In the automotive industry, the debate on which car body is better, aluminium or steel, is still ongoing. Many people still have this question in their mind whether to go for aluminium car body or steel car body. So, here we have came up with an article that will give you a clear picture on both the car bodies.
Car manufacturers are trying to develop cars that are light weight, fuel efficient and the pricing is more affordable. To meet the above requirements which material is best suited, aluminium or steel? Continue reading.
Comparison between aluminium and steel car body:
Car manufacturers are using aluminium for more than 100 years, and the metal is still being used for manufacturing car body. It was in 1899, the first car made of aluminium body was unveiled at an international motor show in Berlin.
Now, as the technology has developed aluminium has also came up with an advanced high-tensile alloys that can replace steel. It is evaluated that 1kg of aluminum can replace 2kgs of steel, this leads to the reduction of car weight. There are many benefits of using aluminum car body which are stated below.
Ducker’s findings about aluminium car body:
According to Ducker’s finding, car bodies with aluminium composition will increase to 18% in the next 10 years. According to a new report commissioned by aluminium association, by 2025, 75% of USA pickups will be aluminium bodies.
When it comes to steel it has lesser benefits over aluminum. It has less chances in near future when compared to aluminum as of now. But studies and researches made by some industry experts say that, steel car body in the coming future will be of light weight as same as aluminium car body today. It also addresses that steel can meet all the challenges which are critical in manufacturing process.
Studies also revel that, if industries incorporate FSV technology, car manufacturers can avoid using costly alternatives to steel.
What Cees ten Broek has to say about the steel project:
Cees ten Broek, Director of WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association stated that, the light-weighting steel project which is using flexible steel design and Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) can meet all the challenges like improving fuel economy and also reduces green-house gas emissions.
Steel baron Lakshmi N Mittal, the Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, said that steel can provide weight reduction through which auto manufacturers can satisfy fuel efficiency standards. So in near future we can expect more of steel car bodies.
Benefits of aluminum car body over steel car body
- Aluminium has lower density when compared to metals like steel and iron.
- Car body made of aluminium is lighter and results in better fuel economy.
- It has resistance to corrosion.
- It has high strength and also energy absorption is controlled.
- Aluminium is recyclable. Aluminium Association says, 75% of aluminium produced since 1888 is still used today.
- Aluminium is stronger.
- Reduces green house gases emission.
- Resale value will be high
- Aluminium has electrical and thermal conductivity.
- It has great amount of durability.
Benefits of steel car body over aluminium car body
- Steel is safe and uses less energy compared to competing materials like aluminium.
- Steel provides improved crash protection.
- Steel car bodies is easily repaired, whereas aluminium takes much time and cost to repair.
- Cars with steel body has less carbon dioxide emissions, whereas in aluminium carbon dioxide emission is five times more.
- Cars made of steel body are less expensive than aluminium car bodies.
- Electricity consumption of steel is less than aluminium.
- Steel is recyclable.
- Steel car body joints are stronger than aluminium and if any damage happens the welding can’t be done easily.
- Aluminium is harder to re-shape and when accidents happen the damage is more. But it is not the case with steel, it can remould easily.
- Maintenance cost of steel is less when compared to aluminium.
Bottom line:
By seeing the above facts it can be concluded that aluminium will lead the car production industry if steel can’t come up with advanced technologies.