Both Cast Iron and Cast Steel are ferrous metals and made mostly from iron and therefore look almost identical in appearance. Cast Iron is an iron casting with carbon content higher than 2%. Cast Steel is a steel casting with carbon content lower than 2%, giving it a better corrosion resistance than steel. Iron is relatively easy to cast, as it pours easily and doesn’t shrink as much as steel. The higher grades of this metal can withstand a greater load and a degree of tightness or corrosion resistance. For this reason, our cast iron valves are a wonderful solution for certain applications. They are highly durable, making them the right choice for many plumbing solutions. The durability of these types of valves means that they require less maintenance, which saves money in the long run. They are also resistant to corrosion. While tough, these types of valves are not the right solution for every application. For instance, certain kinds of chemicals and gases may benefit from cast steel valves instead. Higher-pressure systems often benefit from steel cast valves. Likewise, cast steel valves weigh less and may be a better solution in tight spaces. Cast steel valves are also extremely reliable and are often the valves of choice in applications like refineries and chemical plants. No matter your application, our experts here at The Metal Company are ideally suited to answer your questions to make sure that you have the right type of valve for the right application.