aluminum in the automotive industry
askaluadmin > 02-02-2018, 01:44 AM
he auto industry uses aluminum for the vehicle frame and body, electrical wiring, wheels, lamps, paint, transmission, air conditioner condenser and pipes, engine parts (pistons, radiator, cylinder head) and magnets (for speedometers, tachometers and air bags).
Using aluminum for automobile manufacture instead of steel gives a number of benefits:
Performance benefits
On average, aluminum is 10% to 40% lighter than steel, depending on the product. Vehicles made from aluminum have better acceleration, better braking and better handling. The rigidity of aluminum provides drivers with more immediate and precise control. The malleability of aluminum allows designers to engineer vehicle shapes optimized for maximum performance.
Safety benefits
Aluminum can absorb twice as much energy in a crash than the equivalent weight of steel. Aluminum can be used to increase the size and energy absorption capacity of a vehicle’s front and back crumple zones, enhancing safety without increasing weight. Vehicles made from lighter aluminum require shorter stopping distances, helping to prevent collisions.
Environmental benefits
Nearly 90 percent of automotive aluminum scrap is recovered and recycled. Recycling 1 ton of aluminum saves energy equivalent to 21 barrels of oil. Using aluminum auto manufacturing gives a 20 percent smaller lifecycle CO2 footprint compared to using steel. The Aluminum Association’s report The Element of Sustainability found that replacing a fleet of steel vehicles with aluminum vehicles can save 108 million barrels of crude oil and avoid 44 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Fuel efficiency
Vehicles with aluminum components can be 24 percent lighter than those with steel components. This saves 0.7 gallons of fuel per 100 miles, a saving of 15 percent in fuel consumption over steel vehicles. Similar fuel savings are made when aluminum is used in hybrids, diesels and electric vehicles.
Durability
Vehicles with aluminum components benefit from less need for rust repair and they enjoy an increased lifespan. Aluminum components are ideal for vehicles in challenging environments, including off-road and military.