Table 1.

Ranges of chemical composition for DI casting [21].

Elements	Ferritic Grades (%)	Pearlitic Grades (%)	Functions	Remarks
C	3.00–4.00	3.00–4.00	Spheroidal constituent	Accumulation leads to graphite formation
Si	1.80–3.00	1.80–2.75	It functions as both graphitizer and ferritizer	It also leads to serious regulation of controls for as-cast pearlite
Mg	0.03–0.06	0.03–0.06	It serve as a spheroidizer	Excess encourages carbides
Ce	0.030 max	0.30 max	When combined with Mg, it promotes the formation of spheroids	Excess encourages carbides
S	0.015 max	0.015 max	Combines with Mg	Sulfur removal is critical
Mn	0.20 max	0.70 max *	Pearlite former	Excess encourages carbides
P	0.035 max	0.05 max	Embrittles structure	Stabilizer for pearlite
Cr	0.040 max	0.10 max	Very effective carbide former	Annealing is hindered
Cu	0.03 max	To specification	Strength and hardness	Pearlite stabilizer with high potency

NB *: Because of the effect on carbide formation, it is not recommended to exceed 0.3% Mn in pearlite grade.