316 Stainless Pump Casing on a Cast Iron Base: A Practical Mix

On one horizontal pipeline pump order, the build sheet marked two parts: the pump casing in 316 stainless steel, and the small foot under it in cast iron. It is a sensible combination, and one we suggest more often than buyers expect.

Stainless where it matters

Only the parts that touch the liquid need to resist it: the casing, the impeller and the seal faces. The foot, the bracket and the motor never see the liquid, so cast iron is fine for them and costs much less.

Part	Touches the liquid?	Material in this order
Pump casing	Yes	316 stainless steel
Impeller	Yes	Stainless steel
Foot / base	No	Cast iron
Motor	No	Standard motor

When to make everything stainless

• Wash-down areas where the outside of the pump is sprayed with chemicals
• Corrosive atmospheres, such as salt spray or acid fumes
• Food and hygiene areas where painted cast iron is not accepted

Tell us the liquid and the surroundings, and we will tell you which parts need stainless steel.