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- Are there other metals in cast iron?
Yes, cast iron is primarily an alloy of iron (the base metal) and carbon, but it typically contains small amounts of other metals as alloying elements to improve properties like castability, strength, and machinability. The most common additional metal is manganese (usually 0.4–1% by weight), which helps deoxidize the melt and refine the grain structure. Other trace metals or elements may be present depending on the specific type of cast iron (e.g., gray, ductile, or white), but manganese is the primary one beyond iron itself.
For context, a typical composition includes:
Iron: ~95–98%
Carbon: 2–4%
Silicon (metalloid): 1–3%
Manganese: 0.4–1%
Traces of phosphorus and sulfur (non-metals)
Specialized variants might include small amounts of chromium, nickel, or molybdenum for enhanced wear resistance, but these are not standard in basic cast iron.