Pig iron

Cast iron, which is intended for subsequent processing into steel or remelting in the form of a casting, is called pig iron. This alloy resembles a primary product of ferrous metallurgy, produced by smelting iron ore or scrap metal in a blast furnace or electric furnace. This iron is cast as pig iron without any ferrous metal ...

• 18 kg;
• 30 kg;
• 45 kg;
• 55 kg.

Pig iron It is produced with its intended purpose in mind. If the alloy will be used for steelmaking, grades P1 and P2 are used; for foundries, grades PL1 and PL2 are used. This type of cast iron must be manufactured according to established technical documentation standards. During production, there must be scrap, the amount of which must not exceed 2% of the mass per batch, and scrap pieces must not weigh more than 2 kg.

The surface of the ingot must be clean, without any slag or other contaminants, although deposits of lime, graphite and other elements are allowed, which in no way affects the quality of the alloy itself and does not affect the further processing process. Pig iron May contain copper, the percentage of which should not exceed 0.3%. For grades PVK1, PVK2, and PVK3, requirements apply to sulfur content of no more than 0.001% and phosphorus content of up to 0.015%.

Properties of pig iron

Properties of pig iron determine its application. Due to the alloy's exceptional brittleness, it is not machineable. Depending on the smelting process, pig iron is classified as:

• non-alloyed;
• alloy.

These properties are controlled by the quantity and dosage of alloying elements, which in turn affects the properties of the alloy. For example, properties of pig iron The nickel-containing alloy (0.5-3.5%) allows it to be used to produce parts with high compressive strength. With high nickel, chromium, silicon, and copper content, it is used to produce parts requiring high corrosion resistance.

Processing of pig iron

Processing of pig iron Modified or graphitized cast iron can be produced using various methods. However, not all of them adhere to the standardized mechanical properties and microstructure of the cast iron. It is crucial to eliminate chilling of the cast iron while simultaneously improving its physical and mechanical properties. This is achieved by adding ferrosilicon to the molten cast iron during the pig iron casting process, at a temperature of 1330–1400 degrees Celsius.

Taking into account the content of carbon and silicon in cast iron, the consumption of ferrosilicon is calculated. processing of pig iron Eliminates chill, refines eutectic grain, acquires a tendency to graphitization, imparts optimal mechanical and improved technological properties to finished castings.

This technology improves the homogeneity of the macrostructure, which determines the alloy's aforementioned qualities. To improve the homogeneity of the macrostructure and achieve high mechanical properties, it is necessary to differentiate the specific modifier consumption during processing, taking into account the carbide-forming element manganese and the graphitizing element silicon.

Pig iron, its main brands according to GOST:

• P1, P2, PVC1, PVC2, PVC3,
• PL1, PL2, PF1, PF2, PF3.