What are the metals used for manufacturing automobiles?
The automotive industry has grown tremendously over the years. This growth has led to increased demand for raw materials such as aluminum, copper, steel, zinc, magnesium, titanium, etc. These metals are used to manufacture various parts of vehicles ranging from engines to wheels.
There are several types of metals used in the production of cars. Some of these include aluminum, copper, steel and zinc. Each of these metals has its own unique properties and uses. For example, steel is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity while aluminum is a good insulator. Copper is very strong and can be easily bent. Zinc is a great conductor of electricity, but it is not so strong as other metals. Magnesium is light weight and easy to work with. Titanium is extremely hard and durable.
- Aluminum
In recent years, aluminum has become one of the most important metals used in the automotive industry. It is mainly used for body panels, hoods, fenders, doors, trim components, bumpers, wheel covers, grills, and tailgates. It is also used for interior components like instrument panel, dashboard, door panels, center console, armrest, glove compartment, headliner, and trunk lid. Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion resistant.
- Copper
Copper is a soft, malleable, ductile material that is widely used in electrical applications because it resists oxidation when exposed to air or moisture. Copper is also used for plumbing pipes, water lines, and heating systems. It is also used in electrical wiring and cable products. It is a good conductor of electricity.
- Steel
Steel is the most common metal used in the construction of automobiles. It is also commonly used in aircraft, ships, railroad equipment, bridges, buildings, and machinery. The main use of steel is in the chassis, frame, suspension system, steering mechanism, and drive train. It is also used to make structural members, including roof beams, floor pans, and cross-members. Steel is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
- Zinc
Zinc is a soft, malachite green colored metal that is found naturally on earth. It is used in many industries due to its high conductivity. In addition, it is used in the automotive industry because it is inexpensive and readily available. It is used in car batteries, ignition coils, and spark plugs. It is also used as an additive to improve paint adhesion.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is a white metal that is lighter than aluminum. It is used in the automotive sector because it is cheaper than steel. It is used in vehicle bodies, frames, and chassis. It is also used extensively in the aerospace industry. It is a good thermal conductor and a poor electrical conductor.
- Titanium
Titanium is a relatively new metal that is being used more frequently in the automotive industry. Its strength makes it ideal for use in vehicle components. It is used in alloys with aluminum, nickel, iron, and cobalt. It is also used alone for some components. It is a very expensive metal.
The above-mentioned metals are used by the automotive industry to manufacture different parts of vehicles. They are used to make engines, transmission, exhaust manifolds, fuel tanks, brake pads, and oil filters. There are several benefits associated with using these metals.
Benefits Of Using Metals in Automobiles
1) Lightweight: The materials used in manufacturing automobiles are light in weight. This means that they do not add much weight to the vehicle. This allows manufacturers to design lighter vehicles.
2) Durability: Metals have longer life spans than their nonmetallic counterparts. As such, they are less likely to break down over time. Also, they are less likely than plastics to degrade under harsh environmental conditions.
3) Corrosion Resistance: Metals are generally resistant to corrosion. This makes them suitable for use in areas where there is exposure to saltwater, acid rain, and other corrosive substances.
4) High Strength: Metals are stronger than other materials. This makes them useful for making various components of vehicles. Because of this, they can be used to make strong structures.
5) Heat Conducting Properties: Metals are excellent at conducting heat. This makes them useful in making heat sinks, radiators, and cooling fans.
6) Low Cost: Metals are cheap compared to other materials. This makes it easy to purchase large quantities of them.
7) Ease of Processing: Metals are easier to process than nonmetallic materials. This makes it possible to create complex shapes from them.
8) Good Electrical Conductivity: Metals are good electrical conductors. This makes them useful to make electronic devices.
9) Good Thermal Conductivity: Metals have higher thermal conductivities than other materials. This means that they transfer heat quickly.
10) Ability To Be Polished: Metals can be polished easily. This makes them useful when designing products.
11) Excellent Chemical Resistant: Metals are highly resistant to chemicals. This makes them suitable to be used in chemical processing plants.
12) Easy To Mold: Metals can be molded easily. This makes it easy for manufacturers to produce custom-made items.
13) High Tensile Strength: Metals have high tensile strengths. This makes them useful during assembly processes.
14) Good Workability: Metals are good workable. This makes them useful as raw material for molding.
15) Availability: Metals are widely available. This makes them useful since they can be purchased cheaply
As conclusion, different type of metals reflects on the valuation of the car and its price.
Author bio:
Mohamad Omary is the Managing Director of Car Wise. Sell My Car – CarWise Car Buyers – Dubai is a car buying company that has established itself as the go-to partner for those who want to quickly sell their used cars in the UAE; reaching 20,000 satisfied customers with their easy car selling process and excellent customer service. If you’re interested in finding out more about used cars for sale in uae, visit CarWise.