Aluminum or pot metal?

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Is there an easy way to tell if I have cast aluminum or pot metal BEFORE I try to weld? Thanks for any help and or advice!
Reply:Originally Posted by raddksnIs there an easy way to tell if I have cast aluminum or pot metal BEFORE I try to weld? Thanks for any help and or advice!
Reply:Care to elaborate?
Reply:Anyone?
Reply:Well pot metal is chock full of zinc, is darker in color in general, heavier in general, and as a casting, has zinc, tin, and other crap along with some alum to keep the metal flowing thru the molds or dies. If you see a lot of wrinkling in the surface, and shards or burrs, it is usually cheap pot metal. Another term is zinc die cast, like the old matchbox toy cars of old. There are pot metal rods for welding or brazing I tell, but I just shy away because they tend to be a messy crappy chore. If you strike a tig arc on zinc it blows up in your face too. Me hate.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Sounds delightful.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Hello raddksn, we use a mixture of silver nitrate to make that determination, it looks like water. If you apply a drop of this solution to your material and it stays clear then the material is aluminum, if it turns the material black and darkens the liquid then it is either magnesium or some form of "pot metal". I also believe that regular battery acid will do a similar thing. Silver nitrate is available from a pharmacy with a prescription, I believe, and likely your medical doctor would consider giving you one to get it if you thoroughly explain your need and use for it. Whether you use silver nitrate or another form of acid, extreme care in handling and use are key to prevent personal injuries. Safety goggles and rubber gloves would be recommended and ready access to water for flushing and rinsing purposes are a smart approach. Good luck and regards, Allanaevald
Reply:I have noticed die cast has a much courser/porous grain than cast aluminum if youcan see the grain,say from a break.
Reply:Thanks aevaid I though I heard something like that, just wasn't shure. I'll try the battery acid tomorrow at the shop. (With all the proper PPE of corse)