H 20 represents 16,000 lb. wheel load (32,000 lb. dual spaced wheel load) and is a heavy traffic rating.

H 15 represents 12,000 lb. wheel load (75% of H20) and is a medium duty traffic rating.
 

Traffic service castings have a first article proof load test conducted and the results of that proof load can be made available to the purchaser upon request.  The proof load shall be conducted in accordance with the method and procedure that is outlined in AASHTO M306, Section 7.0, Proof Load Testing.  The casting is tested on a suitable and calibrated load testing machine and the casting will hold a 40,000 pound proof load for one minute without experiencing any cracks or detrimental permanent deformation.
 

Notarized certification may be furnished to the purchaser on request stating that samples representing each lot have been tested, inspected, and are in accordance with this specification. We stand by the  products we represent 100% - To request a cast iron product material certification, call 800-258-2278 toll free or send e-mail or ASK-US (new)

Light Duty- traffic rating is pedestrian and hand truck traffic only, (BUT does not meet federal ADA pedestrian standard for maximum widths of slots in grating- as these products are a different spec. & class altogether)

Extra Heavy Duty- represents heavy concentration loads such as airport traffic, requiring detailed loading information. Total wheel load, tire pressure, and tire contact area must be provided by purchaser or final destination end user.
 

Gray iron castings are manufactured from iron conforming to ASTM A48, Class 35B or better.  Ductile iron castings conform to ASTM A536 or better.  Iron in most products we provide have a minimum recycled material content of 75%.  The recycled materials  consist of post-consumer material.
 

Castings we sell are checked for quality, we look for sand holes, gas holes, shrinkage, cracks or other surface defects- if found, those are rejected. Castings are ground smooth and well cleaned by shot blasting at the factory.  For traffic service castings, all bearing surfaces are cast or machined with accurate precision to prevent rocking and rattling. Castings may be furnished painted or unpainted as specified. As-cast dimensions may vary within accepted foundry tolerances as outlined in the Iron Castings Handbook published by the American Foundry Society, Inc.  Nominally, casting dimensional tolerances shall be +/- 1/16” per foot. All published casting weights are average and approximate values and shall vary +/- 5%.
 

Castings should be identifiable and show, at a minimum, the following: name of the producing foundry, country of manufacture (such as “Made in USA”), ASTM material designation, recycle symbol, individual part number, cast or heat date.  Castings shall include all lettering as shown on the specification drawings. If you suspect you have come across illegal "counterfeit" castings (castings produced illegally in violation of a patent or trademark and imported bearing a US manufacturer's name) please e-mail us- we will investigate.
 

What the heck is so great about cast iron? Gray iron has been used in construction and utility castings since it was first used  at Langensalza, Germany circa 1562 where it supplied water for a fountain. The first full-scale cast iron pipe system for the distribution of water was installed in 1664 at Versailles, France. A cast iron main was constructed to carry water some 15 miles from Marley-on-Seine to the palace and surrounding area. The system is still functioning after more than 300 years of service. Engineers and architects today know that iron has the time tested properties they need to do the job right. While it will "rust" or "turn color" gray iron is extremely resistant to corrosion (the destructive type of corrosion) and it is very strong and highly resistant to wear and tear- it just lasts, and lasts, and lasts... Gray Iron has the longest service life of any material known to man, since it has been in use longer than any other material! It is inexpensive too. If it's HIGH strength and durability you need- ductile iron surpasses gray iron in every way. It's ability to bear much heavier loads without failing, and having properties similar to high grade steel, make it a good extra-heavy load application material. We furnish ductile iron castings as well. The benefit of today's modern technology is that the process of refining is getting better and better, and the quality of the material is too. Ductile iron is a direct result of that benefit.