GGG50 Ductile Iron: Price for Sale, Equivalent Materials, and Industrial Uses

GGG50 ductile iron, often referred to as spheroidal graphite cast iron, is a high-strength material with a significant range of industrial applications. Due to its excellent combination of tensile strength, elongation, and fatigue resistance, it is widely used in the automotive, construction, and heavy machinery industries. GGG50 offers superior mechanical properties compared to traditional cast iron and is commonly found in components such as engine blocks, gear housings, and industrial valves. The price for GGG50 ductile iron varies depending on factors such as global market conditions, supply-demand dynamics, and material sourcing. This article will explore the different aspects of GGG50 ductile iron, including its properties, equivalent materials, pricing factors, and availability for sale.

1. Understanding GGG50 Ductile Iron

GGG50 ductile iron, a grade of cast iron, derives its name from the tensile strength specification of 50,000 psi (approximately 350 MPa). The material is made by adding small amounts of alloying elements like nickel, copper, and molybdenum, which provide increased strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion. The spherical graphite structure in GGG50 is the reason for its outstanding mechanical properties compared to gray iron.

The specific characteristics of GGG50 ductile iron include:

• Tensile Strength: 50,000 psi (350 MPa)

• Yield Strength: 30,000 psi (205 MPa)

• Elongation: 12%

• Hardness: Typically around 170 HB (Brinell Hardness)

• Modulus of Elasticity: Approximately 170 GPa

This iron is particularly useful when higher strength, wear resistance, and fatigue resistance are required. The material’s ability to resist cracking and deforming under stress makes it ideal for applications in automotive and industrial sectors, where heavy-duty performance is crucial.

2. Equivalents of GGG50 Ductile Iron

GGG50 ductile iron is recognized by various global standards, and it is equivalent to other types of ductile iron or spheroidal graphite cast iron based on tensile strength. The most common equivalents of GGG50 include:

• A536 60-40-18 (USA): This is a common US specification for ductile iron, where the numbers represent the material’s tensile strength (60,000 psi), yield strength (40,000 psi), and elongation (18%).

• ISO 1083 Grade 500-7 (International): ISO 1083 outlines the international standards for ductile iron, and Grade 500-7 corresponds closely to GGG50 in terms of mechanical properties.

• EN 1563 GJS-500-7 (Europe): In Europe, the equivalent is designated as GJS-500-7, which matches the performance characteristics of GGG50.

By comparing these equivalents, manufacturers can choose the best option for specific applications while considering the global availability and cost-effectiveness of the material.

3. Factors Influencing GGG50 Ductile Iron Pricing

The price of GGG50 ductile iron can vary significantly due to a variety of factors:

• Raw Material Costs: The cost of iron ore, alloying elements, and other raw materials used to produce ductile iron affects the final price.

• Manufacturing Process: The production method, including casting, molding, and heat treatment, can add to the overall cost of GGG50 ductile iron.

• Market Demand: Prices often fluctuate based on the demand from industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing.

• Global Supply Chain Conditions: Shipping costs, transportation availability, and raw material shortages can impact the price of GGG50 ductile iron in international markets.

• Regional Variations: Prices can vary between different regions depending on local manufacturing costs, labor rates, and infrastructure.

Price Range:

• The price for GGG50 ductile iron typically ranges between $2,000 to $4,000 per ton, depending on the market conditions. However, prices can increase if high-quality or custom alloys are required.

4. Applications of GGG50 Ductile Iron

Due to its superior mechanical properties, GGG50 ductile iron is used in a wide array of applications where strength, durability, and resistance to wear are critical. Some of the major applications include:

• Automotive Industry: Engine blocks, cylinder heads, and suspension components are commonly made from GGG50 due to its excellent fatigue resistance.

• Industrial Equipment: Valves, pumps, and gearboxes in industrial machinery benefit from the strength and toughness of GGG50.

• Construction: Heavy-duty construction equipment components, including wheels, gears, and housings, often use GGG50 due to its robustness under stress.

• Pipes and Fittings: The pipe industry uses GGG50 for pipes, flanges, and fittings, especially where high pressure or corrosive environments are involved.

GGG50’s versatility allows it to be molded into complex shapes while maintaining strength and durability.

5. Comparing GGG50 with Other Ductile Iron Grades

Ductile iron is available in various grades, and the choice of grade depends on the required mechanical properties. Below is a comparison between GGG50 and other common grades:

From the table, it is clear that higher grades like GGG60 and GGG70 offer increased tensile strength and are suited for more demanding applications, while GGG50 remains a balanced option for a wide range of industrial uses.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the main difference between GGG50 and cast iron?
A1: The primary difference between GGG50 and cast iron lies in their mechanical properties. GGG50 has higher tensile strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance, making it more suitable for high-stress applications. Cast iron, on the other hand, has lower tensile strength and is more brittle.

Q2: How much does GGG50 ductile iron cost per ton?
A2: The price of GGG50 ductile iron varies between $2,000 to $4,000 per ton, depending on market conditions, raw material costs, and the specific alloy composition. Custom or high-performance GGG50 may cost more due to additional processing or higher quality alloys.

Q3: Can GGG50 be used in high-temperature applications?
A3: GGG50 ductile iron performs well in medium to high-temperature applications but is not suited for extremely high-temperature environments where materials like stainless steel or alloy steels are typically used. For temperatures above 500°C (932°F), specialized materials may be required.

Q4: What is the difference between GGG50 and GGG60?
A4: GGG60 offers a higher tensile strength (420 MPa) compared to GGG50 (350 MPa). GGG60 is ideal for applications requiring additional strength, while GGG50 provides a good balance of strength and ductility, making it suitable for most standard industrial uses.

Q5: How does GGG50 compare with other iron alloys like FCD450?
A5: GGG50 and FCD450 are similar in terms of mechanical properties but differ slightly in composition and applications. FCD450, a grade of ductile iron commonly used in Japan, is equivalent to GGG50 and offers comparable tensile strength and fatigue resistance, with both being suitable for heavy-duty applications.

References:

ISO 1083:2004 — Spheroidal graphite cast iron — Classification
ASTM A536-84(2019): Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings
EN 1563:2018 — Founding – Spheroidal graphite cast irons
Wikipedia: Ductile Iron