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Decoding Manhole Covers: Ductile Iron vs. Cast Iron

Selection of manhole covers may sound unimportant but with the wrong material things can go wrong in so many ways. The right choice depends on factors such as application area, budget and other more considerations.
However, among several materials available for a manhole cover two options are quite popular. They are ductile iron and cast iron. If you are contemplating to decide which one of them stands supreme then this breakdown will help you out.
In this blog, we compare the two manhole cover material options by learning about their distinct characteristics and perks. Let’s explore them, shall we?

manhole cover

Cast Iron (CI) Made Manhole Covers

Cast iron is a material that has been tried and tested for over centuries and has been a staple choice in constructions and other industrial projects. Although a conventional choice, they come with impressive properties that makes them a popular material choice for manhole covers even today.

Traditional Meets Reliability

Cast iron material is known for standing the test of time. This means manhole covers made from it have been used on streets for generations. Despite being age-old material, they are durable and reliable. They are mostly used in less traffic areas and lower load bearing premises.

Cost-effective

Staying within the budget is important for successful completion of projects. Choosing a cast iron manhole cover option helps road infrastructure projects to be cost-effective.
Compared to other material choices, cast iron is economical. Because of their simpler manufacturing process, the production costs are cut down, which earns them reasonable pricing.

Ductile Iron (DI) Manhole Covers

Unlike cast iron, ductile iron is a relatively modern-day material. With the new and improved technology, ductile iron taps in the power and strength of an iron with the flexibility of a rubber.
Ductile iron is made of trace amounts of magnesium with molten iron. This combination gives this material an alternated microstructure making them exceptionally robust and ductile.

Delivers Strength Where It Matters

Ductile iron made manhole covers deliver impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This ensures that they are able to withstand heavy loads of vehicles. The covers won’t suffer from cracks or breakage or any other impact damage.

Resistance Against Corrosion

Manhole covers are exposed to harsh conditions. Not just heavy load, but also other impacts such as foot traffic or rain, snow, heat, etc. While a simple iron-made cover might be rusted or corroded leading to their disintegration, ductile iron stands tall.
The corrosion resistance of manhole cover DI makes them a safe choice for environments where moisture or chemicals abound. For example, sewage systems or water treatment plants.

The Final Verdict — Cast Iron or Ductile Iron Manhole Covers

So, which manhole cover stands supreme? The answer might not be direct; instead the right choice depends on the specific needs for an application area.
Opt for cast iron when –
  • Budget limitations are a deciding factor.
  • Light traffic and load bearing.
  • Traditional and aesthetic appeal are demanded.
Whereas, opt for ductile iron when —
  • Heavy-traffic and high-load bearing capacity application area.
  • Resistance to corrosion and harsh environmental impact is paramount.
  • Need for longevity and limited maintenance work.
So, what’s your pick? Be sure to make the decision to go with a trusted manhole covers supplier to ensure quality of products no matter your choice. Dutco Tennant LLC is a name you can consider if you’re looking for manhole covers for projects in the Middle East and GCC regions.
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Location: Middle East

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