Where Innovation Lives
The Penticton Foundry’s blog offers product updates, client success stories, news and tips. It’s a place where research and innovation come together to keep our customers informed.
News
High Chrome White Iron vs Cast Iron
on June 17, 2025This blog outlines the differences between high chrome white iron, ASTM A532 and cast gray iron, ASTM A48.
Experiment Comparing ASTM A532 and AR400 Plate
on April 29, 2025How does ASTM A532, high chrome white iron, stack up against AR400 in high wear applications? This experiment has the answer. Learn more here.
ASTM A436 Type 1 – Austenitic Gray Iron
on March 25, 2025This ASTM A436 Type 1 datasheet offers information on material advantages, physical and mechanical properties, as well as design benefits.
Ductile Iron ASTM A395 Grade 60-40-18 and Grade 65-45-15
on December 10, 2024A datasheet on ASTM A395 60-40-18 and ASTM A395 65-45-12. Information includes physical/mechanical properties, composition notes and applications.
Casting Design Development Process
on July 11, 2024How to ensure a successful collaboration between the customer, foundry and engineering firm in the casting design development process. Learn more here.
Sustainability at Penticton Foundry
on May 7, 2024Penticton Foundry is committed to being a model for sustainability, while still meeting the needs of our clients and community. Read our blog to find out more.
Chute Liner Success in a Canadian Mine
on February 28, 2024High chrome white iron chute liners outlast AR 400 steel plate by 6x in a Yukon mine. Read the success story to find out more.
Why People are Changing from Ni-Hard to High Chrome White Iron
on January 23, 2024This blog explores why people are changing from Ni-Hard to high chrome white iron for abrasion resistant applications. Learn more today.
ASTM A897 Grade 3 175-125-04 ISO 17804, EN-1564
on December 4, 2023This data sheet focuses on ASTM A897 Grade 3 175 – 125 – 04 austempered ductile iron. It offers notes on composition, physical/mechanical properties and applications.
Considerations When Selecting an Alloy or Material
on September 27, 2023Some tips to assist engineers in selecting an alloy or material for an application. Read our blog for more information.
Different Mill Liners and Alloys to Use
on June 7, 2023A list of different mill liners and the best alloys to maximize performance. Read our article to learn more.
Select the Best Alloy for Flue Gas Desulfurization
on April 5, 2023How to select the best alloy for the challenges associated with flue gas desulfurization. Read this article and learn more.
Penticton Foundry Milestones 2020-2022
on January 11, 2023In spite of the pandemic, Penticton Foundry has achieved several key milestones in the last 3 years leading to success throughout BC and North America.
Rapid Cross-Sectional Changes in Ductile Iron Castings
on November 15, 2022To maximize the performance of your ductile iron castings it is important to ensure that rapid cross-sectional changes are avoided. Read more here.
Chrome White Iron and Potash Mining
on September 6, 2022Using chrome white iron in the potash mining industry can address wear challenges, leading to increased uptime. Read this blog to find out more.
Re-shoring Chrome White Iron or Ductile Iron Castings
on July 12, 2022Mitigate the challenges of the recent supply chain crisis by re-shoring your castings. A guide for a smooth transition. Read this blog for more information.
Lower Sump Success Story
on May 25, 2022A chrome white iron liner package outperformed the former CCO solution by 5 years. Read our blog to learn more.
Heat Resistant Gray Iron ASTM A319
on April 12, 2022ASTM A319, is a heat resistant gray iron which has high temperature fatigue strength. Read our data sheet to find out more.
Wall Thickness in Chrome White Iron Castings
on January 18, 2022Consistent wall thickness is critical in ensuring the performance of chrome white iron castings. Read this blog to find out more.
Castings for Wind Power
on November 5, 2021Wind power castings, made from ductile iron, are a key component of wind turbines.
Gray Iron ASTM A48 Class 40
on September 14, 2021This gray iron data sheet focuses on A48 Class 40. Notes on physical and mechanical properties, as well as potential applications are included.
Gray Iron ASTM A48 Class 20
on July 13, 2021This data sheet focuses on gray iron ASTM A48 Class 20. It contains notes on composition, physical and mechanical properties, as well as potential applications.
Chrome White Iron, ASTM A532, in the Fracking Industry
on June 1, 2021There are some specific challenges in the hydraulic fracturing industry that chrome white iron, ASTM A532, can address. Read our blog to find out more.
