Leaning nugget: Metallurgy

SUMMARY:

Metallurgy is the science that studies the structure and properties of metals and establishes the relationship between their chemical composition, structural organization, and characteristics. Iron-based materials are part of the metal family and can exist as a pure element or as part of alloys. From an industrial perspective, pure metals do not have a significant field of application; pure iron is rare in industrial applications, which is why we always refer to them as ferrous alloys.

Ferrous alloys are defined as those in which iron is the main element, with carbon occupying a prominent secondary position in the chemical composition. Ferrous materials are classified into two large groups: steels and cast irons. It is precisely the carbon content that forms the barrier between steels and cast irons.

All cast irons and steels on the market contain, in addition to carbon, other chemical elements that give them their characteristics. The presence or absence of graphite in iron castings and their morphology determine the material’s structure and characteristics, allowing them to be classified.

INDEX:

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Fe-C diagram. Basic concepts
1.2 Classification of matrix constituents
1.3 Chemical composition of the metal

2. STEELS AND IRON CASTINGS

2.1 Graphitic castings
2.2 Non-graphitic castings
2.3 Special castings

3. SOLIDIFICATION KINETICS

3.1 Types of nucleation
3.2 Conditions for a good nucleating agent
3.3 Nucleation theories

(*) This training session dedicated to the Metallurgy is part of the “Introductory Course to Iron Casting” series, which consists of 13 short videos lasting between 15 and 40 minutes.