When it comes to automotive engines, there are four primary types of crankshafts used. The engine’s primary application determines which type of crankshaft is best suited to provide adequate performance and durability. Below we will take a look at the common types of crankshafts that are found in today’s engines and discuss the manufacturing processes used to create them.
Cast Iron Crankshafts
Cast iron crankshafts are most commonly found in ordinary passenger car engines and are favored by automobile manufacturers because they are inexpensive to produce. A cast iron crankshaft is made from molten iron or steel and simply poured into a mold. The raw casting is then rough machined so that it can be ground to its finish dimensions and then balanced. These types of crankshafts are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased new for $200 or even less. Since cast iron crankshafts contain flakes of graphite flakes, these crankshafts often have a grey visual appearance. Continue reading