ACTech North America Inc. products

Lamellar graphite cast?iron, also known as grey cast iron, is undoubtedly one of the materials most often used in the production of cast iron parts. There is a simple reason for this: grey cast iron has outstanding properties in terms of thermal conductivity, compressive strength etc. These characteristics make the material with lamellar-structured graphite ideal for many components in the automotive, commercial and construction vehicle and mechanical and plant engineering sectors. Material standard: DIN EN 1561 .

With vermicular graphite cast iron, the graphite contained is in vermicular form and the matrix is ferritic, ferritic/pearlitic to fully pearlitic. The production of this material is considered difficult because the special graphite formation is only achieved within a very narrow process window. It is, however, worth the effort: The iron casting material unites the best properties of grey iron and spherulitic graphite iron. Material standard: DIN EN 16079.

For cast iron parts that must withstand high temperatures, a material with special properties is needed. Our recommendation: austenitic cast iron – either with spheroidal or lamellar graphite. The special advantage of this material is that the austenitic matrix also exists at room temperature, and as a result, neither structural transformation nor volume leap occurs at higher temperatures. Due to its high silicon content, the material group also known as Ni-Resist also features high scaling resistance. Material standard: DIN EN 13835 .

Austempered ductile iron, also known as ADI, has an austempered matrix with embedded spheroidal graphite. The matrix and thus also the properties are set by isothermal heat treatment (cooling from the austenitization temperature) to the transformation temperature in accordance with the grade. As a result, the material scores with properties that are similar to those of rolled and forged steels, or even exceed these in some cases – and at significantly lower weights. Material standard: DIN EN 1564.

A two-phase structure of austenite and ferrite has given duplex steel its good reputation. The special property of this steel group is its increased alloy content with above-average chromium content – this ensures high corrosion resistance and strength combined with good workability. For steel casting we offer a wide range of duplex steels – including the group of super duplex steels with PREN values >?40. Material standard: DIN EN 10283.

Whenever the heat is on for steel castings, a casting material is needed that excels with outstanding resistance. Heat-resistant steel has a high alloy content of chromium, nickel and silicon. As a result, it proves extremely resistant to hot gases and combustion products above 500?°C while simultaneously having good mechanical properties. At ACTech, heat-resistant steels are firmly anchored in our materials portfolio. Material standard: DIN EN 10295.

High strength and good weldability – not every steel offers this mix of advantageous properties. High-strength cast steel, on the other hand, does: It has a martensitic microstructure and thus scores points with very high strength. It can however still be welded well, and is therefore the best choice for high-strength steel castings intended for further processing. Material standard: SEW510.

In terms of flexibility, aluminum as a casting material has the edge: Whilst classic all-round alloys are suitable for (almost) every project, it is above all special alloys that make aluminum casting so interesting. And for all industries: Plant and mechanical engineering, maritime applications and the automotive sector – aluminum for the production of prototypes is in demand more than ever before. To ensure that the finished casting delivers what it promises, the aluminum alloy must be 100% compatible with the respective requirements. At ACTech this is a parameter you can always rely on.