The National Standard of the People’s Republic of China
Spheroidal Graphite Iron castings
GB 1348-88
Substitute for GB1348-78
1. Forward
1.1 This standard applies to common and low alloy spheroidal graphite iron castings by using sand-
cast or casting mould with a heat conductivity equivalent to and cast (hereinafter referred to
ass spheroidal iron castings for short).
1.2 This standard can also be used for reference when the spheroidal iron castings arw made by
using special casting methods unless the special requirements are otherwise agrees upon by
both the buyer abd the suppler.
1.3 This standard is not applicable to spheroidal graphite iron pipings and continuous cast
spheroidal graphite iron castings.
2. Brand
The brands of the spheroidal iron should conform to the stipulations of GB5612-85
“denotation of cat iron brand”, and are classified into two categoroes, i.e. separate cast test bar and
attached test bar.
a. There are 8 brands based on their mechanical properties of separate cast test bar ,refer to
table 1 and table 2.
b. There are 5 brands of attached test bar based on their mechanical properties, refer to table 3
and table 4.
Table 1 Mechanical properties of separate cast test bar
Tensile strength Yield strength Elongation For reference
Brand Brinell hardness
Min. value Main metallurgical structure
HB
QT400-18 400(40.80) 250(25.50) 18 130~180 Ferritic
QT400-15 400(40.80) 250(25.50) 15 130~180 Ferritic
QT450-10 450(15.90) 310(31.60) 10 160~210 Ferritic
QT500-7 500(61.20) 320(32.65) 7 170~230 Ferritic+pearlite
QT600-3 600(61.20) 370(37.75) 3 190~270 Pearlite+ferritic
QT700-2 700(71.40) 420(42.85) 2 225~305 Pearlite
QT800-2 800(81.60) 480(48.98) 2 245~335 Pearlite or temper structure
QT900-2 900(91.80) 600(61.20) 2 280~360 Bainite or temper structure
Approved by national standard bureau Data: 1988-06-025
Implementation date: 1989-03-01
GB 1348-88
Table 2 Impact Value of V-notched samples of separate cast test bar
Min, impact value
Brand Room temperature Low temperature
Mean value of Individual Mean value of
Individual value
3 samples value 3 samples
QT 400-18 14(1.43) 11(1.12) — —
QT 400-18L — — 12(1.22) 9(0.92)
Note: letter “L” means the impact value of this brand at a low temperature.
Table 3 Mechanical properties of attached test bar
Elongatio
Tensile strength ób Yield strength ó0.2
n Fof refernce
Wall thickness N/mm2 (kgf/mm2) N/mm2(kgf/mm2)
%
Brand of casting
Main
mm Brinell
Min. value metallurgical
hardness
stmcture
QT400-18A >30~60 390(39.80) 250(25.50) 18 130~180 Ferritic
>60~200 370(37.75) 240(24.48) 12
QT400-15A >30~60 390(39.80) 250(25.50) 15 130~180 Ferritic
>60~200 370(37.75) 240(24.48) 12
QT500-7A >30~60 450(45.90) 300(30.60) 7 170~240 Ferritic +
>60~200 420(42.85) 290(29.60) 5 pearlite
QT600-3A >30~60 600(61.20) 360(36.70) 3 180~270 Pearlite +
>60~200 550(56.10) 340(34.70) 1 ferritc
QT700-2A >30~60 700(71.40) 400(40.80) 2 220~320 Pearlite
>60~200 650(66.30) 380(38.77) 1
Note: The last letter “A” of the brand means that the mechanical properties are tested on attached
test bars so as to distinguish them from those tested on separate cast test bars. In Table 1.
GB 1348-88
Table 4 Impact value of V-notched samples of Attached Cast Test Bar
Min. impact value ak J/cm2 (kgf∙m/cm2)
rand Wall thickness of Room temperature 23±5℃ Low temperature -20±2℃
casting piece
Mean value of Individual Mean value of
Individual value
three test samples value three test samples
> 30-60 14 (1.43) 11 (1.12) __ __
QT400-18A
>60-200 12 (1.22) 9 (0.92) __ __
>30-60 __ __ 12 (1.22) 9 (0.92)
QT400-18AL
>60-200 __ __ 10 (1.02) 7 (0.71)
3. Technical requirement
3.1 Production method \chemical composition & heat-treatment
The production method chemical composition & heating treatment technique for product
can be selected by supplier himself. But the supplier should guarantee the supplied spherical
graphite iron casting to reach the brand specified in the contract technical provisions or attain the
mechanical properties index specified in this standard.
