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Gray iron is a type of cast iron characterized by the presence of graphite flakes, which give its fracture surface a dull gray appearance. Typically containing over 2 percent silicon, gray iron's carbon exists as graphite embedded in a matrix of ferrite and pearlite.12

While the graphite flakes reduce its strength and malleability, making it unsuitable for applications requiring shock resistance, gray iron is easily machined and possesses high vibration-damping capacity. These properties make it ideal for components like engine cylinder blocks, domestic stoves, and frames for machinery such as lathes. Gray iron is produced by melting pig iron, scrap, and ferroalloys, often in a cupola furnace.2

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