cylinder heads, and brake discs. It is also found in machine tool bases, pump housings, and decorative items. Its ability to be cast into intricate shapes and its desirable mechanical properties continue to make valurauta a valuable engineering material.