Aluminum Parts: Slowly but Surely

Aluminum Auto Parts: Slowly but Surely

Many manufacturers of cars are experimenting on the use of aluminum auto parts. Some are also extending their research to make it feasible to use aluminum in all other weight-intensive components of cars

So far, there has been a wide range of parts made out of aluminum like engine blocks, cylinder heads, manifolds, wheels, and even body structures and closures. Carmakers are hopeful that soon, hoods, trunks, and other such heavy parts can also be formed out of aluminum materials. The body alone accounts for about 25% of the total weight of a vehicle. Using aluminum will significantly reduce the cost and provide huge savings.

According to the Aluminum Association, Inc., the use of aluminum for automobiles doubled between the years 1991 and 1999. This is expected to double by early 21st century. So far, aluminum has already surpassed plastic use in vehicles and is now ranking third after iron and steel.

Average weight of aluminum is estimated to be one-third that of an equivalent volume of steel. There is about 60% weight reduction with the use of aluminum in vehicles instead of steel and cast iron.

Although there are so many advantages in using aluminum, many engineers in car manufacturing are still yet to be convinced about replacing steel with this metal. They put emphasis on aluminum being difficult to weld and that this metal has a different reaction to stress than steel.

Aluminum auto parts are seeing some use and for sure, as technology advances, there will be more use for aluminum in car manufacturing.