Abstract: Nodular cast iron having favorable mechanical properties, in particular a high impact strength at low temperatures, comprising: from 3.0 to 4.0% of carbon; from 1.5 to 2.3% of silicon; less than 0.3% of manganese; not more than 0.03% of phosphorus; less than 0.10% of chromium; from 0.02 to 0.06% of magnesium; and from 0.0015 to 0.0150 weight % of bismuth with the balance consisting of iron and inevitable impurities and the CE (carbon equivalent) value being from 3.9 to 4.6%. This material is characterized by a low silicon content. Adding from 0.5 to 2.0% of nickel thereto improves its tensile strength and yield strength. Preferably, from 0.005 to 0.03% of bismuth is added to this nodular cast iron in molten state so as to produce more than 300 graphite nodules per mm.sup.2. The remaining bismuth content is preferably from 0.0015 to 0.015%, more preferably from 0.0015 to 0.004%.

Abstract: A method of producing a nodular graphite cast iron having high strength and toughness in shorter time and with reduced production cost. The method comprises the following steps: rapidly cooling the casting, which has been removed from the mold at a predetermined temperature above the A.sub.1 transformation point, at such a cooling rate as not to permit the generation of pearlite structure, after having been held for a predetermined time within the austenite temperature range or immediately after having been removed from the mold; once stopping the rapid cooling at a temperature above the Ms point; slowly cooling the casting within a temperature range above the Ms point for a predetermined time or holding the casting at a constant temperature within a predetermined temperature range above the Ms point for a predetermined time; and cooling the casting slowly down to the normal temperature.