Why It Makes Sense to Use Chrome White Iron in the Mining Industry
on March 31, 2021Using chrome white iron, ASTM A532, in the mining industry is a smart choice for solving wear challenges. Read our blog to learn more.
Ductile Iron ASTM A536 Grade 120-90-02
on February 2, 2021This data sheet focuses on ASTM A536 120 – 90 – 02 ductile iron. It offers notes on composition, applications, and physical and mechanical properties.
Ductile Iron Data Sheet ASTM A536 100 – 70 – 03
on November 24, 2020This data sheet focuses on ASTM A536 100–70–03 ductile iron, and offers notes on heat treatment, composition, physical and mechanical properties.
High Chrome White Iron Vs. Ceramic
on November 3, 2020Chrome white iron and ceramic have key differences when it comes to abrasion resistance, ease of machining and cost of purchase. Read our blog to find out more.
Innovation in Wear Technology
on August 25, 2020Penticton Foundry, in partnership with the National Research Council, offers a new wear sensor technology that’s a game changer. Read our blog to find out more.
The Benefits of Combining Chrome White Iron and Steel
on July 9, 2020A combination of chrome white iron, ASTM A532, and steel in piping applications can be a good idea. It increases wear life and helps meet piping codes
Chrome White Iron Outlasts Rubber 7 Times
on May 5, 2020A mine in British Columbia got 7 times the wear life by replacing their rubber-lined discharge nozzle with chrome white iron. Read this success story today.
Best ASTM A532 Alloy for Abrasive Wear – 25% Cr Vs. 15% Cr
on January 22, 2020What is the best chrome white iron, ASTM A532 alloy, for preventing corrosion? If you have a challenge because of abrasive wear, read this blog.
Tips for Recycling and Reusing Ductile Iron
on December 3, 2019One key benefit of iron production is that a foundry can melt down and reuse metal. Not only does this offer sustainability benefits, but significant cost savings.
Low Temperature Impact Resistant ASTM A536
on October 21, 2019This ASTM A536 data sheet focuses on low temperature, impact resistant ductile iron. It includes microstructure, mechanical property and application notes.
Wye Lateral ASTM A532
on August 7, 2019Wye laterals are used in a wide range of industries including the oil sands, mining, chemical processing, and waste management to transport liquids and slurries. Due to their caustic and/or abrasive composition, these materials can create substantial wear on parts, necessitating frequent replacement. The costs of replacement in both materials and downtime can be high.
Solid Solution Ductile Iron
on June 12, 2019Conventional ductile iron contains a mix of pearlite and ferrite in the matrix surrounding the nodules. This mix, depending on different cooling rates throughout the casting, can cause large ranges in mechanical properties like hardness.
30% Chrome White Iron Data Sheet
on April 18, 2019The 30% Cr alloy is designed for use in applications like flue-gas desulfurization (FGD). The higher Cr content makes this alloy especially useful when conditions of severe acid corrosion exist and when high Cl ion concentrations are present.
The Benefits of Using Chrome White Iron
on March 6, 2019Because of its unique microstructure, chrome white iron offers superior abrasion resistance over other alloys, including steel. But ASTM A532 also confers specific recycling, reusing and repairing advantages over rubber and ceramic products, resulting in a lower environmental impact and significant cost savings.
Penticton Foundry Milestones 2018/2019
on January 23, 2019Located in British Columbia, Canada, Penticton Foundry has become known for its game changing innovations in the use of ASTM A532, chrome white iron. Achieving this level of success requires constant dedication to furthering our expertise. It means investing in our people, processes and equipment, and ensuring that our customers’ expectations are exceeded every day.
Austempered Ductile Iron Case Study
on November 29, 2018A mine in British Columbia, Canada was looking for a material to replace manganese steel in their gyratory crusher liners. The mine required good wear properties, coupled with the ability to absorb great impact at low temperature.
Gray Iron ASTM A48 Class 30
on September 12, 2018ASTM A48 Class 30 (Related Standards – DIN GG20, BS 1452 Grade 220) is a gray cast iron. Gray iron consists of graphite flakes in a metallic matrix. When fractured, it is grayish in colour – hence the name (specifically, a fracture will follow along the graphite flakes which are gray). The low cost of production and attractive properties make gray iron one of the most commonly used ferrous alloys.
