When it comes to forming metals to meet your needs, details matter — a part's intended function will influence its physical dimensions, metallurgical composition, thermodynamic properties, and more. For decades, ductile iron (AKA ductile cast iron, spheroidal graphite cast iron, or nodular cast iron) has been a trusted material across various industries for its quality and cost-effectiveness.
At Urick, our proprietary ductile iron production process and best-in-class casting equipment ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency, providing turnkey solutions to fit nearly any industrial application.
VERTICAL IN-MOLD INOCULATION
Urick's in-mold inoculation introduces fine particles (inoculants) that influence solidification and enhance the structural characteristics of the metal. Vertical casting introduces fewer gas bubbles that would detriment the metal's density and other vital properties. Each mold receives an appropriate level of magnesium to eliminate fade, ensure consistent microstructure, lower as-cast hardness, and improve magnesium recovery. This results in high ductile iron nodularity (85% or better) and minimal carbides.
SUPERIOR SAND CASTING
Sand casting allows for an array of design possibilities that are virtually unmatched by other methods. This ductile iron casting process can accommodate parts small and large, simple and complex — all without running up the cost. Urick uses the finest grain sand in the industry, which provides a superior surface finish and detailed letter quality.
LIFETIME PATTERNS
At Urick, we produce all of our patterns in-house using advanced, cost-effective urethane pattern technology. This allows us to produce precision patterns, minimizing the amount of parting line flash. Our customers own their patterns, which we store and replace at no additional cost when they wear out.
100% RESONANT FREQUENCY TESTING
Every ductile iron casting produced by Urick undergoes our Resonant Frequency Test to ensure that the percent ductile iron nodularity exceeds SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) specifications, which is important for critical applications. We guarantee 85% or better nodularity in our ductile iron production process (compared with the minimum industry standard of 80% nodularity).
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
In addition to single, cast component parts, Urick can provide savings through a one-stop solution of machining, assembly, heat-treating, powder coating, e-coating, galvanizing, and plating. Our in-house capabilities range from pattern maintenance to austempering (ADI) to grinding and trimming. Our finishing department utilizes a continuous shot-blast machine, robotic grinders, and trimming equipment to minimize costs and reduce lead times. For services outside the ductile iron casting process, we work with qualified partners and typically manage the logistics with our truck.
Ductile Iron Production Process FAQ
