Cars are highly valued objects by human beings all over the world. We are always looking for the best innovation, comfort, and safety for this means of transport. Currently, the growth in demand for cars is enormous, with only 297 machines per thousand inhabitants in Mexico; if we add this up, we can understand how important the automotive industry has become today. Because of this, a large amount of materials are used in the manufacture of these vehicles. However, aluminum stands out as the most important option for the future.
What does aluminum offer that makes it an excellent material for car bodies?
It should be mentioned that aluminum has been used in car manufacturing since they were invented. Since 1889, aluminum has been produced in large quantities; it was melted, rolled, and shaped to be used in car bodies.
Car manufacturers took advantage of the window of possibilities that this material offered to start building their empires. In those years, only pure forms of aluminum existed, which are softer and have great malleability, which translates into great ease to acquire any shape and excellent resistance to corrosion. These factors led major brands to form extensive aluminum panels for car bodies, which would then be welded and polished by hand.
These characteristics influenced major car brands to start using aluminum in their models. We are talking about brands like Ferrari, Bugatti, and Porsche, just to name a few.
Why choose cars made with aluminum alloy?
Cars are a marvel of engineering, they are extremely complex machines that can have up to 30,000 parts. Each one of them with a specific function, which allows this vehicle to move across any distance and at the speed the driver wishes.
Talking about the body, or skeleton of the vehicle, is to touch a very important topic, as it is the most expensive and critical part of the manufacturing. The parts range from the external panels, which give the vehicle its shape, in addition to front and rear doors, engine beams, wheel arches, bumpers, hoods, passenger compartments, front panels, roof and floor panels, etc.
The main characteristic when talking about the body is structural solidity; however, there are also more topics to consider, as it must be lightweight, with an affordable manufacturing cost, resistant to different types of weather and oxidation; in addition to helping create an aesthetic model, with finishes that attract potential customers. All these needs are satisfied by aluminum. Below we present some advantages that this material offers in car manufacturing.
- Versatility. Aluminum is a perfect example of this characteristic, as this material offers a wide catalog of aesthetic possibilities. This facilitates the manufacture of different models in an excellent average time.
- Easy to work with. It is an incredibly easy material to mold, thanks to new welding technologies. These contribute to making this material easier to shape without sacrificing safety.
- Lightweight and durable. The weight-resistance ratio is unmatched, giving what we all look for in a body, which is light and very durable. Automotive trends in aluminum have focused on reducing weight in vehicles, to meet the increasingly strict emission requirements.
- Alloy capacity. It has an excellent ability to combine with a variety of elements that help amplify its qualities, such as resistance, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, making it a main player in car manufacturing.
The future of aluminum in cars
Therefore, aluminum is the ideal material for car manufacturing, it has been used since the 19th century and will be used for many more years. Since it was first introduced, alloys and different manufacturing techniques have only increased its use in cars. The industry landscape has changed due to the passage of time and growing concern for the environment. Another point in its favor is that this material is ideal for recycling. For all these reasons, this material will become increasingly important in the automotive industry.
At Ulbrinox we know about the importance of aluminum, that's why we are one of the main distributors of this material in Mexico and Latin America. Come to us! We are proud to provide the best materials and the highest quality in the market. Get a quote on our website, we will give you the personalized attention you need.
