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Cast Iron•Gray Cast Iron•
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ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron

Primary Designation:ASTM A48 Class 30
Aliases:
Class 30 Gray IronSAE G3000 Brake Rotor IronGrade 30 Gray Cast Iron

Mat Grades internal verification confirms source-backed fidelity and data integrity. It does not constitute external certification or guaranteed lot conformity. Read engineering disclaimer →

Data Completeness:6 composition elements and 9 condition-specific property values cataloged.
Omitted fields represent unverified properties. "Missing is better than invented."

Key Engineering Properties

Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.

Density
7.2 g/cm³TYPICAL · temperature not stated
Thermal Conductivity
48 W/(m·K)TYPICAL · at 20 °C
Specific Heat Capacity
480 J/(kg·K)TYPICAL · temperature not stated
Composition Excerpt
C 3.1–3.4 wt%Carbon (range)
Standard Elemental Basis: RANGE

Engineering Summary

ASTM A48 Class 30 is the global reference standard for general-purpose engineering gray cast iron. Engineered with a predominantly pearlitic matrix containing finely dispersed Type A graphite flakes, it provides an outstanding combination of moderate tensile strength (min 30 ksi / 207 MPa), high compressive strength (~750 MPa), exceptional vibration damping, resistance to frictional wear, and dimensional stability. It is the premier alloy for engine cylinder blocks, machine tool structures, and automotive brake discs.

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Documented Applications

  • ›Automotive ventilated brake rotors, discs, and heavy brake drums
  • ›Internal combustion engine cylinder blocks, liners, and crankcases
  • ›Machine tool structural frames, beds, ways, columns, and tables
  • ›Compressor cylinders, gear housings, and heavy industrial pump bodies
  • ›Flywheels, sheaves, bearing housings, and valve components

Recognized Aliases

Source-backed commercial trade name and short designations cataloged in canonical data.

Class 30 Gray IronSAE G3000 Brake Rotor IronGrade 30 Gray Cast Iron

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Specifications & Designations

Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications — Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.

Direct Standard DesignationsDIRECT DESIGNATION
3 Primary Identifiers
Scroll horizontally for full designation data
SystemIdentifierStandard System NameClassification Notes & Provenance
ASTMPRIMARYA48 Class 30ASTM International—Ref: Standard Specifications for Gray and Ductile Cast Iron (ASTM A48/A48M, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, ASM Handbook Vol 1)
UNSF12101Unified Numbering System—Ref: Standard Specifications for Gray and Ductile Cast Iron (ASTM A48/A48M, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, ASM Handbook Vol 1)
SAEJ431 G3000SAE International—Ref: Standard Specifications for Gray and Ductile Cast Iron (ASTM A48/A48M, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, ASM Handbook Vol 1)
Recognized Commercial Aliases & Trade NamesCOMMON ALIAS
3 Listed
Scroll horizontally for full alias classifications
Recognized Name / AliasClassificationTechnical Usage & Context
Class 30 Gray IronCommercial AliasColloquial or commercial industry synonym
SAE G3000 Brake Rotor IronCommercial AliasColloquial or commercial industry synonym
Grade 30 Gray Cast IronColloquial AliasColloquial or commercial industry synonym
Applicable Specifications & Product Form ReferencesSPECIFICATION REFERENCE
3 Applicable Standards
Scroll horizontally for full standard specifications
Standards BodySpecification CodeSpecification Title / ScopeRelationship Type
ASTMASTM A48 / A48MStandard Specification for Gray Iron CastingsSpecification Reference
SAESAE J431Automotive Gray Iron Castings (Grade G3000)Specification Reference
ISOISO 185Grey cast irons — ClassificationSpecification Reference
Engineering Notice: Applicable specifications establish manufacturing requirements, dimensional tolerances, and test criteria for specific product forms (e.g. bus bar, wire, plate, pipe). They represent applicable technical standards, not alternative or equivalent alloy grades.

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Chemical Composition

Chemical Composition (Weight %) — Elemental limits and values from the cited source. Preserves exact semantic limits (minimums, maximums, and ranges).

