Ductile iron
The driving force behind our passion
Its exceptional properties
Discovered in the United States in the 1940s, ductile iron is produced by adding a small amount of magnesium to grey cast iron (an alloy of iron, carbon, and silica). That is what changes everything. Because the cast iron obtained in this way has simply exceptional mechanical properties. More flexible, it is much more resistant to traction and shock.
Resistance and sustainability
PAM engineers immediately understood the tremendous potential of this new material, which eliminated the risks of cracking and breakage in grey cast iron pipes. In the 1970s, ductile iron became the company's only material. Since then, the reputation of PAM Saint-Gobain's ductile iron pipes and fittings for strength, durability and reliability has endured worldwide.
Key figure
Ductile iron is three times stronger (mechanical strength and elongation) than conventional cast iron
100 years: This is the minimum lifespan of a well-maintained ductile iron system
Grey cast iron at the heart of history
Cast iron was already being used for pipes long before the invention of ductile iron. In 1664, King Louis XIV had a network of grey cast iron pipes built to transport water from the Marly-sur-Seine pumping station to the fountains and the city of Versailles. These pipes remained in service for over 330 years.
Water in our blood