The high alloy white cast irons fall into two major groups:

 Nickel (Ni) – chromium (Cr) white cast irons – These are low chromium alloy cast irons containing 3
% to 5 % Ni and 1 % to 4 % Cr. One grade of these cast irons contains 7 % to 11 % Cr.
 Chromium-molybdenum (Mo) white cast irons – These white cast irons contain 11 % to 23 % Cr, up
to 3 % Mo and often additionally alloyed with Ni or copper (Cu).

There is also a third group of high alloy white cast irons. This group comprises the 25 % or 28 % Cr white
irons, which may contain other alloying element additions of Mo and/or Ni up to 1.5 %. The nickel-
chromium white cast irons are also usually classified as Ni-Hard types 1 to 4.

Ni – Cr white cast irons are also known as Ni hard irons. These white cast irons are being produced
for over 50 years and are the oldest group of high alloy white cast iron of industrial importance. Ni
hard white cast irons are very cost effective materials for use in crushing and grinding. These are
martensitic white cast irons where Ni is the primary alloying element. Ni at levels of 3 % to 5 % is
effective in suppressing the transformation of the austenite matrix to pearlite, thus ensuring that a
hard martensitic structure (usually containing significant amounts of retained austenite) is
developed upon cooling in the mould. Cr percentage in these alloy white cast irons are at levels
ranging from 1.4 % to 4 %, to ensure that the irons solidify carbidic, that is, to counteract the
graphitizing effect of Ni.

The optimum composition of a Ni-Cr white cast iron depends on the properties needed for the
service conditions and the dimensions and weight of the casting. Abrasion resistance is generally a
function of the bulk hardness and the volume of carbide in the microstructure. There are four types
of Ni- Cr white cast irons.

The first type is called ‘Class I type A’ or ‘Ni-Hard 1’. This type of white cast iron is used when the
principal requirement is abrasion resistance and resstance to impact loading is of secondary
importance.

The second type is called ‘Class I type B’ or ‘Ni-Hard 2’. This type of white cast iron has higher
toughness because of less carbide and is used in those areas where repeated impact is there.

The third type is called ‘Class J type C’ or Ni-Hard 3’. It is of special grade that has a Ni-Cr alloy
composition. It is used for chill casting, specialized sand casting processes, and producing
grinding balls and slugs.

The fourth type is called ‘Class I type D’ or Ni- Hard 4. It is a modified Ni-Cr iron that contains higher levels
of Cr, ranging from 7 % to 11 %, and increased level of Ni, ranging from 5 % to 7 %. Content of C in the
iron is varied based on the properties needed for the intended service.