Scroll horizontally for full elemental limits
ElementSymbolAtomic No.Semantic BasisSpecified ValueUnitMetallurgical Notes & QualificationData Status
CarbonC0RANGE3.10 – 3.40wt%Carbon adjusted for fully pearlitic matrix in standard section sizes.Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
SiliconSi0RANGE1.90 – 2.30wt%Controls graphitization without promoting free ferrite.Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
ManganeseMn0RANGE0.60 – 0.90wt%Stabilizes pearlite matrix structure.Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
PhosphorusP0MAXIMUM≤ 0.12wt%Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
SulfurS0MAXIMUM≤ 0.15wt%Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
IronFe0REMAINDERRemainderwt%Ref: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
* Elemental percentages are expressed in weight percent (wt%). Values represent applicable specification limits. Unspecified trace elements are not fabricated or assumed.Preserves exact semantic basis
Property Display UnitsSwitch between Canonical SI and Source / US Customary units:

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Physical Properties

Source-specific physical properties. Test temperatures are shown only where reported.

1 Parameters
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
Property ParameterCanonical SI ValueSemantic BasisTest Temperature / Context RangeSource Raw ReferenceSource ReferenceStatus
Density7.2 g/cm³TYPICAL7.2 g/cm³ASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesVERIFIED

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Thermal & Thermodynamic Properties

Phase change temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, mean coefficients of thermal expansion across standardized temperature ranges, and recommended thermal processing windows.

3 Parameters
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
Property ParameterCanonical SI ValueSemantic BasisTest Temperature / Context RangeSource Raw ReferenceSource ReferenceStatus
Thermal Conductivity48 W/(m·K)TYPICALTest Temp: 20 °C48 W/(m·K)ASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
Specific Heat Capacity480 J/(kg·K)TYPICAL480 J/(kg·K)ASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesVERIFIED
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion11 µm/(m·K)TYPICAL11 µm/(m·K)ASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesVERIFIED

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Electrical Properties

Electrical conductivity and resistivity in their reported units and conditions.

1 Parameters
Scroll horizontally for full property parameters
Property ParameterCanonical SI ValueSemantic BasisTest Temperature / Context RangeSource Raw ReferenceSource ReferenceStatus
Electrical Resistivity680 nΩ·mTYPICAL680 nΩ·mASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesVERIFIED

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Mechanical Properties

Contextual Mechanical Properties & Tempers: Engineering strength, ductility, and hardness values grouped by product form, temper, and section thickness. Mechanical properties are contextual and not isotropic averages.

Elastic & Baseline Mechanical ConstantsSource-specific measurement conditions
Poisson Ratio
0.26 dimensionless
Showing 3 of 3 conditions
Scroll horizontally for all conditions & tempers
Product FormTemper / ConditionSection SizeTensile (UTS)Yield StrengthElongationShear StrengthFatigue StrengthHardness (Scales Preserved)Status
Standard Product FormAs-Cast
Source values and qualifiers
Ultimate Tensile Strength: ≥ 207 MPa (MINIMUM)Governing specification minimum per ASTM A48 Class 30 (30 ksi = 207 MPa). Gray iron exhibits non-linear stress-strain behavior with no yield point.ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical Committees — ASTM A48, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, ASM Handbook Vol 1
30.5 mm (1.2 in.) diameter Test Bar B≥ 207 MPa—————VERIFIED
Standard Product FormAs-Cast
Source values and qualifiers
———————VERIFIED
Standard Product FormAs-Cast
Source values and qualifiers
——————
175–225 HBW
VERIFIED
Hardness Integrity Notice: Rockwell B (HRB), Rockwell F (HRF), and Superficial 30T (HR30T) scales are reported on their measured scales without cross-scale mathematical conversion.
Source: See fact-level citations

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Processing & Fabrication

Machining, joining, forming, and thermal processing ratings cataloged from the cited authoritative technical reference.

Source: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical Committees

Machinability

Excellent machinability (~90% relative to C36000 free-cutting brass). Flake graphite acts as internal lubricant and natural chip breaker. Readily turned, milled, and drilled without burr formation.

