Aluminium in Automotive
Colt Materials are local aluminium stockists with a range of materials available to the automotive sector. As a sought-after material for its many benefits, we offer industry-standard supplies at competitive prices so you can complete your projects with trust, economically.
Aluminium in Automotive: The Properties of Aluminium
Aluminium offers versatile properties that are attractive for the automotive sector for many reasons.
Lightweight: Aluminium is a low-density metal, weighing about a third of what steel does. It’s an excellent choice to reduce weight in all types of vehicles, particularly aeroplanes that need less weight to lift off.
Corrosion resistance: Aluminium has a layer of oxide that protects it from rusting and can withstand harsh environments.
Strength: Where this metal isn’t as strong as steel, its alloys provide high strength nonetheless. A strong metal remains durable too, another attractive property for the automotive sector.
Malleability: Aluminium is easily shaped, welded, stretched and formed into sheets or complex parts- ideal for designing cars and providing support in intricate areas.
Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: As a great conductor, aluminium can be used in the wiring and electrical systems of automobiles.
Recyclability: It can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, making it highly sustainable and energy-efficient to reuse.
Reflectivity: Aluminium reflects light and heat well, which is why it is used in insulation materials, lighting fixtures, and mirrors.
Why the Automotive Industry Relies on Aluminium
With companies worldwide looking to reduce their emissions and offer more sustainable solutions in an industrial environment, companies are looking for materials that are sustainable, economical, while also offering them all the qualities they are looking for. As Aluminium is a highly recyclable product, it is more sought after as a sustainable resource.
For electric vehicles, a lightweight material was required to make the batteries in the care less heavy, replacing steel and Aluminium offers these qualities. As the future of the automotive industry tries to make cars more sustainable, their materials are having to change.
Aluminium Parts in Automotive Designs
Aluminium is widely used throughout the automotive industry due to its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. In vehicle bodies, aluminium is applied to numerous exterior and structural parts, including the hood, fenders, bumpers, quarter panels, decklids, and even accessories like roof racks and spoilers. Doors also incorporate aluminium in components such as hinges, latches, handles, and central locking systems, while windows benefit from aluminium parts in motors and sunroof mechanisms.
Beyond aesthetic and structure, aluminium’s electronic properties mean it is used for electrical components. Although it conducts electricity less efficiently than copper, its much lighter weight makes it ideal for vehicle wiring and related applications.
Colt Materials Aluminium Range for the Automotive Industry
Colt Materials stocks and supplies aluminium in many forms and grades, offering materials for many sectors and applications across the West Midlands and the UK. From construction to design, marine and aerospace, many qualities of aluminium make it an ideal choice for use in all kinds of environments. Colt Materials offer the grades: 6082, 5083, 2014, 2011 in the form of sheets, plates and round bars.
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We supply UK-wide and cover the following areas: Birmingham, Dudley, Oldham, Coventry, and Sutton Coldfield.
