High nickel cast iron rods with 54 mm in diameter were produced by horizontal continuous casting.The formation mechanism of microstructure and mechanical properties of the cast iron at varied locations were investigated.The results show that the graphite in high nickel cast iron rods from the edge to the 3R/5is D-type graphite zone

and morphology of austenite grain exhibits the developed fine dendrite.The graphite in high nickel cast iron rods from the 3R/5to the axis are D-type graphite and a small amount of the E-type graphite.Morphology of austenite grain is coarse dendrite.There exists a little carbide about 1.0%

1

.3%in the bar.Tensile strength and hardness of the high nickel cast iron rods reach 247

273 MPa and 142to152 HB

respectively.