Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

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

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 145 - 152, 25.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.35860/iarej.1763176

Abstract

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.

Thanks

This study was carried out within the Duyar R&D of Duyar Vana Makina San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.

References

  • 1. Heidari, E., M. Mohammadzadeh, and S.M.A. Boutorabi, Hot Rolling of Thin-Wall Ductile Cast Iron Produced by Ablation Casting. International Journal of Metalcasting, 2023. 17(3): p.1637-1649.
  • 2. Heidari, E. and S.M.A. Boutorabi, M.T. Honaramooz and J. Campbell, Ablation Casting of Thin-Wall Ductile Iron. International Journal of Metalcasting, 2022. 16(1): p.166-177.
  • 3. Jhaveri, K., G.M. Lewis, J.L. Sullivan and G.A. Keoleian, Life cycle assessment of thin-wall ductile cast iron for automotive lightweighting applications. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 2018. 15: p. 1-8.
  • 4. Abouelela, M., An overview on Thin Wall Cast Iron Castings and its Applications in Automotive Industry. International Journal of Materials Technology and Innovation, 2023. 3(1): p. 57-69.
  • 5. Sulamet-Ariobimo, R.D., M. Fadhlan, Y. Oktaviano, T. Sukarnoto, Y. Mujalis and A. Witonohadi, The effects of I-Beam thickness to microstructure and compression load of thin wall ductile iron connecting rod. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture, 2023. 6(3): p.392–404.
  • 6. Chen, T., Wu, F., Li, C., Cheng, X., Li, X., Chen, Y., & Liu, C., Understanding the mechanism of shrinkage defects on corrosion kinetics of ductile iron. Corrosion Science, 2025. 256(1): p. 113168.
  • 7. Kurtuluş, V., Görgülü, B., Eraslan, F. S., & Gecu, R., Improving wear and corrosion resistance of Ti-alloyed nodular cast irons by Al₂O₃ and SiC-reinforced Al₂O₃ coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 2025. 498: p. 131809.
  • 8. Zhang, D., Li, H., Jiang, J., & Wang, B., Effect of biomimetic unit structure on microstructure and properties of in-situ TiC-TiB2 enhanced nodular cast iron. Surfaces and Interfaces, 2025. 72: p. 107151
  • 9. Liao, L., Zhu, D. Y., & Yang, Z. Bin., Spheroidizing mechanism of graphite in solidification of Fe-C-Si alloy. Zhuzao/Foundry, 2009. 58(7).
  • 10. Shi, G.Q., Z. Yang, J.P. Li, D. Tao and Z.J. Ma, Investigation on the graphite nucleation and growth mechanism of the compacted graphite iron. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2020. 9(4): p.8186-8196.
  • 11. Borsato, T., P. Ferro, F. Berto and C. Carollo, Mechanical and fatigue properties of pearlitic ductile iron castings characterized by long solidification times. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2017. 79: p.902-912.
  • 12. Riposan, I., E. Stefan, S. Stan, N.R. Pana and M. Chisamera, Effects of inoculation on structure characteristics of high silicon ductile cast irons in thin wall castings. Metals, 2020. 10(8): p.1091-1106.
  • 13. Górny, M., Fluidity and Temperature Profile of Ductile Iron in Thin Sections. Journal of Iron and Steel Research International, 2012. 19(8): p.52-59.
  • 14. Javaid, A., J. Thomson, M. Sahoo and K.G. Davis, (1999). Factors Affecting the Formation of Carbides in Thin-Wall DI Castings. AFS Transactions, 1999. 107: p.1-15.
  • 15. Jafari, H., M.H. Idris, A. Ourdjini, M. Karimian and G. Payganeh, Influence of Gating System, Sand Grain Size, and Mould Coating on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Iron. Journal of Iron and Steel Research International, 2010. 17(12): p.38-45.
  • 16. Górny, M., T. Gondek, G. Angella, E. Tyrała, M. Kawalec and A. Bitka, Structural stability of thin-walled austempered ductile iron castings. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 2023. 23(2): p.79-85.
  • 17. Jafari, H., Idris, M. H., Ourdjini, A., Karimian, M., & Payganeh, G., Influence of Gating System, Sand Grain Size, and Mould Coating on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Iron. Journal of Iron and Steel Research, International, 2010. 17(12): p. 38–45.
  • 18. Al Alagarsamy., Ductile Iron Handbook. vol. 1. 2010, USA: American Foundrymen’s Society.
  • 19. Yeung, C.F., H. Zhao and W.B. Lee, The morphology of solidification of thin-section ductile iron castings. Materials Characterization, 1998. 40(4–5): p.201-208.
