Nickel and copper increase strength, and machinability, but do not change the amount of graphite formed. The carbon in the form of graphite results in a softer iron reduces shrinkage, lowers strength, and decreases density. Cast iron is stronger and tougher, but it is not as hard as steel. Steel is harder, but it's not as heavy and hard as cast iron. The primary difference between cast iron and steel is the carbon content. Both of them are types of iron alloys.