Cast Iron
Property
Cast iron
Cast iron is composed of iron and 2.0 – 4.5 percentage of carbon content. The table below shows some common properties of cast iron.
| Typical chemical composition | Fe: Reminder
C: 1.7 – 4.0% S: 0.1 – 0.2% Si: 0.5- 3.0% Mn: 0.5 – 1.0% P: 0.5 – 1.0% |
| Elasticity | The elasticity of cast iron is stable over time and is retained up to relatively high temperatures. It is comparable to that of spring steel.
Cast iron has no permanent deformation |
| Resistance to corrosion | Cast iron has an excellent resistance to corrosion over a wide range of operating environments. Initially the surface will slightly rust but then the rusting is practically arrested at the carbon lamellae. The corrosion resistance of cast iron is much better than that of steel. |
| Acoustical benefit | More effective in reducing plumbing noise than substitute materials |
| Specific gravity | 7.1 kg/m³ |
| Tensile strength | 137.900 – 310.275 MPa |
| Compressive strength | 551.600 – 930.825 MPa |
| Coefficient of heat capacity | 449 J/kg-K |
| Other physical properties | Easily machined and cut. Very large castings practicable. |
Porcelain enamelled cast iron shower tray
The interior of each shower tray shall be evenly coated with porcelain enamel of a quality complying with requirements of BS 6340: 1983: Part 6, clause 3.2.2 to 3.2.6.
Test requirement related to material according to BS 6340: 1983: Part 6:
- Finishes
The gloss and opacity of the enamel shall be visually good
- Abrasion resistance
When tested as describe in B4, no visible scratching shall have taken place.
- Alkali resistance
When tested as describe in B5, there shall be no uniform colour stain on the enamel
- Acid resistance
When tested to BS 1344: Part 2, the enamel shall comply with classification C of that standard
- Hot water resistance
When tested as describe in B6, there shall be no visible signs of attack.