  • 20. Elbanna, N., A. Nofal, A. Hussein and M. Tash, Mechanical properties of thin wall ductile iron: Experimental correlation using ANOVA and DOE. Key Engineering Materials, 2020. 835: p.171-177.
  • 21. Labrecque, C., Gagné, M., Javaid, A., & Sahoo, M., Production and properties of thin-wall ductile iron castings. International Journal of Cast Metals Research, 2003. 16(1-3): p.313–317.
  • 22. Marcin Górny and Doru M. Stefanescu, Thin-Wall Ductile Iron Castings in Cast Iron Science and Technology, ASM International, 2017. p. 617–628.
  • 23. Sulamet-Ariobimo, R. D., Soedarsono, J. W., & Soemardi, T. P., Thin Wall Ductile Iron Castings in Advanced Casting Technologies. InTech. 2018.
  • 24. Sulamet-Ariobimo, R. D., Gemilang, Y., Dhaneswara, D., Soedarsono, J. W., & Suharno, B., Casting Design Modification to Improve Casting Yield in Producing Thin Wall Ductile Iron Plate. Materials Science Forum, 2018. 929: p.10–17.
  • 25. Pedersen, K. M., & Tiedje, N. S., Graphite nodule count and size distribution in thin-walled ductile cast iron. Materials Characterization, 2008. 59(8): p.1111–1121.
  • 26. Jensin Joshua, J., & Abraham Eben Andrews, A., Design of experiments to optimize casting process of aluminum alloy 7075 in addition of TiO2 using Taguchi method. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2020. 33: p.3353–3358.
  • 27. Nouri, E. P., Allahkaram, S. R., & Gharagozlou, M., Optimization of the plasma electrolytic oxidation process parameters on 7075 aluminum alloy using Taguchi method. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2025. 37: p.537–548.
  • 28. Kanaujia, N., Rahul, Behera, J. K., Kumar Mohapatra, S., Behera, A., Jha, P., Kishore Joshi, K., & Chandra Routara, B., Process parameters optimization in CNC turning of aluminum 7075 alloy using TOPSIS method coupled with Taguchi philosophy. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2022. 56: p.989–994.
  • 29. Saravanakumar, S., Prakash, K. B., Dinesh, D., Manoj Kumar, P., Fouad, Y., Soudagar, M. E. M., Ali, M. M., & Bashir, M. N., Optimizing friction stir processing parameters for aluminium alloy 2024 reinforced with SiC particles: A taguchi approach of investigation. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2024. 30: p.4847–4855.
  • 30. Soedarsono, J.W., T.P. Soemardi, B. Suharno and R. Dewi Sulamet-Ariobimo, Effects of Carbon Equivalent on the Microstructures of Thin Wall Ductile Iron. Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 2011. 5(3): p.266-270.
  • 31. David, P., J. Massone, R. Boeri and J. Sikora, Mechanical properties of thin wall ductile iron-influence of carbon equivalent and graphite distribution. ISIJ International, 2004. 44(7): p.1180-1187.
  • 32. Górny, M., E. Fraś and M. Górny, Thin Wall Austempered Ductile Iron (TWADI). Archives of Foundry Engineering, 2009. 9(3): p.45-48.
  • 33. Fraś, E., M. Górny and W. Kapturkiewicz, Thin Wall Ductile Iron Castings: Technological Aspects. Archives of Foundry Engineering, 2013. 13(1): p.23-28.
  • 34. Tiedje, N. S., Solidification, processing and properties of ductile cast iron. Materials Science and Technology, 2010. 26(5): p.505–514.
  • 35. Kaymak, K., Tazegül, Y., Keyvanklı, A. B., & Gecu, R., Effects of Ti addition and wall thickness on microstructure, hardness, and wear properties of spheroidal graphite cast irons. Tribology International, 2024. 195: p.109612.
  • 36. Küçük, Y., Altaş, E., & Topcu, M. E., A comparative analysis of the effect of laser surface treatment on the dry sliding wear behavior of ductile cast irons with different microstructures. Optik, 2023. 274: p.170540.
  • 37. Sheikh, M.A., Production of carbide-free thin ductile iron castings. Journal of University of Science and Technology Beijing: Mineral Metallurgy Materials (Eng Ed), 2008. 15(5): p.552-555.
  • 38. Skaland, T., O. Grong and T. Grong, A Model for the Graphite Formation in Ductile Cast Iron : Part I . Inoculation Mechanisms. Metallurgical Transactions A., 1993. 24: p.2321-2345.
  • 39. Kalyon, A., M. Günay and D. Özyürek, Application of grey relational analysis based on Taguchi method for optimizing machining parameters in hard turning of high chrome cast iron. Advances in Manufacturing, 2018. 6(4): p.419–29.
  • 40. Yeung, C.F., H. Zhao and W.B. Lee, The Morphology of Solidification of Thin-Section Ductile Iron Castings. Materials Characterization, 1998. 40(4–5): p.201–8.
There are 40 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Material Production Technologies
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Bekir Yavuzer 0000-0001-8984-774X

