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Steel vs Aluminum in Car Manufacture

Car manufacturing has become one of the major manufacturing industries with the rising demand for cars. In the process, the makers have to consider factors such as strength, quality expected, ease of repair and weight. These factors go hand in hand with the choice of material that is being used. The main materials used are aluminum and steel among others such as plastics, carbon, and fiberglass.

·         Steel

This has been the top choice and is widely used. Steel is said to contribute around 80% of an average car’s weight. It is mainly used to manufacture chassis, door beams, roofs, car exhaust, brakes, body panels as well as mufflers. Its characteristics include strength, cheap, and readily available and easy to work with. In addition, it is said to be malleable which allows it to be shaped differently.

Steel is generally heavy but has various varieties which vary in their weight. In the process of manufacturing, more than one type is used and in parts where reinforcement is required, the better type is used.

·         Aluminum

Aluminum has come into the market after steel and its demand seems to be growing rapidly. It takes around 15% of an average car’s weight. This metal is used to manufacture mainly wheels, hubcaps, and has come in place for iron and steel in the making of engine blocks. It is widely known for its lightness as well as other qualities such as environmental friendliness, recyclability, its ability to absorb energy as well as malleability. It is also said to be stronger and tougher than steel

The quality of lightness of aluminum makes it perform best in fuel economy while its environmental friendliness allows for emissions reduction. In fact, the lightness is said to save around 0.7 gallons of fuel per 100 miles. Moreover, it enhances better acceleration, braking, and handling.

As the manufacturing industry evolves, there is need to consider which is the best material to use for various parts of a car. Best choice equals a high-performance car and an efficient one.

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