Overview of casting defects in ductile cast iron

Objective of this article is to provide an overview of common casting defects occurred during production of ductile cast iron (DCI) and the influence of non-metallic inclusions in the DCI. These defects are referred to slag, sand mould or other foreign substances that are imbedded in the surface, or underneath. The research was investigated on ductile cast iron samples using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). With SEM image position, shape and type of inclusion could be defined while EDS analysis reveals chemical composition of particular formations. The investigation of casting defects indicates necessity of DCI production parameters control. This article deals with investigation of surface defects in DCI such as non-metallic inclusions (Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, CaO, MnO, FeO, Fe2O3) which mostly originate from slag, melt oxidation, reactions with refractory materials, mould erosion, and melt treatment interactions