Abstract: An improved friction-welding process for effecting a joint between steel and nodular graphite-containing cast iron by using (i) a short friction-generating time so as to minimize diffusion of carbon into steel and (ii) an elevated forging pressure so as to effect a quantitative ejection of carburized melt but avoid formation of a weld laminate, is provided, as well as a nodular graphite-containing cast iron of grade 40.3 S, suitable for use in friction-welding and comprising about 280-320 graphite nodules per mm.sup.2, 280-300 ferrite grains per mm.sup.2 and a spherulite proportion of about at least 95% by weight of the graphite precipitations.