Why It Makes Sense to Use Chrome White Iron in the Oil Sands
on July 31, 2018Sometimes, you get a success story that helps illustrate why many companies are shifting to chrome white iron in abrasion applications. But what are the challenges that are specific to the Oil Sands, and what is it about chrome white iron that makes it so effective there?
How to Use the G65 Test
on June 12, 2018When materials are exposed to an abrasive environment, the media flow rubs against them, often leading to material loss over time. This can be mitigated by carefully choosing the correct material for abrasive areas.
The Myth of Chrome White Iron and Hardness
on May 8, 2018From “chrome white iron is brittle” to “you can’t machine ASTM A532,” you’ll often hear myths when it comes to chrome white iron. But the reality is that ASTM A532 outperforms steel, AR plate and weld overlay in many applications requiring abrasion resistance.
Ductile Iron – Heat Treating vs Alloying
on April 10, 2018When designing with ductile iron as an engineer you may notice that almost all ductile iron standards don’t specify a chemistry requirement. This is because the microstructure and mechanical properties can be achieved in different ways.
How to Heat Treat ASTM A532 – High Chrome White Iron
on January 16, 2018Why Use Chrome White Iron ASTM A532, or high chrome white iron, has superior abrasion resistance. It is particularly effective in machinery or equipment that experiences grinding, gouging abrasion or crushing.
Ductile Iron ASTM A536 Grade 60-40-18
on November 28, 2017ASTM A536 60-40-18 is a nodular Iron with a mostly ferritic microstructure and mechanical properties comparable to low alloy steels. Ductile iron 60-40-18 is one grade in a family of many. Chemistry requirements are not specified in the ASTM A536 standard. Chemistry and hardness listed in this spec would be typical for a Grade 60-40-18.
An Oil Sands Success Story with ASTM A532
on October 17, 2017High chrome white iron, or ASTM A532 has a number of myths attached to it, the least of which is that it is brittle. The superior wear resistance of chrome white iron to steel, or AR 400 plate, however, makes it a natural choice for applications requiring abrasion resistance. A recent success story in the Oil Sands illustrates this.
Foundry Checklist
on September 13, 2017In any business, relationships are key to success. The manufacturing industry is no different. This infographic offers tips to building a collaborative relationship with your foundry of choice. Doing so will help ensure that the casting process runs smoothly and that the part you receive meets your expectations.
The Differences Between Ni-Hard and Chrome White Iron
on August 16, 2017Ni-hard is also called ASTM A532 Class I Type A. This blog explores the differences between Ni-hard and ASTM A532 Class II and III in an easy-to-read chart form. Microstructure differences will be examined and application suggestions made.
The Myths of Chrome White Iron – Brittleness
on July 25, 2017There are a number of myths about chrome white iron. One of the most common is that high chrome white iron is too brittle for many applications.
Austenitic Ductile Iron ASTM A439 Grade D2 58-30-8
on June 14, 2017Austenitic ductile iron, also known as Ni-Resist, creates a stronger casting than ductile iron. Read our ASTM A439 Grade D2 58-30-8 data sheet.
Patternless 3D Printed Mould – A Success Story
on May 17, 2017Penticton Foundry solved a manufacturer’s delivery/supply chain issues. Read about how our patternless 3-D printed mould helped our client.
Top Five Design Mistakes in Ductile Iron Castings
on April 11, 2017Avoid these design mistakes when designing ductile iron castings. Maximize your ASTM A536 casting performance.
Chrome White Iron Apron Feed Liner – A Success Story
on March 15, 2017ASTM A532 high chrome white iron significantly outlasts AR plate. Read our apron feed liner success story.
Top 5 Design Mistakes in High Chrome White Iron Castings
on February 15, 2017Avoid these mistakes when designing chrome white iron castings. Maximize your ASTM A532 casting performance with these tips. Read our blog today.
Austempered Ductile Iron ASTM A897 Grade 1 130-90-09
on January 25, 2017Data sheet on austempered ductile iron ASTM A897 Grade 1 130–90–99. Get the facts on ADI today.
Why You Can’t Weld Chrome White Iron and What to Do About It
on January 10, 2017There are a number of reasons why you cannot weld chrome white iron. This blog offers some viable alternatives to welding ASTM A532.
Advantages of the Casting Process Compared to the Fabrication Process
on November 23, 2016The casting process offers a number of advantages over the custom metal fabrication process, including cost savings and better lead times.
