Pot metal

The term "pot metal" came about because of automobile factories' practice in the early 20th century of gathering up non-ferrous metal scraps from the manufacturing processes and melting them in one pot to form into cast products.

Because of its low melting temperature, it requires no sophisticated foundry equipment or specialized molds.

Manufacturers sometimes use it to experiment with molds and ideas (e.g., prototypes) before casting final products in a higher quality alloy.

[dubious – discuss] With a low melting point of 420 °C (786 °F), zinc is often alloyed with other metals including lead, tin, aluminium, and copper.

Pot metal is generally used for parts that are not subject to high stresses or torque.