identify aluminum

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I went to a scrap yard to day to get some aluminum, I also saw there were two types of filler rod for aluminum. Is there any way to tell what you are getting so you know what filler to get? thanks
Reply:90% of the "Billett" aluminum (clean nice stuff) is 6061T-651Aluminum castings are easy enough to I.D.4043 is for billett5356 is for castHoweverIf your welding billett aluminum and the pieces are going to be sent out and annodized..You must use 5356 for the filler..annodizing does not stick to 4043..  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Anodized 4043 welds come out grey/smoke/black.  Stands out like a sore thumb against the rest of the aluminum metal.  Use 5356 filler if the object will be anodized.
Reply:Aluminum containing magnesium will "glow" green while TIG welding.  Especially 5000 series.  Anytime you see that glow, you should be using 5356.
Reply:ooo, good note on the green... thanks mcgirrtVarious GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:thanks for the help. I see the numbers on some of the stuff I got, but some doeesn't have any. Is the higher number a harder aluminum?
Reply:If it's an extruded product, 99% of that is 6000 seriesIt it looks like it's a non structural shape, it's probably 6063-T5 or T6It it looks structural, (something that looks like it was made to be strong), it's probably 6061-T6.6061 is about 6-8% stonger than 6063.It it's sheet or thin plate, it might also be 5052.They all can be welded with 4000, 5000 (or 6000 if you can find it) series filler or wire.There are no small projects
Reply:thanks, that is a big help.
Reply:A quick search brought up this site for aluminum alloy designations.http://shopswarf.orcon.net.nz/alalloy.html
Reply:I have some late '70s Yamaha cast aluinum wheels that are marked "Malleable iron". Wonder what grade those are?
Reply:thanks that is a good site on aluminum.