Is there a difference between the parts that can be quickly identified?
Steel is very shiny while aluminum is more of a matte look.
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Also, steel will be heavier for the same size than aluminum
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steel is magnetic, aluminum is not magnetic, so you can use a magnet to check sometimes our part bins get so disorganized i have to go in with a magnet and see what sticks and separate it. also steel has a slight blue shine to it.
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Steel is heavy, just pick up a steel part and you can tell the difference.
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Steel has a darker, more glossy look compared to aluminum, which is much lighter in color, and also has a slight matte appearance. You’ll distinguish the two better as you get more experience.
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Most, if not all steel parts are also thinner than their aluminum counterparts (0.046" vs 0.064").
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Just grab a magnet. If your part is magnetic it’s steel if it’s not it’s aluminum or something else.
They taste different
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Steel tends to rust. If you notice any rust, then it is steel. Aluminum tends to be thicker but lighter overall. There is Pre-Skyrise aluminum and post-skyrise aluminum. Pre-Skyrise aluminum is a bit harder to differentiate between steel and aluminum as the aluminum is about just as shiny, so you should just look at the thickness/density. Post-skyrise aluminum tends to be a lot less shiny but overall cleaner appearance.
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Steel is kinda blueish
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After doing a little experimentation, this is correct.
Steel tastes better
In all seriousness though, thanks for the help! I went through the part bin with a magnet and managed to find the right material.
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