What does cast iron refer to in die making?

In die making, cast iron refers to a group of iron-carbon alloys that are recognized for their stability and excellent casting properties. These alloys typically contain a higher carbon content than steel, which provides distinct advantages in terms of fluidity during casting, wear resistance, and machinability.

The stability of cast iron is particularly beneficial in die making, as it ensures that the die maintains its shape and dimensions under the stresses of production. This is important because any deformation could lead to defects in the manufactured parts. Additionally, cast iron has excellent thermal conductivity, which aids in the efficient dissipation of heat generated during the machining process.

The other options refer to materials that do not align with the nature of cast iron in the context of die making. Tool steel is comprised of high-carbon steel suitable for cutting tools, while lightweight metals and plastics serve different purposes in manufacturing and don't provide the same properties as cast iron. Therefore, understanding cast iron as a stable iron-carbon alloy is crucial for its application in die making processes.