DoN. Nichols wrote:
On 2008-07-26, TwoGuns wrote:
Last month I bought about 50 damaged computer hard drives from a local
computer repair shop. I salvaged the magnets, motors and assorted
bearings, nuts and screws. The cases and circuit boards were loaded up
to take to a local metal recycler. I had called them before the trip
for a price check. They were paying $.68 for Aluminum unless it was
die cast. If it was die cast Aluminum the price was only $.34. Of
course when I get there they say it was all die cast. It was too
damned hot & humid to argue and I sure as hell didn't feel like taking
the junk back to the shop so I let them take it. Just for future
reference what is the difference between die cast Aluminum and the
higher grade and how can I tell?

Easy to tell. What shape is the part. Is it an extrusion? Stamping?
fabricated from bar stock, Sheet aluminum? It's what they usually call
clean aluminum.
Is it a shape with many small corners and holes with only a few machined
pads for parts? Small complex item? That is cast aluminum.

There is also a class called dirty aluminum. That is things like an
engine block with steel sleeves and thread inserts. Or aluminum with
heli coils in it.

The cast aluminum is classed different due to the myriad of alloys and
additives in the aluminum. It could also appear to be cast aluminum and
actually be pot metal. Or something like a VW engine block which is a
high grade of cast magnesium.

--
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York

Life is not like a box of chocolates
it's more like a jar of jalapenos-
what you do today could burn your ass tomorrow!