The ADI Microstructure

Ductile Cast Iron undergoes a remarkable transformation when subjected to the austempering heat process. A new microstructure (ADI) results with capability superior to many traditional, high performance, ferrous and aluminium alloys.

To optimise ADI properties for a particular application the austempering parameters must be carefully selected and controlled. Castings are first austenitised to dissolve carbon, then quenched rapidly to the austempering temperature to avoid the formation of deleterious pearlite or martensite.

While the casting is held at the austempering temperature nucleation and growth of acicular ferrite occurs, accompanied by rejection of carbon into the austenite. The resulting microstructure, known as "Ausferrite", gives ADI its special attributes. Ausferrite exhibits twice the strength for a given level of ductility compared to the pearlitic, ferritic or martensitic structures formed by conventional heat treatments.

Because the carbon rich austenite phase is stable in Austempered Ductile Iron it enhances the bulk properties. Furthermore, while the austenite is thermodynamically stable, it can undergo a strain-induced transformation when locally stressed, producing islands of hard martensite that enhance wear properties. This behaviour contrasts with that of the metastable austenite retained in steels, which can transform to brittle martensite.