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| Telling metals apart for casting. |
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| mattinker:
The Hydrochloric acid method definitely works. I use Hydrochloric acid to make flux for soft soldering Zinc flashing gutters and down pipes it definitely turns Zinc black. I don't use it as a test, as I avoid opening the bottle of acid and I can see the difference between Al and the ZA alloys by their weight colour and texture. The density method isn't that complicated if you have a good set of scales. Regards, Matthew |
| oldgoaly:
if you break it with a hammer the zinc alloys looks different, magnesium is hard to break, takes a little practice to get the look and feel. But who :bugeye: doesn't like a little fireworks while melting a pot of aluminum! How many of you have started a small piece of mag and carried it outside and had a less experienced helper throw water on it???? just like to have a little fun! |
| mattinker:
--- Quote from: oldgoaly on November 10, 2013, 12:22:43 PM ---if you break it with a hammer the zinc alloys looks different, magnesium is hard to break, takes a little practice to get the look and feel. But who :bugeye: doesn't like a little fireworks while melting a pot of aluminum! How many of you have started a small piece of mag and carried it outside and had a less experienced helper throw water on it???? just like to have a little fun! --- End quote --- I haven't come across any magnesium yet in my foundry scrounging, but if you don't want to try burning a tiny scrap, the density method works, Mg density 1.74, lighter again than Al. the last time I saw magnesium burn was a Porche engine block on a rally in Wales some forty years ago Regards, Matthew |
| vtsteam:
Looks like there's the possibility above few posts of confusing zinc and magnesium (not yours Mat). In general: Aluminum and magnesium are light weight Zinc alloys are heavier enough to be apparent even when holding them Zinc produces white fumes if overheated. Zinc is harder than aluminum, and MUCH slower to file. It usually looks dull, until filed, but takes a good shine as soon as it is. Magnesium burns intensly and dangerously, and cannot be put out with water. To test for it, take a small sliver with a knife and try to burn it. If it burns with an intense white light, it's magnesium. Don't try to cast with it in a backyard furnace. Example of magnesium casting: Volkswagen engine block. |
| awemawson:
Tucked away in my 'Round Tuit' area I have not one but TWO alloy analysers. They strike an arc between a carbon point and the sample, and the beastie performs a spectral analysis and works out the percentage of the metals and then prints out a ticket with the results. One was working fine when I put it in storage, and the other was rather temperamental - just another thing I need to pull out and have a play with. They are very handy as they are 'luggable' ie briefcase sized. Andrew |
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