The Austempering Processes

Carbidic Austempered Ductile Iron (CADI)

CADI is a new treatment that uses a matrix of ausferrite and carbides to add strength and wear resistance to ductile iron parts.

The result is a premium, engineered iron with longer life, and more wear-resistant than Grade 5 ADI. Typical applications for CADI will be off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, railroad car and track, construction and mining, general industrial, material handling, and ground engaging components.

 
Carbidic Austempered Ductile Iron (CADI) is produced by austempering ductile iron that has a controlled volume of carbides present for an even greater abrasion resistant material. The resulting microstructure consists of carbides within an ADI matrix (ausferrite).  The amount of carbide in CADI is dependent upon the desired abrasion resistance with typical ranges of 10-30% carbide present.  The properties of the ADI matrix surrounding the carbide are determined by the selection of the heat treatment parameters.  

CADI is utilized where abrasion (wear) resistance is of primary concern.  It is more wear resistant than Grade 1600 (GR 5) ADI, less expensive and tougher than many abrasion resistant irons and can replace Mn steel at an equal or lower cost.  

Typical applications of CADI include:

  • Rasp Bars
  • Wear Plates
  • Plow Points
  • Digger Teeth
  • Tip Holders  
  • Pump Impellors
  • Thrashing Elements
  • Hammers
  • Internal Tines
  • Rollers