What are the problems with casting aluminum parts at home from reclaimed aluminum?
mepehuxit > 05-08-2018, 06:19 AM
As someone who came from the foundry industry and has done a variety of different castings methods both professionally and at home, I think you will have several issues.
First, it depends on where your salvage comes from, and what method you are using for melting. The easiest to get would be cans, and if you are using a gas/solid fuel furnace, your dross percentage is going to be VERY high.
The second issue is chemistry. What kinds of parts are you making? Most salvaged aluminum isn't a specific alloy (jungle gyms, picnic tables, cans etc). If you are talking about art or some kind, no biggy, but automotive parts are a huge difference.
Third is quality. You have no way of knowing if these parts are defect free, and no form of quality testing (most people don't have these amenities at home anyway). If this part is going to be under stress of any kind, and you have a massive bubble located inside, you wont know it until it fails.
If you are just messing around, I would recommend sand casting. If you are doing small pieces, I would recommend investment casting, but either way, I would not recommend making your own auto parts until you can guarantee that your parts are consistent and defect free.