High Chrome White Iron Nut Sleeve Outlasts Alloy Steel 6 Times
on October 20, 2016High chrome white iron, ASTM A532, offers superior abrasion resistance. Read about how high chrome white iron outlasted steel by a factor of 6 times.
Why Chrome White Iron Outperforms AR 400
on October 6, 2016High chrome white iron ASTM A532 outperforms AR 400 for many applications. Read our blog to get the microstructure and macrostructure notes today.
Understanding Chrome White Iron
on September 22, 2016Understanding the properties of high chrome white iron and its applications. Read our blog to find out more.
Understanding Ductile Iron
on August 24, 2016Understanding the properties of ductile iron and its applications. Read our blog today to find out more.
ASTM A532 Class 1 Type A VS. ASTM A532 Class II Type D
on August 10, 2016This chart, by Penticton Foundry, offers a comparison of two high chrome white irons, ASTM A532 Class I Type A and ASTM A532 Class II Type D.
Ductile Iron ASTM A536 Grade 80-55-06
on July 28, 2016Data sheet for ductile iron ASTM A536 grade 80 – 55 – 06. Related standards – SAE J434C D5506, ISO 1083 500-7. Read our spec sheet for composition, and other details.
Chrome White Iron Casting Outlasts CCO 20 Times
on June 29, 2016Chrome white iron liner created for a primary separation cell lower sump cone outlasts CCO by a factor of 20 times. Read our case study.
ASTM A532 Class I Type A
on June 15, 2016ASTM A532 Class I Type A or Ni-Hard 1 is an abrasion resistant high chrome white iron good for low or medium dynamic stresses. Read our data sheet today.
Ductile Iron Machining Advantages
on June 1, 2016Ductile iron has a number of machining advantages when compared to steel. Read our blog to learn about how ductile iron can outperform steel.
ASTM A532 Class II Type D Data Sheet
on May 17, 2016Data sheet for ASTM A532 Class II Type D high chrome white iron. Read about the toughness and abrasion resistance of this alloy.
Diamond 25 Chrome White Iron Data Sheet
on May 4, 2016Diamond 25 is a high chrome white iron. Read our data sheet on this ASTM A532 Class III Type A alloy.
Data Sheet ASTM A532 Class II Type B Chrome White Iron
on April 4, 2016ASTM A532 Class II Type B high chrome white iron is used in operating environments where abrasion and impact are the wear mechanisms.
Alloy Data Sheet – Tough 25 High Chrome White Iron
on March 10, 2016ASTM A532 Class III Type A data sheet on Tough 25 which is a high chrome white iron. Good for thicker section castings.
Chrome White Iron vs AR400 Plate
on February 24, 2016A local mine just witnessed a dramatic visual testimony as to the superior wear performance of chrome white iron versus AR400.
Ductile Iron Data Sheet ASTM A536 65-45-12
on February 10, 2016ASTM A536 65-45-12 is a nodular Iron with a ferritic and pearlitic microstructure and mechanical properties comparable to low alloy steels.
Alloy Data Sheet – Pliant25 High Chrome White Iron
on January 26, 2016Pliant25 is a unique high chrome white iron that has been perfected by Penticton Foundry.
Alloy Data Sheet – 25% High Chromium Alloy
on January 13, 2016The 25% Cr alloy is the most common high chrome white iron poured at Penticton Foundry.
The Advantages of High Chrome White Iron
on December 9, 2015There are a number of myths about high chrome white iron. Myths include the idea that high chrome white iron is not impact resistant, or that it can’t be machined.
Penticton Foundry Joins MARIOS
on November 18, 2015Penticton Foundry is pleased to announce that we have joined MARIOS (Materials and Reliability in Oil Sands).
Ductile Iron vs Steel
on November 5, 2015A comparison of ductile iron vs steel across a range of properties.
Chrome White Iron Liners
on October 14, 2015A collection of Penticton Foundry’s chrome white iron wear liners. Our proprietary process lets us machine chrome white iron. Read on to find out more.
Alloy Comparison Including Chrome White Iron
on September 24, 2015Penticton Foundry has created an alloy comparison chart that includes chrome white iron, ductile iron, ADI and gray iron.
Chrome White Iron Elbow Spool Saves Company Millions
on September 9, 2015A multinational oil and gas company approached Penticton Foundry to solve a wear problem with their 90° CCO spool which needed to be removed from service every 12 weeks (2000 hours) and weld repaired.