For iron castings with special requirement of chemical composition and heat-treatment
method, the supply is to be agreed upon by the buyer and the supplier.
3.2 Mechanical performance
3.2.1 The tensile strength and elongation shall be used as basis of acceptance in checking the
mechanical performance of spherical graphic iron castings.
3.2.2 Impact test is applicable t only those brands of product specified in fig.2and fig.4. Only when
the buyer demands, can the impact value be taken as acceptance basis.
3.2.3 Any requirement for yield strength and hardness can be taken as acceptance basis when
agreed upon by the buyer and the supplier.
3.2.4 When testing the hardness as acceptance index, the testing shall be in accordance with
provisions of Appendix A.
3.2.5 When sampling on the main body of casting piece, the sampling as well as the performance
target to be reached shall be agreed upon by two parties.
3.3 Metallographic structure
The test of metallographic structure demanded by the buyer shall be in accordance with the
provisions for GB9441-88<<Metalllographic testing of spherical graphite iron casting>>. The
nodulizing grade should not be lower the grade 4. Its testing tomes and sampling position shall be
agreed upon by two parties
The nodulizing grade and matrix can be tested by means of nondestructive testing method.
In case of disputes, shall be used as final metallographic testing method.
3.4 Geometry of spherical graphite iron casting & its size tolerance
3.4.1 Spherical graphite iron casting & its size tolerance should conform to the specifications on
spherical iron casting drawings.
3.4.2 Size tolerance of spherical graphite iron castings should conform to the provisions for
GB6414-86《Size tolerance of castings》. Spherical size tolerances as per drawings or related
technical requirements.
3.5 Surface quality of spherical graphite iron casting
3.5.1 Adhering sand and fire-coat on surface of spherical graphite iron casting should be cleaned
thoroughly.
3.5.2 Deadhead 、 venthole 、 fleshiness 、 flash and burr in spherical graphite iron castings must be
removed including their deficient-root according to the specifications of the drawings.
3.5.3 The surface roughness of iron castings must be up to provisions of GB6060.1-85 《Casting
surface of test bar for surface roughness 》 , with the standard class agreed upon by two
parties.
3.6 Defect & repairing of spherical graphite iron casting
3.6.1 Some surface defects in machining surface of iron castings within the range of finishing
allowance are allowed. But such casting defects as cracks、casting lap、contraction cavities
and slug inclusions, etc, are not allowed which might affect the working performance of
casting-piece.
Permissible defects on non-process face of iron castings or inside iron castings must be
agreed upon by two parties.
3.6.2 Those defects which will not affect working performance of iron casting may be repaired( by
welding or other methods), the repair technology requirement is agreed upon by two parties.
4. Test method
4.1 Preparation of test bar
4.1.1 Separate casting test bar
The shape & size of test bar is to be agreed upon by two parties. (See Fig. 5 in sketch 1,
Fig.6 in sketch 2 and Drawing 3) Oblique hatch position in Drawing 1、2 is the position for taking
samples.
Separate casting test bar should be smelt together with the same batch of casting piece at a
later time of each ladle.
The coolant condition of test bar is the same as that of casting pieces. The temperature when
opening the mould case should not exceed 500℃.
If spheroidization treatment is done inside the pocket, the test bar can be poured along with
casting pieces into the mould impression which shares a common dead head with the castings.
Alternately, it can also be separately smelt in one cavity with a reaction chamber with the similar
process technique.
The test bar should be subject to heating treatment with casting piece in the same furnace if
required.
GB 1348-88
Fig. 5 Size of Type U separate casting test bar
Test bar Test bar size, mm Sand exhausting amount of
type U V X Y Z test bar
I 12.5 40 30 80
IIa 25 55 40 100 Min. value of Type I、IIa and
Determined 权 by the
IIb 25 90 40 100 IIb is 40mm.Min. value of
total length of samples
Ⅲ 50 90 60 150 Type Ⅲ andⅣ is 80mm.
Ⅳ 75 125 65 165
Notes: (1) “Y” size for reference only.
(2) Smaller size of Type I test bar in Type U separate casting test bar is generally
applied to thin wall piece.
