Aluminum Identification

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Occassionally I have had the need to repair metal parts that I was not sure if they were just plain old pot metal or aluminum. I would like to know if anyone (1) has methods to identify the between pot metal amd aluminum and (2) identify between the different series of aluminum.  Thanks In Advance, Geezer
Reply:Have no idea regarding the types of alluminium (besides using spectroscopy  on the metal in a lab), but iron based metal are para-magnetic while alluminium, and SS compounds are not , so if it's very light and not magnetic its probably Al based.Idealarc 300\300 TIG AC\DC
Reply:Several means to help, but a full analisys is the best option. If you can find someone with a PMI, that will do it. There are some units that are reasonably priced these days, if it is that big an issue to you. Note that reasonably priced is a relativ term. There are chemical solution tests you can use as well.See: http://tabletopmachinewiki.com/w/ima...k_Contents.pdffor the metals identification section.See: http://www.oichina.cn/product/ia/xrf...20brochure.pdf Brochure for a handheld PMI unit.You might find a local scrap yard to do this for you. Many yards have PMI units, these days.Last edited by enlpck; 03-01-2007 at 12:41 PM.
Reply:Appreciate the reply and info, thansk much....Geezer
Reply:really appreciate the www references and info on PMI.  All new stuff to me.thanks again, will check out PMI at local scrap yard.  I had a repair on a non magnetic piece that I was not sure if it was aluminum or not.  A fairly reputable welding shop had no real idea but believed it to be aluminum, come to find out it was.  I am just trying to get a little more technical minded thanks again, Geezer
Reply:Geez,Go to http://www.tinmantech.com and search for ChemSort Aluminum  Alloy tester. Regardssteve
Reply:Thanks, I hit the www page but no product or item came up, just limks to labs.  I check further and thansk for the reply.