Aluminium VS Duralumin - Explications Skid Plate Inférieures
For the Skid Plate 4x4 lowers, the choice between aluminum and Duralumin It depends on your priorities. Whatever you choose, ensuring the underside of your 4x4 is protected is crucial for a successful and worry-free off-road adventure.
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Aluminum and Duralumin are two commonly used metallic materials, but they have significant differences in composition, properties, and applications.
Aluminium :
Composition:- Aluminum is a pure chemical element, symbolized by Al, and is found in the periodic table under atomic number 13.
Properties:
- Light: Aluminum is very light, with a density of about 2.7 g/cm³.
- Malleable: Easy to work and shape, it can be transformed into sheets, wires or complex shapes.
- Corrosion resistant: It naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion.
- Conductor of heat and electricity: It is a good thermal and electrical conductor, although less so than copper.
- Recyclable: Aluminum is 100% recyclable with no loss of quality.
Applications:
- Used in packaging (cans, aluminum foil), construction (windows, facades), transportation (car bodies, airplanes), and electronics (housing, radiators).
Duralumin
Composition:
- THE Duralumin is an alloy of aluminum with mainly copper (about 4%), manganese (0.5 to 1%), magnesium (0.5 to 1%) and sometimes silicon.
Properties:
- More resistant: Thanks to the addition of copper and other elements, the Duralumin is much stronger than pure aluminum.
- Light: While being stronger, it remains relatively light, although slightly denser than pure aluminum.
- Good mechanical resistance: The addition of copper improves tensile strength and hardness.
- Corrosion: Less resistant to corrosion than pure aluminum due to the presence of copper, it often requires a protective coating.
- Heat treatability: Can be heat treated to further improve its mechanical properties.
Applications:
- Mainly used in the aeronautical industry for aircraft structures (fuselages, wings) due to its excellent strength/weight ratio.
- Also used in sports equipment (bicycle frames, golf clubs), and some high-performance automotive parts.
Comparison of Materials:
| Property | Aluminum | Duralumin |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | To (pure) | Al, Cu, Mg, Mn, Si |
| Density | 2,7 g/cm³ | Environ 2,8-2,9 g/cm³ |
| Mechanical resistance | Moderate | High |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good | Less good |
| Heat treatability | Do not | Yes |
| Thermal conductivity | High | Moderate |
| Main applications | Packaging, construction, electronics | Aeronautics, sports equipment |
When equipping your 4x4 for off-road adventures, protecting its underside is essential. The materials commonly used for these Skid Plate are aluminum and DuraluminHere's a look at the pros and cons of each to help you make the best choice.
Aluminum
Advantages:
- Lightness: With a density of only 2.7 g/cm³, aluminum doesn't add much weight to your vehicle, which can improve handling and fuel efficiency.
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum forms a protective oxide layer, making it ideal for the wet and muddy conditions frequently encountered during off-road riding.
- Ease of work: Its malleability makes it easy to shape according to the specific needs of your vehicle.
Disadvantages:
- Moderate mechanical resistance: Pure aluminum can deform more easily under heavy impacts compared to stronger alloys.
Duralumin
Advantages:
- Increased resistance: THE Duralumin, an aluminum alloy with copper, magnesium, and manganese, offers much higher mechanical strength than pure aluminum. This means better protection against shocks and impacts when driving off-road.
- Optimal strength-to-weight ratio: Although somewhat denser than pure aluminum, Duralumin remains relatively light while offering increased robustness.
Disadvantages:
- Less resistant to corrosion: Due to the presence of copper, the Duralumin is more likely to corrode without a protective treatment or coating.
- Cost: THE Duralumin may be more expensive than pure aluminum due to its improved composition and properties.
Conclusion :
For the Skid Plate 4x4 lowers, the choice between aluminum and Duralumin depends on your priorities. If you are looking for a lightweight and corrosion-resistant solution, aluminum is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if strength and impact resistance are your main concerns, the Duralumin, although slightly more expensive and requiring anti-corrosion treatment, offers superior protection.
Whichever you choose, ensuring the underside of your 4x4 is protected is crucial for a successful and worry-free off-road adventure.
Buy now the Skid Plate Almont4wd which are all made in Duralumin therefore offering you the Skid Plate the most resistant on the European market.