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Mystery metal... how to identify without damaging the sample?

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AdeV:
I have a machined piece which I need to replicate. It's made out of a silvery metal, probably some form of cast iron.

Its density seems to be in the 7100kg/m3 region, although it's hard to be precise as my kitchen scales only measure whole grams or 10ths of an ounce. 7100kg/m3 also puts it in the cast iron range, or maybe its "white metal", or something similar...

I've attached a picture of it. It's harded than brass, but seems to be softer than "regular" steel, although it's hard to tell for sure.

Unfortunately, I can't damage this example, so I can't put it on a grinder, or on the lathe for example. It's part of a regulator for a Petter stationary engine - beyond that I know nothing about it. I don't know if the weight of the device is critical, I assume the piston bore is critical but I'm not sure about the length...

Any ideas?

Jasonb:
Certainly not white metal or a similar alloy they would be far to weak for a part like that.

Also I would have thought regular cast iron would be too prone to fracture at the end of teh thread, could possibly be SG iron (Spheroidal Graphite) which is stronger but I'd recon its just steel.

Whats the actual part as this may give a clue to weather the finer machined section has possibly been case hardened.

You could also ask on one of teh stationary engine forums like Smokestak as they may know what that specific part is made from.

Jason

No1_sonuk:
Is it magnetic?

Yorkshireman:
Take a clean Q-Tip, dip it in strong vinigar, then swipe the Q-Top along the part. That will propably not damage it. Clean the part ...
Now produce somehow a small (almost) colourless gas flame in a dark room. Then touch the edge of the Q-Tip to the flame.
If the colour of the flame changes to GREEN, then the material is containing COPPER.

Johannes

AdeV:
Thanks chaps; yes, it IS magnetic, so definitely cast iron or steel. Probably just ordinary steel TBH. Reckon I'll just make one & see what it weighs...

Ta!

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