Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy widely used for machine bases, engine blocks, housings and brake components because it damps vibration, wears well and machines predictably. It cuts into short, abrasive chips (often dry or with air/MQL rather than flood) and is friendly to carbide and ceramic tooling.
Its rigidity and damping are exactly why machine tool castings themselves are made of it. See machining cast iron for strategy and the materials guide for related metals.
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