This work reviews the efect of niobium on diferent cast irons. This alloying element has a high ainity by carbon forming carbides of the type MC therefore, the main efect is to strengthen the matrix of the alloys due to a hard-phase dispersion mechanism. Even at low levels of niobium < . % , MC carbides are found. The presence of such carbides increases hardness, yield and tensile strength in ductile irons, but the most important role is to increase wear resistance. Therefore, the use of niobium has been focussed mainly in alloyed white irons for wear resistance applications and in motled cast iron used for rolls in hot rolling mills.