Aluminum is one of the most commonly used metals in the automobile industry. Every day, new car parts are consistently upgraded, and hence, these aluminum car parts offer efficiency to innovative automobiles.
If you want to learn more about aluminum car parts and their properties, go through the guide below.
7 Key Properties that Make Aluminum the Most Preferred Metal for Manufacturing Car Parts
Aluminum in the automotive industry is opted for the excellent properties it offers, and some of these properties are as follows:
High Strength and Flexibility
Aluminum alloys are very strong. When subjected to an application at a low temperature, they stay intact and do not get brittle like steel. Aluminum is, therefore, suitable for producing car parts due to its high tensile strength and lightweight nature.
Malleability
Aluminum is highly malleable and can be shaped easily compared to other metals. Hence, when it comes to having versatile sizes and shapes, the process of melting aluminum, forming it, and cutting it is very easy to achieve.
Conductivity
Aluminum offers high thermal conductivity, and compared to copper, it is more electrically conductive with less weight. Hence, it is perfect for car parts due to the light weight it possesses, given the required electrical and thermal properties.
Resistenza alla corrosione
Aluminum offers corrosion resistance, and car aluminum body parts are subjected to open-air UV rays, so the chances of oxidation are high. When aluminum is used, the risk of corrosion is eliminated on the vehicle due to its excellent corrosion-resistant properties.
Resistance to Vibration
Aluminum is mostly opted for due to its vibration and noise resistance. Hence, components of cars like suspension engines are manufactured using aluminum as it offers to resist vibration produced.
Relatively Low Density
Automobile components need to be durable and lightweight to offer maximum efficiency. Hence, the low-density property of aluminum makes it a suitable choice for structural components because the strength is high and weight is low. It is opted for frames and body panels of the car.
Efficacia dei costi
Aluminum allows manufacturers to produce different components of cars at a cheaper cost. Other materials are expensive compared to aluminum. When it comes to mass-producing car components, aluminum proves to be cost-effective.
Manufacturing Process for Aluminum Automotive Parts
The process of manufacturing automobile parts using aluminum is quite versatile and involves different techniques. These techniques are the following:
CNC Machining Aluminum Car Parts
Lavorazione CNC is one of the most innovative manufacturing approaches, and it shapes aluminum components. It plays a vital role in the automobile industry in manufacturing components that have tight tolerance and high precision.
It's also a cost-effective process when a high volume of production is required and even offers consistency in manufacturing components.
3D Printing Aluminum Car Parts
Stampa 3D is a highly extensive additive manufacturing process. It also manufactures components that have 3D shapes using layers of aluminum. This process is opted for by the automobile industry to manufacture a wide range of vehicle components using aluminum.
The 3D components are also very strong and are manufactured using 3D printing with aluminum, and even complex components are easy to manufacture.
Die Casting Aluminum Car Parts
Die casting is a process in which molten aluminum is poured into the molds, which, upon solidification, creates the aluminum components. Die casting is used in various industries, and a wide range of automobile components are manufactured using this process.
Advantages of Aluminum Car Parts
Aluminum car parts are widely popular because of the versatile advantages they offer, and some of these are as follows:
- Aluminum is a corrosion-resistant material, and when automobiles are opted for, the lifespan of these components is quite long.
- Aluminum is known for its impact resistance, and hence, when chosen for vehicles, it offers safety during crashes.
- The automobile industry requires high-performance components. Aluminum offers light weight and high strength; hence the components produced are high-performing.
- Steel has high tensile strength, but it is not lightweight, and hence, components do not help with fuel efficiency. In contrast, aluminum components offer a high strength-to-weight ratio making the components fuel efficient.
- Due to less fuel consumption, aluminum components ensure reduced emissions and hence help with environment friendliness.
- Aluminum components are highly functional and stronger despite their low weight, and hence, they offer flawless performance in vehicles.
Aluminum Alloy Commonly Used for Car Parts
There are different tipi di alluminio that are used for car parts. These alloys are chosen for their corrosion resistance, excellent finishing on the surface, and the low weight of the material. Some of these commonly opted alloys are as follows:
- 2024 series
- 1100 series
- 4032 alloy
- 3003, 3004, 3105 aluminum alloy
- 7003 and 7046 alloy
- 5052, 5182, 5083 aluminum alloy
- 6022, 6181 and 6061 alloy
Applications of Aluminum Car Parts
Aluminum is used in various vehicle components; some of the aluminum car body parts are discussed below.
Panels of Car Body
The body panels of the car are meant to be covered, which gives the vehicle a complex shape. These panels protect the car components and the engine of the car from damage. Hence, the lightweight features and durability of aluminum make it a suitable choice for car body parts.
Radiators
The radiator of the vehicle regulates the flow of temperature in the engine and dissipates heat in the atmosphere. An aluminum radiator is opted for an immediate transfer of hot air from the engine to the surroundings.
Chassis Enclosures
The chassis enclosure is a very important component of the wheel, and it is made of aluminum. It determines the performance of the vehicle and even adds life to the exterior and interior components.
The aluminum components, which are die-casted or extruded, are mostly used for chassis enclosure due to their load strength.
Start Your Auto Parts Project with DEK
DEK is a leading manufacturer of aluminum components used in automobiles. We have attained certifications like ISO 14001, ISO 9001, etc., which show our quality and credibility.
We have a team of professional engineers who manufacture and design the finest aluminum components for your vehicles. You can get in touch with us to get auto parts designed.
Conclusione
The guide above features a detailed consideration of aluminum for the automobile sector and how it benefits these auto parts.
You must have learned everything about it, and now, making a decision regarding opting for aluminum components for automobile manufacturing must be easier for you.
Domande frequenti
Are aluminum car parts expensive?
Since aluminum is recyclable, hence aluminum car parts are not very expensive.
What car parts are made of aluminum?
The automobile parts that are made of aluminum are cylinder heads, transmission cases, and engine blocks.
What grade of aluminum is used for car bodies?
The aluminum grades used for car bodies include 7075, 2024, 6061, and 7074.
Why is aluminum alloy used for car engine parts?
Aluminum offers corrosion resistance, strength, light weight, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which is used for car engine parts.