As a trusted stainless steel forging manufacturer India and material specialist, we offer 13 material categories covering ferrous and non-ferrous metals meeting ASTM, DIN, EN, and JIS international standards. From carbon steels for crankshaft forging and gear forging to nickel superalloys for turbine blade casting, we source the right material for your application.
Choosing the right material is critical to the performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness of your component.
Our metallurgical experts can help you select the optimal material based on your application requirements including:
Understanding the key differences between ferrous and non-ferrous metals helps you select the optimal material for your casting or forging application
| Property | Ferrous Materials | Non-Ferrous Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Iron-based alloys containing carbon and other elements (manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum) | Metals and alloys without iron as primary element (aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, zinc, magnesium) |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic - Most ferrous metals are attracted to magnets (except austenitic stainless steels) | Non-magnetic - Not attracted to magnets, ideal for electrical and electronic applications |
| Corrosion Resistance | Lower - Prone to rust and oxidation unless protected (stainless steels are exception with 10.5%+ chromium) | Higher - Natural oxide layer provides protection; excellent for marine, chemical, and outdoor applications |
| Strength-to-Weight | High strength, higher weight - Density 7.8-8.0 g/cm³; excellent for heavy-duty structural applications | Lower weight, variable strength - Aluminum 2.7 g/cm³, Titanium 4.5 g/cm³; ideal for aerospace and automotive lightweighting |
| Cost | Lower cost - Iron ore abundant; carbon steel most economical structural material; 30-50% less than non-ferrous alternatives | Higher cost - Raw materials more expensive; aluminum 2-3x, titanium 10-20x, nickel superalloys 15-30x steel cost |
| Electrical Conductivity | Lower - Poor electrical conductors; used where conductivity not required | Higher - Copper 100% IACS, Aluminum 61% IACS; essential for electrical wiring, busbars, heat exchangers |
| Thermal Conductivity | Lower - Steel 50 W/m·K; suitable for thermal insulation applications | Higher - Copper 400 W/m·K, Aluminum 237 W/m·K; ideal for heat sinks, radiators, cookware |
| High-Temperature Performance | Good to 650°C - Carbon steel loses strength above 400°C; alloy steels up to 650°C; stainless up to 870°C | Variable - Aluminum max 200°C; Titanium 600°C; Nickel superalloys excel at 1000°C+ for turbines |
| Machinability | Variable - Free-machining steels excellent; high-alloy and hardened steels more difficult | Generally easier - Aluminum and brass machine easily; titanium requires specialized tooling |
| Recyclability | Highly recyclable - Steel is world's most recycled material; magnetic separation easy | Highly recyclable - Aluminum recycling uses 95% less energy than primary production; high scrap value |
Iron-based alloys for strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness in industrial applications
Carbon steels are iron-carbon alloys classified by carbon content. They offer an excellent balance of strength, machinability, and cost for general industrial applications.
Soft, ductile, easily formed and welded
| Grade | Carbon % | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 1018 | 0.18% | ~400 MPa |
| AISI 1020 | 0.20% | ~420 MPa |
Properties: Ductile, excellent weldability, good machinability
Applications: Structural parts, fasteners, pipes, tie rods, shackles, flanges
Good balance of strength and toughness, heat treatable
| Grade | Carbon % | Tensile Strength |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 1045 | 0.45% | 570-1000 MPa |
| AISI 1050 | 0.50% | 700-1100 MPa |
Properties: Higher strength, good toughness, heat treatable
Applications: Crankshafts, gears, shafts, axles, connecting rods, railway wheels
High hardness and wear resistance
| Grade | Carbon % | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 1060 | 0.60% | High hardness |
| AISI 1080 | 0.80% | Very hard, wear resistant |
| AISI 1095 | 0.95% | Highest hardness |
Properties: Highest hardness, excellent edge retention, wear resistant
Applications: Springs, hand tools, cutting tools, dies, knives, high-strength tools
Alloy steels contain alloying elements (Cr, Mo, Ni, V) that significantly enhance mechanical properties beyond what carbon content alone can provide.
| Grade | Composition | Tensile Strength | Key Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4130 (Chromoly) | Cr-Mo (0.8-1.1% Cr, 0.15-0.25% Mo) | ~900 MPa | High strength-to-weight, weldable | Aircraft structures, bicycle frames, roll cages |
| 4140 | Cr-Mo (0.8-1.1% Cr, 0.15-0.25% Mo) | 900-1550 MPa (HT) | Excellent toughness, wear resistant | Drill collars, axles, shafts, gears, studs |
| 4340 | Ni-Cr-Mo (1.65-2.0% Ni, 0.7-0.9% Cr) | Up to 1930 MPa | Highest strength, excellent fatigue | Aircraft landing gear, crankshafts, rotor shafts |
| 8620 | Ni-Cr-Mo (carburizing grade) | Surface hardened | Hard case, tough core | Gears, transmission components, camshafts |
| 9310 | Ni-Cr-Mo (aerospace grade) | High | Aerospace quality, carburizing | Aerospace gears, shafts, high-stress components |
| 52100 | High-C Cr (bearing steel) | Very high hardness | Excellent wear, fatigue resistance | Bearing races, rolling elements, balls |
Tool steels are specially alloyed steels designed to withstand extreme conditions in manufacturing tools, dies, and cutting applications.
