How to Identify Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Iron

Sorting through a pile of scrap metal can feel confusing if you do not know exactly what you are looking at. Knowing how to identify different metals is the first step to becoming a successful and efficient scrap metal recycler! In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell the difference between three of the most common types of scrap metal that are often mistaken for each other: stainless steel, aluminum, and iron. Learn more by reading below or get in touch with Allied Recycling Center to get started selling and recycling scrap metal in Massachusetts! 

How to Identify Iron

The easiest way to start sorting your scrap metal is by using a magnet. Iron is a ferrous material, which simply means it contains iron and is therefore magnetic. If your magnet pulls strongly toward the object and sticks easily, you most likely have iron or an alloy containing iron, nickel, or cobalt.

Iron is also quite heavy compared to other materials of the same size. You will often find it in old pipes, automotive parts, and heavy machinery. Keep an eye out for rust, because iron will oxidize and turn a reddish brown color when left outside in the elements.

How to Identify Aluminum

Aluminum is incredibly common but can sometimes look identical to other silver materials. The biggest giveaway for aluminum is its overall weight. It is very lightweight, making it easy to carry in large quantities. You will frequently find aluminum in cans, window frames, and home siding.

Here are a few quick ways to test if you have aluminum:

• Test it with a magnet to see if it sticks. Aluminum is completely non-magnetic.
• Check for rust spots. Aluminum does not rust, though it might become dull or chalky over time.
• Try bending a small piece. It is a very soft material and bends easily if the piece is thin enough.

How to Identify Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the trickiest metal of the three to identify because it looks a lot like aluminum and can sometimes be magnetic. 400 Series stainless steel is typically magnetic, while 300 Series stainless steel is generally non-magnetic. Stainless steel is heavier and denser than aluminum, which can be an indicator that you have stainless steel. You will typically find stainless steel in kitchen sinks, appliances, and high quality cookware.

One of the best ways to identify stainless steel is using the spark test. This can be done by using a grinder on the material to visually inspect the sparks it produces. If the sparks coming off the material are short, thin, and dark red (or if you see little to no sparks at all), you likely have stainless steel.

Contact Allied Recycling Center in Walpole, MA!

To learn more about how to identify your scrap metal, or if you’d like to sell scrap metal for the best prices in Southeastern Massachusetts, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Allied Recycling Center! Call us today at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!