Guide to Iron

Locate iron manufacturers and distributors for cast iron products

By Heather Topham Wood, Freelance Writer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate iron casting manufacturers

Iron casting is an alloy made from iron and carbon and can be used in a variety of engineering components. Since cast iron has multiple uses, the costs stay low due to high production rates. Locate iron casting manufacturers in order to see the type of iron products they have available.

I recommend: Browse the product catalog found on Ningbo Ruyi Foundry Co. The company makes many ductile iron castings including automotive parts, mechanical parts, machinery parts and gear parts. You can request a quote from one of the iron producers found on Industrial Quick Search, Inc.

Use an iron distributor to make your purchases

You should limit your purchases to a specific iron supplier in order to get lowered rates on bulk and repeat orders. You can inquire about opening a business account with the iron distributor and automating the billing process.

I recommend: On Global Sources, you can find a detailed listing and linked resources of iron casting manufacturers and distributors. If you’re looking to deal abroad for your iron needs, then you can contact one of the iron distributors found on the Export Bureau website.

Look at iron scrap metal prices

Besides buying iron, you'll probably want to look at the current price for scrap metal. You can use these figures in case you have any iron for sale leftover from your project. Try to time the selling of your iron to take advantage of market highs.

I recommend: On the Neenah Foundry Company website, you’ll see the price per ton of iron scrap metal. Although these prices reflect estimates, you can still use the figures to decide when to sell your scrap iron. You can also use the charts on MetalPrices.com to track market trends for iron prices.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For a large supply of iron, you should try to deal locally. Construction iron producers may charge you a hefty rate based on the weight of the iron and the distance from the foundry.