Stainless steels contain minimum 10.5% chromium, forming a passive chromium oxide layer that provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Non-magnetic, excellent corrosion resistance, not hardenable by heat treatment
| Grade | Composition | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18% Cr, 8% Ni | Non-magnetic, excellent corrosion | Food equipment, architectural, general purpose |
| 304L | Low carbon 304 | Better weldability | Welded structures, tanks |
| 316 | 16% Cr, 10% Ni, 2% Mo | Superior chloride resistance | Marine, chemical processing, medical |
| 316L | Low carbon 316 | ~545 MPa tensile, weldable | Surgical implants, pharmaceutical |
| Type | Grades | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martensitic | 410, 420, 440C | Hardenable, magnetic | Valves, pumps, cutlery, surgical instruments |
| Ferritic | 430 | Magnetic, moderate corrosion | Automotive trim, appliances |
| Duplex | 2205, 2507 | High strength + corrosion | Oil & gas, chemical, offshore |
| PH (17-4 PH) | 15-17.5% Cr, 3-5% Ni | Up to 1276 MPa, ~350 HB | Aerospace, nuclear, valves, shafts |
Cast irons are iron-carbon alloys with carbon content greater than 2% (typically 2.5-4%). The form of carbon (graphite shape) determines mechanical properties. As a leading valve casting manufacturer and pump casting India supplier, we specialize in grey iron and ductile iron castings for industrial applications.
| Type | Graphite Form | Tensile Strength | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Iron | Flakes | 150-300 MPa | Good damping, compressive strength, brittle | Engine blocks, machine bases, brake drums, cylinder liners |
| Ductile Iron (SG/Nodular) | Spheroids | 400-800+ MPa | Steel-like strength with castability | Crankshafts, gears, pipes, suspension, valve bodies |
| Malleable Iron | Temper carbon | 350-550 MPa | Ductile after heat treatment | Pipe fittings, brackets, small parts |
| White Iron | Cementite (no graphite) | Very hard | Extremely wear resistant | Crusher liners, grinding balls, shot blast media |
International standard grades for spheroidal graphite iron
| EN Grade | ASTM Equivalent | Min Tensile (MPa) | Min Yield (MPa) | Elongation % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN-GJS-400-15 | 60-40-18 | 400 | 250 | 15 |
| EN-GJS-450-10 | 65-45-12 | 450 | 310 | 10 |
| EN-GJS-500-7 | 80-55-06 | 500 | 320 | 7 |
| EN-GJS-600-3 | 100-70-03 | 600 | 370 | 3 |
| EN-GJS-700-2 | 120-90-02 | 700 | 420 | 2 |
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance alloys for specialized applications
Lightweight (1/3 density of steel), excellent corrosion resistance, good thermal/electrical conductivity
| Alloy | Composition | Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| A356 | Al-Si-Mg | ~250 MPa (T6) | Wheels, structural castings |
| A380 | Al-Si-Cu | Good castability | Die cast housings, covers |
| ADC12 | Al-Si-Cu (JIS) | Die casting standard | Automotive, electronics |
| Alloy | Composition | Yield Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | Al-Mg-Si | 276 MPa | Structural, automotive, marine, general purpose |
| 7075-T6 | Al-Zn-Mg-Cu | 455 MPa (84% stronger) | Aerospace, military, high-stress tooling |
Highest strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatible. Density: 4420 kg/m³ (60% of steel)
| Alloy | Type | Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64) | Alpha-Beta | 1000 MPa UTS | Aerospace (60% of Ti use), medical implants, marine |
| Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo | Near-Alpha | Creep resistant | High-temperature aerospace components |
| Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al | Beta | Very high strength | Landing gear, high-load structural parts |
| Ti-3Al-2.5V | Near-Alpha | Cryogenic compatible | Hydraulic tubing, aerospace ducting |
Note: Titanium forging typically done at 760-800°C (isothermal/hot die forging) requiring specialized equipment
Lightest structural metal (1/3 density of aluminum), excellent EMI shielding. Forging range: 260-427°C
| Alloy | Type | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ91 | Die casting | Most common Mg alloy | Automotive housings, covers |
| AZ31/AZ61/AZ80 | Wrought | Forging/extrusion grades | Structural parts, aircraft |
| ZW3/EQ21/MSR | Aerospace | Improved creep resistance | Helicopter gearboxes, aerospace |
Note: Requires inert atmosphere during processing to prevent oxidation
Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, antimicrobial properties
| Type | Composition | Tensile Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Copper | 99%+ Cu | 200-250 MPa | Electrical, heat exchangers |
| Brass | Cu-Zn | 300-600 MPa | Valves, fittings, fasteners, plumbing |
| Tin Bronze | Cu-Sn | 350-800 MPa | Bearings, bushings, gears, springs |
| Aluminum Bronze | Cu-Al | Up to 700 MPa | Ship propellers, landing gear bushings |
| Nickel Aluminum Bronze | Cu-Al-Ni | Best marine corrosion | Ship propellers, marine valves, pumps |
| Phosphor Bronze | Cu-Sn-P | High fatigue | Springs, electrical contacts, connectors |
Superalloys maintain exceptional strength at temperatures from 650°C to over 1000°C, with outstanding creep, oxidation, and corrosion resistance.
