Released on October 19, 2007

Ferrous metalcaster Dexter Foundry, Fairfield, Iowa, recently developed a patent-pending material that offers as-cast properties comparable to those of heat treated castings designed for applications that require abrasion resistance.

The material, known as DuraDex Iron, has shown an as-cast abrasion resistance factor (ARF) exceeding that of austempered ductile iron (ADI) in a dry sand/rubber wheel, ASTM G65-04 test. In section sizes from 0.5-3.25 in., the iron’s ARF ranges from 5.0 to 6.2, compared to 4.3-5.6 for ADI. According to a press release from Dexter Foundry, the material also offers lower bulk hardness while costing up to 30% less than ADI.

Because the products require no heat treatment, Dexter is able to “offer a lower transportation cost, lower overall cost and shorter lead time for our clients,” said Tom Jones, Dexter’s vice president and general manager.

Dexter currently makes more than 8,000 different parts for more than 250 companies in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company is 100% employee-owned.