Archive: Jul 2020

Aluminum’s Critical Role In The Aviation Industry

Leave a Comment

Day in and day out, 1.73 million people travel by airplane in the United States. They fly on one of the nation’s 212,335 commercial aircraft, or — in some cases — on one of the additional 7,628 private aircraft or aircraft for-hire. Just about all of these aircraft have one thing in common: they are constructed out of aluminum and aluminum metal composites.

6061 aluminum

For decades, aluminum has been the material of choice for those in the aviation and aerospace industries. How did that happen, and why does aluminum remain so prominent in the aircraft industry today?

The First Airplanes

The Wright Brothers famously built the first powered aircraft and flew it in 1903. Even then, the Wright Brothers had enough foresight and knowledge to use a lightweight aluminum engine and other aluminum aircraft parts. The frame and exterior of the plane, however, were made from bamboo, spruce, and fabric. These materials were inefficient, even back then. However, at the time, access to aluminum and thin sheet metals was highly limited and the aluminum that was available was extremely costly — more than the Wright Brothers could afford.

For years, and particularly before World War I, many aircraft continued being built primarily out of wood. Wood failed to live up to expectations. Aircraft made out of wood did not get as much speed and lift as hoped. Most critically, it posed a serious safety hazard. Wooden aircraft had the potential to rot. If it did, the strength of the material often failed during flight, causing crashes and fatalities.

During World War I, aircraft designer Hugo Junker built an airplane entirely out of metal. This trend continued throughout World War I and into World War II.

Why Aluminum?

Today, nearly one third — or 27% — of all aluminum is purchased and utilized by the transport industry. Why is aluminum the preferred material?

Now, aluminum and select metal composites (combined metals) are relatively inexpensive, predictable, and strong. Manufacturers can rely on thin metal strips of aluminum to be lightweight and support the weight of an aircraft. For example, 6061 aluminum is pliable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for airplanes’ fuselages and wings.

Plus, aluminum holds up well in extreme weather conditions and against extreme heat. Its lightweight not only makes it optimal for maximum lift but also for fuel efficiency and using as little fuel as possible to cut down on costs and reduce emissions.

The Types Of Aluminum Most Commonly Used In Aircraft

In addition to several different types of aluminum, aluminum composites are also very common in aircraft construction. Some of the most popular ones include 6061 Aluminum, 2024 Aluminum, 3003 Aluminum, Aluminum 5052, and Aluminum 7075.

There are pros and cons with each type of aluminum or aluminum alloy. For example, 6061 Aluminum is more flexible and pliable. 2024 Aluminum is stronger, but that increased strength comes with more rigidity. 3003 Aluminum is extremely workable, making it the ideal material for aircraft cowl (the metal covering an airplane’s engine) and its baffle plate or engine baffle, the structure that keeps air flowing and the plane operating at a safe temperature.

While flying, many of us may not consider the thousands upon thousands of pieces of metal that make up the aircraft. In reality, that metal keeps aircraft safely flying, safely in the air, and safely at an optimal temperature. Aluminum is such a versatile — yet reliable — material it is also commonly found in medical equipment and on space shuttles and spacecraft as well.

7 Outstanding Qualities of Stainless Steel

Leave a Comment

ams 5510

They are many types of stainless steel available for various industrial uses. Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel, and it is largely utilized in many industries such as aviation, oil refinery, and construction. The benefits of stainless steel are innumerable because of the desirable qualities of the different types of stainless steel, such as ams 5510, 302 stainless steel, and 304 stainless steel.

Why Use Stainless Steel?

Most industries rely on stainless steel for the production of their equipment. Stainless steel is used for the production of both outdoor and indoor equipment because of its high resistance to corrosion. Ams 5510, which is a variant of type 321 stainless steel, is largely known for its resistance to chemical corrosion and oxidation. It is estimated that there are more than 150 grades of stainless steel, and they are all useful and effective for commercial and domestic purposes. Given the multiple and important uses of steel, it is good news that it is recyclable. Each year, the United States recycles more than 80 million tons of steel, which is about 69% of all the steel used.

People do not trust and rely on stainless steel for no reason. Steel has many more benefits as compared to other types of materials, such as copper and brass. Here are the benefits of stainless steel that make it one of the most widely used alloys.

1. Contains Chromium That Makes It Corrosion-Resistant.

Stainless steel contains 10.5% of chromium in its composition. Resistance to corrosion is one of the greatest quality of stainless steel that increases its utility in many industries. The fact that even low-grade stainless steel can resist high humidity and rain makes stainless steel a reliable and suitable material for outdoor use.

2. Stainless Steel Is Readily-Available

With 40% of the world’s stainless steel being made from recycled metal, there is little risk of running short of raw materials. Additionally, iron, the main raw material for all steel, is easily extracted and affordable. As such, there is enough supply of stainless steel. You should trust the reputable metal dealers who also deal with other alloys such as brass and bronze, to supply you with quality stainless steel.

3. Stainless Steel Is Easy to Clean and Maintain

Given that stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it is easy to clean using soap water and other cleaning detergents without inviting rust. Even more, stainless steel doesn’t need vigorous scrubbing to give it a shiny look. Far from that, a simple wiping procedure makes the stainless steel shiny again.

4. Stainless Steel Is Affordable

The affordability of the different types of stainless steel such as ams 5510 makes it suitable for industrial use. Given that a substantial percentage (about 40%) of stainless steel is made from recycled metal, the cost of production is relatively down.

5. Strength and Durability

Stainless steel contains nickel that makes the steel alloy strong and tough. Nickel is added to stainless steel in the manufacturing process and it also makes it non-magnetic. The strength of steel makes it suitable for use in the construction industry.

6. A Wide Variety of Stainless Steel

Other than the austenitic stainless steels, you can choose from three more types of steel. These are Ferritic stainless steel, Martensitic stainless steel, and Duplex stainless steel. This ensures that you get the right type of stainless steel that is most suitable for your needs.

7. Stainless Steel is Recyclable

Once stainless steel has reached the end of its useful life, it can be recycled for other uses. Keeping in mind that most equipment that we use utilizes stainless steel, it is extremely beneficial to our economy that we can repurpose stainless steel for other uses.

No matter the type of stainless steel that you choose for your project, you are bound to enjoy the numerous benefits attached to stainless steel. You will find all types of stainless steel, including ams 5510 from a metal service dealer.