| Alloy | Properties | Max Temp | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | 1035 MPa yield | 650°C | Turbine disks, combustors |
| Inconel 625 | Excellent corrosion | 980°C | Chemical processing, marine |
| Waspaloy | High-temp strength | 870°C | Turbine disks, rings |
| Hastelloy | Extreme corrosion | Various | Chemical processing |
| René Alloys | Single crystal capable | 1050°C+ | Turbine blades |
| Alloy | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stellite | Extreme wear resistance | Valve seats, cutting tools |
| Haynes 188 | Oxidation resistant | Combustor liners |
| Mar-M Alloys | High-temp strength | Turbine vanes |
| Alloy | Properties | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| A-286 | Good to 700°C | Fasteners, turbine wheels |
| Incoloy 901 | Similar to A-286 | Gas turbine components |
General Properties: Tensile strength >700 MPa (up to 1125 MPa yield). Essential for aerospace, power generation, and oil & gas industries.
Common material grade equivalents across ASTM, DIN/EN, JIS, and BS standards for forged flanges India and forged fittings supplier applications
| ASTM/AISI | DIN/EN | JIS | BS | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A105 | EN C22.8 | SFVC 2A | BS 1503-164 | Forged carbon steel flanges, fittings |
| A182 F22 | EN 10269 | SFVAF 22 | BS 1503-622 | Cr-Mo forged fittings (high temp) |
| A216 WCB | EN 1.0619 (GS-C25) | SCPH 2 | BS 1504-161 | Cast carbon steel for valves |
| A351 CF8M | EN 1.4408 | SCS14 | BS 3146-316C16 | Cast 316 stainless steel |
| A536 65-45-12 | EN-GJS-450-10 | FCD450 | SNG 420/12 | Ductile iron (nodular) |
| AISI 4140 | 42CrMo4 (1.7225) | SCM440 | 708M40 | Cr-Mo alloy steel |
| AISI 4340 | 34CrNiMo6 (1.6582) | SNCM439 | 817M40 | Ni-Cr-Mo high-strength alloy |
| AISI 304 | 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) | SUS304 | 304S15 | Austenitic stainless (18-8) |
| AISI 316 | 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) | SUS316 | 316S16 | Mo-bearing austenitic stainless |
| AISI 1045 | C45 (1.0503) | S45C | 080M46 | Medium carbon steel |
Expert answers to common questions about materials for casting and forging
316 stainless steel contains 2% molybdenum which provides superior chloride/saltwater corrosion resistance compared to 304. 316 is preferred for marine, chemical processing, and pharmaceutical applications.
304 stainless steel (18% Cr, 8% Ni) is more economical and suitable for food equipment, architectural, and general corrosion-resistant applications. Both are austenitic, non-magnetic, and weldable. 316L and 304L are low-carbon variants with better weldability for welded structures.
For aerospace applications, material selection depends on specific requirements:
Ductile iron (also called nodular or SG iron) contains spheroidal graphite nodules, giving it steel-like properties: 400-800+ MPa tensile strength, good ductility (2-15% elongation), and impact resistance. It's used for crankshafts, gears, and suspension components.
Grey iron has graphite in flake form, resulting in 150-300 MPa tensile, excellent damping properties, but brittleness. Grey iron is preferred for engine blocks, machine bases, and brake drums where vibration damping is important.
AISI 4140 chrome-molybdenum alloy steel is equivalent to:
All are Cr-Mo alloy steels with approximately 0.40% C, 1% Cr, and 0.2% Mo, offering tensile strengths of 900-1550 MPa after heat treatment. Commonly used for drill collars, axles, shafts, and gears.
For high-temperature service above 600°C, nickel-base superalloys are the primary choice:
Cobalt-base superalloys like Haynes 188 offer excellent oxidation resistance for combustor liners. These materials are essential for aerospace, power generation, and petrochemical industries.
7075-T6 aluminum (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) offers 84% higher yield strength than 6061-T6 (455 MPa vs 276 MPa), making it preferred for aerospace and high-stress applications. However, 7075 is not recommended for welding and has lower corrosion resistance.
6061-T6 aluminum (Al-Mg-Si) provides better corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability at lower cost. 6061 is ideal for structural, automotive, and marine applications. For most general-purpose applications, 6061 is the better choice unless maximum strength is critical.
Inconel nickel-base superalloys offer unique advantages:
Inconel 718 (1035 MPa yield) is used for turbine disks and combustors. Inconel 625 excels in marine and chemical processing. These alloys maintain their properties where stainless steels would fail.
Material selection depends on several key factors:
Our metallurgical experts can analyze your application requirements and recommend optimal materials from our 13 categories. Contact us for material selection assistance.
Our metallurgical experts can recommend the optimal material for your application requirements, considering mechanical properties, operating conditions, manufacturing process, and cost factors.