Haematite pig iron

Pig iron that is exclusively used for foundry purposes and is briefly referred to as haematite.

It is characterized by very low phosphorous contents. The expression semi heamatite refers to pig iron with a slightly higher phosphorous content that is already classified as foundry pig iron.

In some cases deviating silicon and manganese contents may be common, e.g. 1.5 to 4.5 % Si in increments of 0.5%; equally, manganese contents of up to 1.5 %. In the charge make-up haematite has a “softening” effect, it is used as charge base for high-quality vehicle and machine castings. In addition it is implemented as regulating charge component for melleable cast iron and cast steel due to its low contents of phosphorous, sulfur and detrimental accompanying elements.

Leading suppliers of haematite pig iron types are Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium GmbH, DK Recycling und Roheisen GmbH, Richard Anton KG and ASK Chemicals Metallurgy GmbH.

Additional references:
Special pig iron
Spiegel iron
Cupola furnace