Materials

Best welding process for cast iron?

Quick answer

The best process for cast iron is stick with nickel (ENiFe) rods, low and slow with preheat — chosen for how the metal conducts heat and what contamination costs you.

· · Technical guidance compiled from trade practice and manufacturer data; our source-verification program is in progress — see our editorial policy.

Why

Preheat 100–250°C, short staggered beads, peen each pass, cool slowly under a blanket — rushing it cracks the job

Runner-up options

Process choice is really about the job: thickness, position, cosmetics and what machine you already own. The above is the default quality answer; adjust for production speed (MIG) or site conditions (stick/flux-core) as needed.