Re: Identifying aluminum alloys

I love to recommend the use of X-Ray Fluorescence testing, which is
nondestructive and gives immediate answers, usually qualitative.
For aluminum alloys it should be performed preferably in vacuum.
The equipment is available with many foundries, metal centers,
junkyards and laboratories. A test is usually inexpensive.
An aluminum casting or extruding facility will probably operate a
Spark Optical
Emission Spectrograph and should be able to provide tests for
occasional customers. I would personally refrain from employing spot
testing kits, it is old technology and inadequate.
Hardness testing and metallographic examination could also help, but
they need expert personnel and suitable equipment.

http://www.welding-advisers.com



[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Bob K 207) wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> >Subject: Identifying aluminum alloys
> >From: "FakeName" [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> >Date: 11/8/03 8:46 AM Pacific Standard Time
> >Message-id: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >I imagine this is a common question, if it's addressed in a FAQ or other
> >reference material please point me to it. That said, I have a need to
> >identify unknown aluminum alloys. I do not need to identify a specific
> >alloy, only the major group.
> >
> >For example, if I am given an aluminum casting to repair, it is essential to
> >know which alloy group - Al-Si-Mg, Al-Si-Cu, Al-Zn, etc - was used, in order
> >to select the correct process and filler material for welding. The same is
> >true for wrought alloys.
> >
> >Some alloys are not weldable by conventional (TIG, MIG) means, it might be
> >asking a bit much to identify those specific alloys without sophisticated
> >testing. In some cases, I have the luxury of obtaining a small amount of
> >material to test. Common "unweldable" alloys such as 2024 and 7075 reveal
> >themselves very quickly in practice.
> >
> >I know that there is at least one testing kit available, it is sold on
> >www.tinmantech.com. The proprietor apparently doesn't believe in giving
> >anything away; where I am able to compare prices for identical items sold
> >there vs. other sources, he charges a 60-100% premium. I imagine that the
> >test kit, at $700, is no exception. Not that I begrudge him a profit, but
> >there is the concept of "value" to consider...
> >
> >I am not adverse to hitting the books, and I took the usual college chem
> >classes for a sci major. Given time, I can wade through most anything. Now,
> >with that background, here is my question: Can I assemble my own testing
> >kit, and if so, how?
> >
> >Thanks.
> >
> >G.
> 
> http://www.modernmicroscopy.com/main.asp?article=10&print=true
> 
> 
> See if this reference works.  Let us know if it does.