Machine Tool Casting

Grey Iron Machine Tool Castings are widely used as base frames, columns, beds, and structural components in CNC machines, milling machines, grinding machines, lathes, and other precision equipment. Made from high-quality grey cast iron (typically EN-GJL-250 / ASTM A48 Class 40), these castings provide superior damping capacity, rigidity, and dimensional stability—key factors in ensuring precision machining and long-term service.

Key Features

Excellent dimensional stability and rigidity
Grey iron castings provide high stiffness and minimal deformation over time, ensuring reliable accuracy for heavy machine tool structures.

Superior vibration damping
The graphite flake structure in grey cast iron effectively absorbs vibration and suppresses chatter during machining, improving cutting quality and tool life.

High mass and strength ratio
The inherent density of grey cast iron makes it ideal for machine foundations, offering strong support and stability without the need for complex reinforcements.

Good thermal conductivity
Enables efficient heat dissipation in machining environments, reducing thermal expansion and helping maintain accuracy during continuous operations.

Good machinability
Grey iron offers easy and precise machining for guideways, T-slots, and mounting surfaces with excellent surface finishes and minimal tool wear.

Production Process
1. Pattern Design and Manufacturing

3D models are created based on customer drawings, considering shrinkage and machining allowance.
Patterns are CNC-machined from wood, aluminum, or resin, depending on accuracy and production volume. Wood is used for small batches, aluminum for durability, and resin for complex, high-precision parts.
2. Molding

Green sand molding is used for standard shapes and high-volume production, offering good economy and speed. Resin sand molding is selected for complex geometries or tighter tolerance needs.
Cores are made when internal passages are required. Core shooting machines produce sand cores using cold-box or hot-box technology, which are then precisely placed into the mold before pouring.
3. Melting and Pouring

Grey iron is melted in a medium-frequency induction furnace. The raw material mix typically includes pig iron, scrap steel, and recycled castings to ensure stable composition.
Molten iron is poured into the prepared molds at controlled temperatures, usually between 1350°C and 1450°C, to ensure smooth flow, complete filling, and minimal casting defects.
6. Machining (if required)

CNC machining is applied to critical surfaces to achieve required tolerances and finishes. This includes milling, turning, and surface grinding as needed.
Holes are drilled and threads are tapped according to drawing specifications. Additional treatments such as deburring or surface coating may also be performed upon request.
5. Cleaning and Fettling

Castings are cleaned by shot blasting to remove sand residue, scale, and oxides, revealing the metal surface underneath.
Fettling involves removing gating systems, risers, and any excess material using cutting tools or grinders. Care is taken not to affect dimensional accuracy.
4. Cooling and Shakeout

Castings are cooled in the mold under controlled conditions to minimize internal stress and distortion. Cooling time varies depending on part size and wall thickness.
After cooling, molds are broken apart and the castings are removed. The sand is separated and recycled for use in future molds.
1. Pattern Design and Manufacturing

3D models are created based on customer drawings, considering shrinkage and machining allowance.
Patterns are CNC-machined from wood, aluminum, or resin, depending on accuracy and production volume. Wood is used for small batches, aluminum for durability, and resin for complex, high-precision parts.
2. Molding

Green sand molding is used for standard shapes and high-volume production, offering good economy and speed. Resin sand molding is selected for complex geometries or tighter tolerance needs.
Cores are made when internal passages are required. Core shooting machines produce sand cores using cold-box or hot-box technology, which are then precisely placed into the mold before pouring.
3. Melting and Pouring

Grey iron is melted in a medium-frequency induction furnace. The raw material mix typically includes pig iron, scrap steel, and recycled castings to ensure stable composition.
Molten iron is poured into the prepared molds at controlled temperatures, usually between 1350°C and 1450°C, to ensure smooth flow, complete filling, and minimal casting defects.
6. Machining (if required)

CNC machining is applied to critical surfaces to achieve required tolerances and finishes. This includes milling, turning, and surface grinding as needed.
Holes are drilled and threads are tapped according to drawing specifications. Additional treatments such as deburring or surface coating may also be performed upon request.
5. Cleaning and Fettling

Castings are cleaned by shot blasting to remove sand residue, scale, and oxides, revealing the metal surface underneath.
Fettling involves removing gating systems, risers, and any excess material using cutting tools or grinders. Care is taken not to affect dimensional accuracy.
4. Cooling and Shakeout

Castings are cooled in the mold under controlled conditions to minimize internal stress and distortion. Cooling time varies depending on part size and wall thickness.
After cooling, molds are broken apart and the castings are removed. The sand is separated and recycled for use in future molds.
Quality Control

Quality Inspection

Chemical Composition Testing
Spectrometer analysis is conducted on every melt to ensure that the iron composition meets standards such as EN1561 or ASTM A48.

Mechanical Property Testing
Sample bars are tested for tensile strength, hardness, and microstructure to confirm the required material properties.

Dimensional Inspection
Each casting is checked with calipers, gauges, or CMM to ensure it meets dimensional tolerances per drawings.

Surface Defect Inspection
Visual checks are performed on all castings. Magnetic particle inspection or dye penetrant testing is conducted when required to detect cracks or surface defects.

Pressure Testing
For pressure-rated valves, castings undergo hydrostatic or air pressure testing to ensure leak-tight performance under working conditions.

QC
QC
QC
Packing and Delivery

Rust Protection Treatment
Before packaging, all castings undergo anti-rust treatment to ensure corrosion resistance during transportation and storage. Common treatments include applying anti-corrosion oil or a water-based rust inhibitor, especially for machined surfaces and critical contact areas.

Secure and Export-Ready Packaging
Each product is carefully packed in fumigation-free wooden crates or reinforced wooden pallets to ensure safety during handling and long-distance shipping. The packaging is compliant with international export standards (ISPM-15) and suitable for sea, air, or land transport.

  • Heavy or large parts are secured with steel straps and foam pads to prevent shifting or collision.

  • Small and medium-sized castings are individually wrapped and separated with protective padding to avoid surface damage.

  • If required, desiccant or shrink film is added inside the packaging to control moisture.

Customized Labeling and Marking
We provide customized labels, barcodes, and product markings based on customer requirements. Typical markings include:

  • Part number and revision code

  • Purchase order number

  • Heat number or batch number for full traceability

  • Customer logo or destination tags (if needed)

Lead Time
Standard lead time is 45 to 55 working days, depending on:

  • Order quantity

  • Whether machining or special testing is required

  • Pattern availability and casting complexity

Urgent delivery requests or phased shipments can be arranged upon agreement.

Packing
Packing