Another mistery metal

LOTS of bright white sparks?? Probably Titanium of some sort.

Could be europium or germanium. (But most likely a titanium alloy. )

Matweb will do a property search for you. I asked for a density between .18 and .20 lb/in^3

Lew Hartswick wrote in news:nXU0g.3155 $ snipped-for-privacy@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net:

Yup. Grade 4 Titanium. Do a Google search on CP 4 Titanium.

Here's a site that gives the density:

Titanium is pyrophoric. I'd think twice about cutting it with a plasma cutter.

Sure sounds like titanium to me. LLoyd

No, not per se. Titanium particles smaller than about 400 mesh are. Larger particles are not.

We use tons of flake and sponge titanium each year in our pyrotechnics. You have to get it pretty hot to ignite.

OTOH, when it does burn, it burns HOT, and propagates easily in the presence of sufficient oxygen.

Also... Yes... the sparks are bright white(ish) with a small 'fan' (called the Senko Hanabi-type spark) at the end.

LLoyd

"Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" wrote in news:x541g.119089$ snipped-for-privacy@tornado.tampabay.rr.com:

Ok. Combustable is probably a better term. But don't put nitric acid on it. Ditto for LOX. It is truly pyrophoric then.

I've lit long turning chips that were thicker, wider, and longer than .0015" (400 mesh) with nothing more than a Bic lighter. I've also seen more than one machine burned to the ground as a result of a titanium fire.

You can plasma cut it if you want, but I'd be careful. Especially if you create a thin edge. You need to be particularly aware of whats under the torch as well. The recommended method for plasma cutting Ti and Ti alloys is either submerged in water or water shielded. The hydrogen given off will result in flames above the water.