BS1452 Grade 260 Cast Iron: Properties, Equivalents, and Applications 

BS1452 Grade 260 is a medium-strength grey cast iron renowned for its exceptional balance of performance, machinability, and value. Specified under the British Standard, this material delivers reliable mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of engineering applications. Its defining characteristic is a graphite flake microstructure, which provides superior vibration damping, wear resistance, and cost-effective manufacturing. 

As a leading BS1452 Cast Iron supplier in the UAE, Nifty Alloys LLC provides certified Grade 260 cast iron to meet the exacting demands of industrial manufacturing, automotive engineering, and machinery production. We ensure every supply of Grey Cast Iron 260 conforms to international standards, delivering materials that are traceable, reliable, and fit for purpose. This guide details the technical specifications, properties, and advantages of BS1452 Grade 260. 

Understanding the BS1452 Standard for Grey Cast Iron 

The BS1452 standard is the British specification governing grey cast iron. It classifies different grades based on their minimum tensile strength, measured in megapascals (MPa). The grades range from 100 to 350, allowing engineers and designers to select a material with the precise properties required for their application. 

BS1452 Grade 260, often referred to as BS1452 260, signifies a minimum tensile strength of 260 MPa. It is one of the most widely used grades due to its optimal blend of strength, castability, and machinability. This balance makes Grade 260 Cast Iron an excellent choice for medium-duty components that require stability, wear resistance, and a fine surface finish. Its formulation is engineered for consistency, ensuring predictable performance in demanding operational environments. 

Key Features and Benefits of Grade 260 Cast Iron 

BS1452 Grade 260 Cast Iron is selected by engineers for its combination of practical features that translate into tangible manufacturing and performance benefits. 

• Excellent Balance of Strength and Machinability: Offers sufficient strength for medium-duty parts while being one of the easiest ferrous metals to machine, reducing tool wear and production time. 
• Superior Vibration Damping Capacity: The graphite flake microstructure absorbs mechanical energy, making it ideal for machine bases, frames, and housings where operational stability and noise reduction are critical. 
• Good Thermal Conductivity: Effectively dissipates heat, a valuable property for components in engines, transmissions, and braking systems that are subject to thermal cycling. 
• High Compressive Strength: Withstands significant compressive loads without deformation, providing structural integrity for foundational and supportive components. 
• Dimensional Stability: Remains stable during and after machining, ensuring tight tolerances are maintained in finished components. 
• Cost-Effective Manufacturing: Its excellent castability allows for the production of complex shapes with minimal finishing, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to steel fabrications. 
• Good Wear Resistance: The combination of a pearlitic matrix and graphite flakes provides a durable surface suitable for sliding applications under moderate loads.