Weldability & Joining

Poor weldability. Arc welding produces brittle martensitic heat-affected zones and crack risks. Recommended repair procedure requires 250°C–350°C (480°F–660°F) preheat, nickel-iron (ENiFe-CI) electrodes, short beads with peening, and slow insulation cooling.

Heat Treatment & Working Ranges

Stress relief annealing at 540°C–595°C (1000°F–1100°F) for 1–2 hours eliminates residual casting stresses and prevents distortion. Flame or induction surface hardening can achieve 50–55 HRC on slideways.

Forming & Cold Working

Non-deformable. Gray cast iron is inherently brittle in tension and cannot be cold or hot deformed.

ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron Equivalent & Comparable Grades

Comparable Grades & Cross-References: Carefully classified cross-reference relationships for ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron. Comparable does not mean equivalent.

Scroll horizontally for relationship classifications & comparisons
Related MaterialFamilyRelationship ClassificationMetallurgical Notes & DifferencesStatusAction
ASTM A536 Grade 65-45-12 Ductile Cast IronCast IronCommonly ComparedFundamental cast iron selection comparison: Class 30 Gray Iron provides 3x higher vibration damping, superior thermal conductivity (48 vs 35 W/(m·K)), and lower casting cost, but 65-45-12 Ductile Iron provides true tensile ductility (12% elongation), specified yield strength (310 MPa), and high impact shock resistance.Materials serve different design priorities (e.g. higher strength vs superior corrosion resistance or cost).VERIFIEDSide-by-Side Compare →
EN-GJL-200 Gray Cast IronCast IronApproximate EquivalentEN-GJL-200 specifies min 200 MPa tensile strength on 15–30 mm wall thickness, closely approximating ASTM A48 Class 30 (min 207 MPa on 30.5 mm Test Bar B). However, EN 1561 incorporates mandatory wall-thickness derating tables not present in ASTM A48.Engineering substitution review required. Design calculations must verify temper, formability, and corrosion limits before specifying as a direct replacement.VERIFIEDSide-by-Side Compare →
SAE 1018 Carbon SteelSteelCommonly ComparedClass 30 Gray Iron offers net-shape casting capability, superior vibration damping, higher compressive strength (~750 vs ~400 MPa), and better machinability for heavy machine bases, whereas SAE 1018 steel provides high tensile elongation (~25%), yield strength, and structural weldability.Materials serve different design priorities (e.g. higher strength vs superior corrosion resistance or cost).VERIFIEDSide-by-Side Compare →

Related Engineering & Metallurgy Guides

Contextual technical guides explaining degradation mechanisms, testing methodologies, and selection criteria relevant to ASTM A48 Class 30 Gray Cast Iron.

Corrosion & Surface Engineering15 min read

How to Remove Rust From Cast Iron: Methods, Science & Prevention

Cast iron is an indispensable alloy family renowned for superior vibration damping and castability, but its iron matrix and carbon microstructure make it susceptible to atmospheric rust. Restoring rusted cast iron requires understanding how mechanical and chemical methods interact with the underlying metal.

Author: MatGrades Materials Engineering GroupRead Guide →

Sources

Sources & Provenance Trail: Authoritative reference publications, standards specifications, and data registers cited across this material record.

ASTM International, CEN & ISO Technical CommitteesStandard Specifications for Gray and Ductile Cast Iron (ASTM A48/A48M, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, ASM Handbook Vol 1)
STANDARDS ORG

Authoritative foundry data harmonized across ASTM A48, ASTM A536, EN 1561, EN 1563, ISO 185, ISO 1083, SAE J431, SAE J434, and ASM International Handbook Volume 1 (Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys).

Issuing Body: ASTM International, CEN, ISO & ASM International Standards Technical CommitteesRevision: ASTM A48/A48M-22 / ASTM A536-84(2024) / EN 1561:2020 / EN 1563:2018 / ISO 185:2020 / ISO 1083:2018View Source Record ↗
Intellectual Property & Provenance Notice: Mat Grades cites technical literature from recognized industry associations and standards organizations. Underlying technical standards and publication data remain the intellectual property of their respective issuing organizations.