Table 6 Size of Type Y separate casting test bar
Test bar Test bar size, mm Sand exhausting amount of
type U V X Y Z test bar
I 12.5 40 25 135
Determined by the Min. value of Type I and II is
II 25 55 40 140
total length of 40mm. Min. value of Type Ⅲ
Ⅲ 50 100 50 150
samples and Ⅳ is 80 mm.
Ⅳ 75 125 65 175
Notes: “Y” size is for reference only.
4.1.2 Attached casting test bar
The attached test bar is generally used when the quality of casting pieces is equal to or
exceeds 2000Kg and the wall thickness is within the range of 30-200mm. The shape and size of
attached test bar is shown in Fig. 7 of sketch 4.
The position of attached test bar on casting piece is to be agreed upon by two parties based
on such a principle that the working performance and appearance quality of casting pieces can not
be affected and the compactness of test bar ensured. This attached test bar should be chopped from
casting pieces after heating treatment.
GB1348-88
Fig. 7 Attached test bar
Size
Wall thickness of
b c
casting piece a h Lt
Min. value
>30-60 40 30 20 40 or 60 180
>60-200 70 52.5 35 70 or 105 180
Notes: (1) Under the special condition, Lt value in list can be decreased but no less than
125mm.
(2) Following formula should be used for smaller dimension of attached test bar.
4.2 Sample
4.2.1 The tensile sample is chopped on the hatch position of separate casting test bar or from the
main body of the casting.
4.2.2 The shape and size of tensile sample is shown in Fig.5.
Notes: (1) Clamping method for sample end and total length Lt can be agreed upon by two
parties.
(2) L0---- Initial measuring length (gauge length) L0=5d;
d----- Initial dia. of sample
Lc---- Parallel length Lc> Lo to be agreed upon by two parties
Lt---- Total length
Following formula can be used for other dia. samples due to technical reason.
Where： Lo——Initial gauge length of sample
或
So—— Initial section area of sample
d —— Initial dia. of sample
4.2.3 The shape and size of impacting samples can be seen in Fig. 6.
4.3 Mechanical performance test
4.3.1 Tensile test
The tensile test must be performed in accordance with the provisions of GB228-76 《Metal
tensile test method》.
4.3.2 Impact test
This impact test must be performed in the light of provisions of GB2106-80 《Metal charpy
(Type V-notched) impact test method》.
During test, the testing machine which is suitable for testing the performance of spherical
graphite iron casting can be selected.
4.3.3 Hardness test
Brinell hardness test must be performed according to the provisions of GB231-84 《 Metal
Brinell-hardness test method》. This hardness test on one or several positions of casting piece
or samples is to be agreed upon by two parties.
5. Test procedure
5.1 Partition of lots
5.1.1 Casting pieces smelt in the same iron ladle shall be taken as one lot.
5.1.2 The weight of casting pieces of each batch reaching about 2000kg shall be taken as one lot.
5.1.3 If the casting is heavier than 2000kg, it shall be taken as one single lot.
5.1.4 When continuously pouring casting pieces of the same brand in large amounts, those casting
poured within two hours shall be taken as on lot.
5.1.5 In addition to provision 5.1.1, Several lots can be combined into one group for acceptance
after agreed upon by two parties. In that case, any other continuous test methods such as
metallographic test, fracture test and flexural test etc, are used in the productive process to
ensure that such spheroidization can comply with requirements.
5.2 Test times & evaluation and rechecking of test results
5.2.1 While checking the tensile strength or impact value, first use a tensile sample or a group of
three impact samples to carry out test. If the test result conforms to requirements, then this lot
of casting piece is qualified. If not, the repetitive testing should be carried out for the same lot
by using double samples.
5.2.2 If, after performing repetitive testing , the result meets the requirements of the standard, then
this lot casting piece is qualified. If half of this double samples can’tmeet requirements, this
lot of casting pieces shall be deemed as unqualified products.
Another heating-treatment can be performed on these unqualified casting-pieces as a result of
an improper heating treatment. But repetition times of heat treatment should not exceed twice.
5.2.3 If the supplied casting piece as a cast condition is found unqualified in performance, the
supplier can carry out another testing by heat treating the casting and its representative test bar
after agreed upon by the buyer.
