Cast iron flanges are commonly used in plumbing applications due to their low cost, but they can rust when exposed to moisture. Stainless steel flanges are a more durable option, but are more expensive. Different types of metal flanges are available for specific needs, but it is best to replace with the same type. Flanges can be used to join pipes or seal the end of a pipe. Cast iron flanges do not require any additional skills to disassemble.
A cast iron flange is one of many types of metal flanges available for industrial and manufacturing purposes. Often chosen for their reliability, cast iron flanges are typically found in most standard plumbing applications. Cast iron is susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time; therefore, cast iron flanges are sometimes replaced with metal flanges that have greater longevity under these conditions, such as those constructed from stainless steel. Because they are often mass-produced, cast iron flanges have lower manufacturing costs, making them a popular choice when an application allows. The use of cast iron flanges in any flange assembly can make the task of joining two lengths of pipe together much easier.
All metal flanges have certain qualities or properties that usually make one type preferable over another, depending on the application. For example, ductile iron flanges can rust over long periods of time. Stainless steel flanges, however, are not. Another consideration, however, is that the stainless steel flange will likely cost significantly more than a cast iron flange, even if the flange dimensions are the same.
The cast iron flange is one of many types of metal flanges available to meet specific needs. Usually, however, it is best to replace one type of metal flange with the same type. For example, if you try to replace a stainless steel flange with a cast iron flange, you may find that another repair is needed sooner than expected. Some conditions will allow for cast iron, but if water is part of the equation for an extended period of time, the cast iron flange could eventually fail.
There are numerous types of metal flanges to meet most application needs. While generally used to join lengths of pipe, flanges are also used to seal the end of a pipe or to reduce the diameter of a pipe to fit another smaller one. Flanges can be welded to the end of a pipe run or, in some applications, threaded.
The use of cast iron flanges does not require any additional skills. If you know how to disassemble a metal type of flange assembly, a cast iron flange assembly will be no different. Standard flange sizes don’t change simply because the type of metal changes. The dimensions will remain the same, but the materials used will change depending on the application needs.
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