Motor Frame Material Make Up - Eng-Tips

We had one cast frame motor with a crack in the foot. We had a vendor do some kind of "stitching" repair on the crack (we have no way to repair a crack in cast iron ourselves since it can't be welded). If I remember right, the repairer said on the that he suspected it was grey iron (even before he had seen it) because that was a common construction. At least I'm about 50% sure that's what he said (it's been awhile).

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(2B)+(2B)' ? The OP has possibly asked a question that can not be answered in a forum board.

One would have to go directly to the manufacturer of the motor, OR have a piece of the motor iron analyzed
to determine if it's cast iron, gray iron, ductile iron, etc.

The same would be true to determine what kind of steel went into a motor's weldments if the motor was
built using welded formed steel. There's no way of knowing unless it's analyzed, or data is provided
by a manufacturer.

The information would likely be proprietary even if you were to find someone at a factory willing to
speak to you about it.

Great question. If/when you find out for certain... come back and fill us in.

John






I am just looking for basic information. I have called around to a few motor manufactures and all have claimed proprietary metal formulations. I had one shop tell me that a motor frame could be built of rolling steel and forming the frame that way versus going through a cast process. Proprietary as in the cheapest stuff that the foundry would pour.
With old motors there is a regional aspect to this, in some parts of the country the go to was a ductile iron, in others only gray.
Newer ones could be formed and welded steel.
In most cases it doesn't really matter, a good motor can be be made with any of them as can a poor one.

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P.E. Metallurgy