Question

what is steel? how is it different from cast iron?

Answer 1

Steel is a hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon.

Difference between steel and cast iron:-

Steel:-

i) Steel is mild, harder to cast and has a relatively high viscosity.

ii) It is used to make beams, doors etc.

iii) It is made with a controlled amount of carbon.

Cast iron:-

i) Cast iron is brittle, more damping and absorbs vibration and noises.

ii) It is used for making manhole covers, cylinder blocks in the engines of cars, heavy and expensive cooking utensils, etc.

iii) It can have any amount of carbon.

Cast iron is cheaper than steel.

Answer 2

Steel is composed of Iron as the main alloying metal with Carbon as the principal second component with a weight percentage around 2.1%. The inclusion of elements such as Chromium makes it possible to produce better quality grades of steel, such as stainless steel.

Difference between Cast Iron and Steel.

Definition

• Cast Iron is an alloy made from Iron and Carbon with a weight percentage around 2-4% along with Silicon and carbide impurities.
• Steel is mainly made of Iron alloying with a controlled amount Carbon roughly around 2%.

Ability to cast

• Cast Iron is easy to cast as it has a lower melting point.
• Steel is harder to cast.

Cost

• Cast Iron is cheaper.
• Steel is more expensive and often comes in various grades.

Breakability

• Cast Iron breaks easily, and it cracks at the point of impurities.
• Steel doesn’t break that easily and is malleable.

Strength

• Cast Iron has higher compressive strength.
• Steel has higher tensile strength.