Cast iron is similar to steel but contains an excess of carbon in the form of graphite. Compared with steel, cast iron offers several advantages. For instance, the presence of graphite means that its density is 10% less and a given part in cast iron is lighter than one made of steel. In addition, and thanks to the graphite, cast iron attenuates vibrations far better than steel does.
Cast iron in concast format is advantageous for reaping the benefits offered by cast iron for smaller part series for which casting to shape is not motivated. In hydraulic systems, concast iron finds use in components for cylinders and pumps as well as for manifold blocks.