Austempered ductile iron machining

[strokersix]

Can anyone give some advice on machining 100-70-06 ductile iron in as-cast condition? My plan is to cast gear blanks, finish machine the bore and gear teeth, then heat treat. Can this be done with conventional high speed steel cutting tools? Is there a casting process adjustment that can result in easier machining?

The overall objective is to produce spur gears that run without lubrication in an outdoor environment. Hardened steel gears have not been sucessful. Any other ductile iron compositions that might perform as well in the finished part but be easier to machine?

Thank you.

 

[strokersix]

Please extend this question to 230-185-00 material as well.

 

[Carburize]

One of the people to approach directly with this question is Chip Keough of Applied Process.

http://www.appliedprocess.com

Chip is CEO of this company which specializes in Austempered Ductile Iron.