Automatic Classification of the Shape of Graphite Particles in Cast Iron

Cast iron presents graphite particles of different shapes that directly affect its thermo-mechanical properties [1]. Fracture toughness and ductility depend strongly on the shape of the graphite particles. Particles with nodular shapes improve these properties while more elongated particles or with irregular contours are detrimental due to stress concentration points [2]. Thus, cast iron is classified according to the shapes of its graphite particles. The ISO-945 standard presents six classes to characterize the different shapes of graphite particles. Fig. 1 shows the six synthetic reference images that represent these classes.