Cast iron — key property package Which statement best describes common advantages of cast iron as an engineering material?

Introduction / Context:
Cast iron is used extensively for machine beds, pipes, engine blocks, and cookware due to a unique combination of properties arising from its graphite-containing microstructure. Recognizing the complete property package explains its enduring popularity despite the availability of many modern alloys.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Grey and ductile cast irons considered as representative types.
• Properties evaluated for general engineering use.

Concept / Approach:
Graphite in cast iron provides excellent machinability by breaking chips and reducing tool wear. The castability is high because cast irons have relatively low pouring temperatures and good fluidity, enabling complex shapes and thin sections. The compressive strength is typically much higher than tensile strength, and is adequate for bases and columns where compressive loads dominate. Together these attributes make cast iron economical and functional.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate compressive strength: cast irons possess high compressive values relative to their tensile strength.Evaluate machinability: graphite acts as a solid lubricant and chip breaker, improving machinability.Evaluate casting characteristics: good fluidity and low shrinkage facilitate complex castings.Hence, all listed advantages apply.

Verification / Alternative check:
Property tables for grey iron show compressive strengths multiple times their tensile strengths, while foundry manuals cite its fluidity and mold-filling behavior. Machinability ratings commonly rank grey iron highly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Picking any single attribute ignores the material's full set of advantages.
• Only high tensile strength is incorrect; cast iron is relatively weak in tension but excels in compression and machinability.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that poor tensile strength means poor overall performance; applications that emphasize compressive loads and damping benefit substantially from cast iron.

Final Answer:
all of these