Gray cast iron machines faster with less wear on cutting tools than most types of steel. It also absorbs vibration, so finished parts run quieter than those made of steel. It's often fabricated into gears, pulleys, rollers, and bushings. This iron can be surface hardened with heat treating for added wear resistance.

Containing more pearlite and less ferrite, these cast iron rods are stronger and harder than standard ductile cast iron. They are resilient and able to withstand repeated stress without breaking. These rods also absorb vibration, so their finished parts run quieter than those made from steel. Use them to create bushings, gears, and pistons. To increase their wear resistance, you can harden these rods through heat treating.