How to tell the difference between Cast Iron/Cast Steel?

Not logged inAmerican Welding Society Forum

Forum

AWS Website

Help

Topic Welding Industry / Inspection & Qualification / How to tell the difference between Cast Iron/Cast Steel?

By poddnahh Date 10-15-2008 13:43

What are the different ways or steps to tell the difference between Cast Steel and Cast Iron?
I come across a lot of pumps that need casing repairs and seal welding plugs.
Is there a procedure, PMI or test that is recommended when there are no markings?
Should I just make a weld procedure using a nickel rod to weld on any casting?

By MDG Custom Weld (***)

Date 10-15-2008 14:24

Some guys have enough skill to grind it and see the difference in spark trail (I'm not one of them).

I always use a 3/16 drill bit. Just touch the drill to the surface in an inconspicuous spot and push down for a second or two. If it's cast steel it will have course chips and shavings that kind of stay in tact, and if it's cast iron it will have very fine powder like shavings.

Topic Welding Industry / Inspection & Qualification / How to tell the difference between Cast Iron/Cast Steel?