Ductile iron alloy and automotive components such as differential and drive axle components are provided. The nodular cast iron alloy can contain iron, about 3.1-3.3% by weight carbon, about 2.7-4.3% by weight silicon, about 0.15-0.40% by weight manganese, about 0-0.10% by weight magnesium, about 0-0.2% by weight nickel, about 0-0.4% by weight copper, about 0-0.30% by weight Chromium, about 0-0.03 wt .-% phosphorus and about 0-0.02 wt .-% sulfur. The nodular cast iron alloy can have a tensile strength of at least 620 MPa after casting. This alloy has advantageous weldability so that it can be welded to steel components without substantial pre-heating or post-heating treatment for a strong and tough welded joint, and has good machinability to allow for extensive machining steps.
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