Got this from the Zodiac list, and thought I would pass it on...

Grant Schemmel



Time: 06:46:33 PM PST US
From: "Zodie Rocket" <zodierocket@hsfx.ca>
Subject: Zenith-List: BAD ALUM on Market.

--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Zodie Rocket" <zodierocket@hsfx.ca>

Actually while were on this note I wish to make all scratch builders that it has been brought to our attention that 6061-T6 alum manufactured in China with a sheet marking starting with H (I can 't remember the name at this moment but you will recognize it as a non American name) is not of the same standard. We have done several tests with both Alcan and the imported alum with the same 6061-T6 stamp and in each case the import had prevailing cracks and on thicker pieces actually broke in the bend while the Alcan product formed just fine. I don't have any more info on this but be aware of what your buying.

Mark Townsend
Can-Zac Aviation Ltd.
president@can-zacaviation.com
www.can-zacaviation.com


-----Original Message-----
 --> Zenith-List message posted by: "William Wilkinson"
<wwilkinson@mweb.co.za>

I have been registered on this list for a few months and have learned a lot.

I received my 601XL plans a year ago and studied it in detail.  Also watched the DVD by Homebuilt.com.

I am going to scratch buildt.  All the aircraft grade aluminium in South

Africa are imported and therefore quite expensive.  Luckily all the
6061T6
sheet thicknesses are available from the distributor.

There are local South African 6061T6 extrusions e.g.angles and the flat bar for the main spars available but without the quality marking every few inches stating it is 6061T6.(Quality markings)

I am working for a petrochemical factory in Secunda, South Africa.  On site is a metallurgical laboratory that is willing to do a physical tensile strenght on a sample and confirm the chemical property of the material.(E.g.
Silicon content)  Otherwise I will have to import the angles and flatbar at an enormous price.

However, I want to ask your advise as it is not worth while to take chances with inferior materials.

Regards

William Wilkinson
Secunda, South Africa


--
9/27/2006

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