Cast steel is a ferrous alloy with a maximum carbon content of approximately 0.75%. Steel castings are solid metal objects produced by filling the void within a mold with liquid steel. They are available in many of the same carbon and alloy steels that can be produced as wrought metals. Mechanical properties for cast steel are generally lower than wrought steels, but with the same chemical composition. Cast steel compensates for this disadvantage with its ability to form complex shapes in fewer steps.
Cast steels can be produced with a wide range of properties. The physical properties of cast steel change significantly depending on chemical composition and heat treatment. They are selected to match performance requirements of the intended application.
Alloyed cast steel is categorized as either low- or high-alloy. Low-alloy cast steel (≤ 8% alloy content) behaves similarly to normal carbon steel, but with higher hardenability. High-alloy cast steel (> 8% alloy content) is designed to produce a specific property, such as corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or wear resistance.