5.3 Test effectiveness
If the testing result not in accordance with the requirements is caused by one of the following causes and
not by the quality of the casting, then the treating shall be invalid.
a. Improper loading or clamping of samples on test machine or improper operation of the test
machine.
b. Casting defects on the samples or improper cutting of samples.
c. Tensile sample is broken outside the gauge length.
d. Casting defects on fracture after samples are subject to tensioning or impacting.
5.4 Checking of casting
5.4.1 Visually check the surface and appearance of castings one by one or in a curtailed way.
5.4.2 For the first lot of castings and important ones, their size and geometry shall be inspected one
by one to the specification of the drawing. Common castings and the castings produced in a
way that can guarantee size steadiness may be checked in a curtailed way, the method of
such checks shall be agreed upon by two parties.
6. Mark & Certificate of quality
6.1 Manufacturer name must be marked on these castings.
6.2 The position and size of the mark and marking method shall be agreed upon by two parties.
Care must be taken to prevent damaging the quality of castings.
6.3 The certificate of quality signed and sealed by quality control department should be attached
with the casting for dispatch. The certificate shall include the following:
a. Manufacturer name or factory mark
b. Part No. or Contract No.
c. Material brand
d. Various testing results
e. Standard code
7. Package & Storage
7.1 The castings after being tested and found qualified should be packed and stored properly.
7.2 For long-term transportation of the castings, the castings should be properly packed and
transported according to transportation regulations when agreed upon by two parties.
Appendix A
Hardness of spheroidal graphite iron casting
(Additional)
A1 Hardness brand
In special cases ,it is allowed to specify the hardness brand of spheroidal graphite iron casting
according to the hardness value measured on the main body of the casting as long as both the buyer
and the supplier agree. In this appendix ,there are 8 brand s based on different hardness of castings,
refer to Table A1.
Table A1 hardness of spheroidal graphite iron casting
For reference
Hardness Hardness Main metallographic Tensile
Yield strength Elongation
brand HB structure strength
Main. Value
QT-H330 280-360 Bainite or temper marten site 900(91.80) 600(61.20) 2
QT-H300 245-335 Pearlite or temper structure 800(81.60) 48(48.96) 2
QT-H265 225-305 Pearlite 700(71.40) 420(42.84) 2
QT-H230 190-270 Pearlite + fettitic 600(61.0) 370(37.74) 3
QT-H200 170-230 Ferritic +peatlite 500(51.00) 320(32.64) 7
QT-H185 160-210 Ferritic 450(45.90) 310(31.60) 10
QT-H155 130-180 Ferritic 400(40.80) 250(25.50) 15
QT-H150 130-180 Ferritic 400(40.80) 250(25.50) 15
A2 Technical requirement
A2.1 Hardness
Hardness of each lost should be checked. Meanwhile, their metallogtaphic structure should
also be inspected.
A2.2 Metallographic structure
The metallogtaphic structure should conform to the regulations in GB9441. In general, the
nodularization grade should not be lower than grade 4. the testing times and sampling
requirement should agreed upon by both the buyer and the supplier.
The nodularization grade and matrix can be inspected by means of non-destructive testing. In
case of dispute, metalloscopoe test shall be used for ad judiction.
A3 Testing method
A3.1 Hardness testing can be performed according to the requirement of rGB231.
A3.2 In case that it is impossible to inspect hardness on the main body of the casting g, the hardness
may be tested on the attached casting test piece if agreed upon by both the buyer and the
supplier. The hardness test piece is shown in Fig A.
A3.3 The location of the hardness test piece may be determined through agreement between the buyer
and the supplier, but should not affect the working performance of the casting.
A3.4 Hardness testing should be performed on the surface adjoining the casting.
A3.5 When heat treatment is needed; the test piece should be taken from the casting after heat treatment.
A4 Partition of lots and testing times
The lot number should conform to the regulation of testing for each lot are to be determined
through agreement between the two parties.
A5 Repeated test
Repeated test should be performed according to the regulations in 5.2.2 and 5.2.3.
Additional description:
This standard is put forward ny China National Committee of Machinery Industry. The
competent department of this standard is Shengyang.
Research Institute of Foundry.
This standard is made out by Shengyang Research Institute of Foundry, Qinghua University,
Wuxi Research Institute of Spheroidal Graphite. Iron etc.
The main draftsmen of this standard are Liang Guiyun, Liu Baicheng and Pan Cunxing
