Mitis Metal
The name given to an alloy of aluminum with wrought iron. For the production of castings in this metal, the wrought iron is heated until it has become pasty, and then treated to a small quantity of aluminum, which immediately liquefies the iron in a fit condition for pouring into the moulds. These so-called mitis castings, it is claimed, have all the properties, excepting fibre, that wrought iron possesses, besides being much softer than cast iron. Wrought-iron or mild-steel scrap is usually the basis of this metal; but no matter what the kind of material be, it is preferable that it should not contain more than 0.1 per cent of phosphorus when the best results attainable are desired. About 3 1/2 ounces of aluminum are sufficient for 100 pounds of iron. See ALUMINUM.