Why use aluminum body for car？
1. Lightweight effect is better
The primary feature of aluminum is “lightness”, which can well achieve the lightweight effect of the body. For comparison, the density of steel is 7.8g/cm³, while that of aluminium is only 2.7g/cm³, which is almost 1/3 of that of steel. Generally speaking, the body of a traditional car accounts for 30-40% of the weight of the whole vehicle. If steel or high-strength steel is replaced with aluminum alloy, the weight of the whole vehicle can be reduced by up to 40%, and the benefits are obvious.
The use of aluminum alloy body can also reduce the height of the center of gravity of the body to achieve the purpose of optimizing the front and rear counterweight. Moreover, aluminum alloy suspension and control arms are also becoming more and more popular. Compared with ordinary steel control arms, aluminum alloy can reduce the unsprung mass better, making the vehicle easier to handle and the vehicle more durable. It is easy to be pushed and has a light feeling when driving. At the same time, reducing the unsprung mass can also reduce bumps and improve ride comfort.
2. Higher body strength
Isn’t this a bit out of comprehension? In theory, the strength of steel should be better than that of aluminum, and it is true. In terms of absolute strength, aluminum alloys are not as good as ordinary steel. In order to achieve the same strength, the aluminum alloy can be a little thicker than the steel. Generally, the thickness ratio of the steel and the aluminum alloy is 1:1.4. But as we said earlier, the density of aluminum is almost 1/3 that of steel, which means that aluminum is lighter in weight. Then combined with the thickness ratio of 1:1.4, the aluminum “stacked” in order to achieve the same strength can actually be light and resistant to beating.
3. Stronger corrosion resistance
I don’t know if you still remember, the teacher said in the chemistry class that year: “The nature of aluminum is unstable and easy to oxidize.” This is a disadvantage of aluminum, but it is an advantage for automobiles. After oxidation, a dense oxide layer will be formed on the surface of aluminum, and this oxide layer will be firmly bonded to the substrate to form an effective protection for the substrate. The damage of various rain and snow weather will also be further reduced.
4. Better energy absorption effect
Although the strength of aluminum alloy material is not as good as that of high-strength steel, it gives aluminum alloy good ductility and can absorb energy through its own deformation and collapse. We all know that the strength of the car is important, but good energy absorption and collapse can better release the energy generated by the collision, thereby protecting the occupants. Therefore, usually the energy-absorbing box designed for the front bumper and rear bumper of the car will use low-strength aluminum alloy, so that the entire energy-absorbing box can be better collapsed. However, the strength of the body still needs to be strong enough, especially the longitudinal beams and A-pillars. The ability to transmit here must be locked so that the energy will not be transmitted into the cockpit, so these parts generally use high-intensity heat. Formed steel, so that the cockpit will not collapse.
Aluminum alloys commonly used in the manufacture of automobiles include 5083 Aluminum, 5182 Aluminum, 6061 Aluminum and other aluminum alloys.If you want to learn more about the application of aluminum in automotive，This website (https://www.lomialuminium.com/aluminum-for-cars/)will introduce you the aluminum alloys suitable for different positions of the vehicle