Yakup Ege

Murat Kaya 0009-0000-5939-3484

Cem Çapanoğlu 0009-0007-2803-2740

Submission Date August 13, 2025
Acceptance Date November 7, 2025
Publication Date December 25, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 9 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Yavuzer, B., Ege, Y., Kaya, M., Çapanoğlu, C. (2025). The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal, 9(3), 145-152. https://doi.org/10.35860/iarej.1763176
AMA Yavuzer B, Ege Y, Kaya M, Çapanoğlu C. The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron. Int. Adv. Res. Eng. J. December 2025;9(3):145-152. doi:10.35860/iarej.1763176
Chicago Yavuzer, Bekir, Yakup Ege, Murat Kaya, and Cem Çapanoğlu. “The Effect of Casting Parameters on the Microstructure and Hardness Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Cast Iron”. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal 9, no. 3 (December 2025): 145-52. https://doi.org/10.35860/iarej.1763176.
EndNote Yavuzer B, Ege Y, Kaya M, Çapanoğlu C (December 1, 2025) The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal 9 3 145–152.
IEEE B. Yavuzer, Y. Ege, M. Kaya, and C. Çapanoğlu, “The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron”, Int. Adv. Res. Eng. J., vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 145–152, 2025, doi: 10.35860/iarej.1763176.
ISNAD Yavuzer, Bekir et al. “The Effect of Casting Parameters on the Microstructure and Hardness Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Cast Iron”. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal 9/3 (December2025), 145-152. https://doi.org/10.35860/iarej.1763176.
JAMA Yavuzer B, Ege Y, Kaya M, Çapanoğlu C. The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron. Int. Adv. Res. Eng. J. 2025;9:145–152.
MLA Yavuzer, Bekir et al. “The Effect of Casting Parameters on the Microstructure and Hardness Properties of Thin-Wall Ductile Cast Iron”. International Advanced Researches and Engineering Journal, vol. 9, no. 3, 2025, pp. 145-52, doi:10.35860/iarej.1763176.
Vancouver Yavuzer B, Ege Y, Kaya M, Çapanoğlu C. The effect of casting parameters on the microstructure and hardness properties of thin-wall ductile cast iron. Int. Adv. Res. Eng. J. 2025;9(3):145-52.



Creative Commons License

Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.