Impact Values of Ductile Iron for Design Engineers
on August 18, 2015What does tensile data say about the strength and ductility of ductile iron as opposed to cast steels?
Chrome White Iron Secondary Crusher Lock Nut Sleeve
on August 18, 2015An OEM crusher came with a steel lock nut. Unfortunately the lock nut had accelerated wear issues and was prohibitively expensive to replace.
High Chrome White Iron Manifold Discharge Spool
on July 24, 2015A local mine in British Columbia, Canada changed the opening of their discharge screens on their SAG mills.
Chrome White Iron Drain Spool Increases Wear Life 5 Times
on June 24, 2015A high chrome white iron drain spool liner was engineered to replace a CCO drain spool, increasing wear life by 5 times. Read our blog to find out more.
The Differences Between Ductile Iron and Gray Iron Castings
on June 18, 2015Ductile iron and gray iron are two different kinds of cast iron with specific applications. Read this post today to understand the differences.
Chrome White Iron and Steel Bi-Metallic Trunnion Discharge Liner
on May 13, 2015A customer had increased the size and volume of the media flowing in the fully autogenous milling circuit. This created some very specific challenges, particularly because the trunnion discharge liner, which had been made of rubber, was now lasting 6 weeks rather than the 1 ½ years it had previously. The customer approached us looking [more]
High Chrome White Iron Pump Casing Machined
on April 8, 2015One of the most common myths about high chrome white iron is that it cannot be machined.
Penticton Foundry Product Video
on September 22, 2012Some of the products we make at Penticton Foundry.
Bi Metallic Wye and Lateral Hydrotransport Spool Update
on September 22, 2012The Wyes and Laterals were recently inspected after twelve months operation.
Penticton Foundry Video Tour
on September 14, 2012Take a quick tour of Penticton Foundry with our video.
Penticton Foundry Milestones
on July 23, 2012In a continuing effort to maintain and improve upon our foundry process, Penticton Foundry has made many changes over the years.
7000 lb Chrome Elbow Being Poured
on April 14, 2012This is the 7000 lb solid chrome elbow that we produced for a mine in the Alberta Oil Sands being poured.
Standard 8 inch wear liners
on March 26, 2012
Standard 4 inch wear liners
on March 25, 2012
Standard 2 inch wear liners
on March 24, 2012
1 ½ inch wear liners
on March 23, 2012
Standard Chrome Iron Wear Liner Patterns – High Chrome White Iron
on March 22, 2012We have standard patterns available for wear liners.
Bi metallic piping replaces CCO 28″wye and lateral piping assemblies
on March 2, 2012A major Oil Sands facility replaced CCO 28″wye and lateral piping assemblies with bi metallic piping from Penticton Foundry.
7000 pound solid chrome iron elbow replaces CCO (chromium carbide overlayed) elbow
on March 1, 2012Penticton Foundry recently shipped a 60 degree solid chrome elbow to a mine in the Alberta Oil Sands.
Cast Hydraulic Fracking (Fracturing) Components cost less, last up to 6 times longer
on January 17, 2011Penticton Foundry supplies ASTM A532 chrome iron fracking components that outlast fabricated components
Chrome Iron Pump Box Spool Liner Inserts Solve Hydro Transport Wear Problem
on October 18, 2009An oil sands customer had a problem with extreme high wear on pump spools in the hydrotransport line for oil sands.
Cyclofeeder Wear Liner
on October 17, 2009An oil sand customer from Ft McMurray had a Cyclofeeder liner that required new wear liners.
Frac Pump Sand Slinger
on October 16, 2009One of our oil service companies used our Pliant 25 alloy to improve the wear life of their sand slingers.
CADI Feed Chute Liners
on August 6, 2009CADI feed chute liners on a usage trial at a large Canadian copper mine.
Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) Gear Segments
on August 5, 2009Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) gear segments used in the mining industry.
Balanced Machined Impellers
on August 4, 2009Balanced Machined Impellers at >600BHN in ASTM A532 CLIII Type A.
Trunnion Liner
on August 3, 2009A 5800 pound ASTM A532 CLIII Type A >650BHN fully machined casting made for a mine here in British Columbia.
White Iron Cyclone Used in Oil Sands
on July 30, 2009One customer’s success story. 17 times savings based on acquisition cast, running costs and expected life span!
