Compacted Graphite Iron was first patented at about the same time as ductile

iron in the late 1940's. At the time it was viewed more as a curiosity rather
than a production material, but its unique properties has led it to be used in
many applications which are unsuitable for grey or ductile iron. Compacted
Graphite Iron, which is also known as CGI or Vermicular Graphite Iron, is a
form of cast iron in which the shape of the graphite particles is between that of
conventional grey iron flakes and ductile iron where the graphite is in spheres.
The worm-like compacted-graphite shape provides physical properties that
mirror the most beneficial properties of grey and ductile irons. CGI has twice
the strength of grey iron and costs no more to produce than ductile iron. Grey
iron is particularly easy to cast and machine and it has good damping and
thermal conductivity, but its flaky structure makes it brittle, as reflected by its
low tensile strength. At the other end of the spectrum, ductile iron has a high
tensile strength but relatively poor thermal conductivity and damping
properties. Compared with these two extremes, CGI has thermal conductivity
and damping properties roughly the same as grey iron and tensile strengths
and stiffness comparable to those of ductile iron.

CGI is produced by treating the melt as if ductile cast iron was being made, but
the reaction is 'killed' before it has time to complete, resulting in a graphite
shape between that of flakes and spheres. A special type of ladle addition
known as Compact Mag is used to achieve the desired reaction.
The first commercial CGI applications were the high-speed rail trains (175+
mph) in Europe. Initially, they had cast iron disc brakes that were simply not
up to the task. They suffered severe heat-checking and cracks, which were
potentially catastrophic. CGI cured all that, and it has been widely reported
that several engine builders and automotive manufacturers are beginning to
rely on CGI to meet efficiency and strength requirements.

CompactedGraphiteIron
WhatisCompactedGraphiteIron?
This describes a range of cast irons where the graphite forms round ended
flakes rather than sharp flakes or spheres. This gives a range of irons that
have toughness with good heat transfer and vibration properties.

History
First patented in the late 1940s.Popularity increased in the 80s and 90s.
National and International standards introduced from the late 80s.

Terminology
Compacted graphite iron, compacted graphite cast iron, vermicular cast iron,
compacted graphite (vermicular) iron and CGI all refer to the same range of
compacted graphite irons.

Properties
Good thermal conduction.Good vibration and sound damping.High strength
to weight ratio.Good under continual heating and cooling cycles.Low thermal
expansion. Good thermal shock resistance. Easy to machine.Good cold
toughness.

Uses
Exhaust manifolds.Large marine cylinder blocks.Bedplates.Brackets and
couplings.Ingot moulds.Truck brake drums.Pump housings and hydraulic
components. Cylinder liners.Train brake discs.

MaterialStandards
BS EN 16079 and ISO 16112Equivalent DIN, ASTM, SAE and other national
standards.

http://www.castironcastings.com/compacted-graphite-iron.html

Mechanical Properties of the CGI Grades in ISO 16112

Material
Designation

Tensile
Strength
N/mm

Proof Stress
N/mm2

Elongation
%

ISO 16112/JV/300/S

350

210

22

Typical Brinell
Hardness
Range
HBW 10/30
140 210

ISO 16112/JV/350/S

400

245

18

160 220

ISO 16112/JV/400/S

400

280

15

180 240

ISO 16112/JV/450/S

450

315

10

200 250

ISO 16112/JV/500/S

500

350

220 - 260

Mechanical and Physical Properties of CGI in comparison to

conventional grey cast iron at 20C
Property

CGI
Grey Iron
ISO
ISO
16112/JV/450 185/JL/250
Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)
450
250

Grey Iron
ISO 185/JL/300
300

Elastic Modulus (GPa)

145

105

115

Elongation (%)

1.0

Rotating-Bending Fatigue 20C

(MPa)

210

110

125

Rotating-Bending Fatigue 225C

(Mpa)

205

100

120

Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K)

36

46

39

Thermal Expansion (microm-mK)

12

12

12

200 - 250

190 - 225

215 - 255

Brinell Hardness
10/30)

(BHW