Continuous cast iron, like Dura-Bar®, is engineered to eliminate the sandy, porous defects of traditional sand castings, resulting in a dense, fine-grained structure that guarantees zero internal flaws. It is prized for its superior machinability—where natural graphite flakes act as chip breakers and lubricants—allowing for higher feed rates and extended tool life compared to steel. With grades ranging from gray iron (excellent vibration damping) to ductile iron (impact-resistant and flexible), continuous cast iron is the defect-free standard for rapidly producing critical, high-wear components.

Learn More About Cast Iron

Thinking about using Dura-Bar® for your next project? It isn't just "cast iron"—it's continuous cast iron, a process that eliminates the sandy, porous defects of traditional sand castings. To help you utilize this material, here are five important factors regarding Dura-Bar®:

1. Superior Machinability Dura-Bar® is engineered to machine faster and cleaner than steel or sand-cast iron. The graphite flakes in the microstructure act as a natural chip breaker and lubricant, allowing for higher feed rates and extended tool life.

2. Gray Iron vs. Ductile Iron

• Gray Iron (G2): Excellent vibration damping and compressive strength; ideal for machine bases and flywheels.
• Ductile Iron (65-45-12): Contains nodular graphite, making it flexible and impact-resistant; ideal for gears and hydraulic components.

3. Zero Defects Traditional sand casting often hides air pockets or sand inclusions that ruin a part halfway through machining. Dura-Bar® is continuous cast, ensuring a dense, fine-grained structure that is free from internal porosity.

5. Vibration Damping Iron has a unique ability to absorb vibration. This makes it the material of choice for machine tool spindles, engine mounts, and audio equipment stands where stability and silence are paramount

Some common uses for Dura-Bar®:

• Hydraulic manifolds and cylinders
• Gears and bushings
• Pulleys and sheaves
• Machine tool bases
• Glass molds
• Automotive rotors

How Online Metals Can Help You Online Metals makes it easy to find exactly what materials you need. With the widest selection of Dura-Bar® round and square bar in the U.S., we deliver both to businesses and homes with no minimum orders. We offer high-tolerance custom cuts, all supported by our first-in-class customer support, fast order processing, and economical on-time delivery.