Material selection in machine design: the change of cast iron for improving the high-quality in woodworking

This paper analyses the possibility to substitute the gray iron, traditionally used for the production of relevant parts in woodworking machines, with ductile iron or vermicular iron. A large experimental campaign to determine the mechanical beaviour of ductile and vermicular irons respect to tensile, fatigue and fracture loads was conducted and the microstructures were also analyzed. Results show that ductile or vermicular cast iron in parts and components of machine tools could provide additional stiffness and resistance for the high precision woodworking respect to Grey Iron. A balanced utilization of these alternative irons would permit to take a full advantage by each specific propriety (as strength, hardness, weight, etc.).