The covers are usually two metals. The lower layer aluminium and one or more pieces of special nickel steel on the top (special in how it’s manufactured, not the value as scrap).
3.5 inch drives are nearly completely made with dual layer covers. Maxtor had a tendency to use a low nickel stainless as the primary cover and smaller specialty stainless plates in earlier designs. Moving to stainless covers and high nickel (magnetic) plates in later models.
2.5” drives are mostly stainless caps. Smaller than that aluminium is most common.
Old 525 drives are random. Many are magnesium and manganese pairings. Though IBM used a steel plate cover in the “PC” line for a while.
If it doesn’t stick to a magnet and you want to test for stainless vs aluminium you can spark test. Us a metal grit grinding pad or bit with an angle grinder, drill, or rotary tool.
If it makes sparks you have a stainless.
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