Industries across the manufacturing spectrum prize aluminum for its lightweight, yet durable properties and its excellent abilities to conduct thermal and electrical energy.
Aluminum 4047 is one of the most popular types of aluminum alloy. Often compared with aluminum 4043, it’s a non–heat-treated alloy primarily composed of silicon, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.
Aluminum 4047’s higher silicon content minimizes its shrinkage and gives it a smooth finish, setting it apart from aluminum 4043. Furthermore, it can withstand higher temperatures than other aluminum alloys, meaning that it performs better in automotive and aerospace applications.
What are the Advantages of Working with 4047 Aluminum?
Aluminum 4047 comes with many advantages, including:
- It’s comprised of 12% silicon, compared with aluminum 4043’s 6% silicon content. This improves its fluidity during welding, especially for heat exchanger fabrication welders. The higher silicon content also reduces weld leakage, creating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.
- It has a higher melting point. Aluminum 4047 liquidates at higher temperatures than aluminum 4043, meaning that aluminum 4047 resists cracks better and is smoother to the touch.
- It resists corrosion. Thanks to aluminum 4047’s 12% silicon content, it resists corrosion and wear better than aluminum 4043 and other alloys. Its strength is one of the main reasons why aluminum 4047 can bond and protect other metals so well.
Applications of Aluminum 4047
Aluminum 4047 appears throughout the welding industry and forms invaluable parts of the automotive, aerospace, and architectural manufacturing.
Filler Material
Aluminum 4047 works well as a cladding alloy or filler material.
Cladding protects less wear-resistant metals by coating them with a protective metal. Aluminum 4047’s strength renders it an excellent cladding material without drastically increasing the cladded product’s weight.
Automotive Engineering
Aluminum 4047 can be found in a number of vehicle parts due to its ability to handle adverse environmental conditions without increasing the vehicle’s weight. It also appears in engine blocks, especially crankcases. Cars constructed of aluminum alloys often employ space frames made of extruded profiles to guarantee rigidity.
Aerospace Engineering
Aluminum–magnesium alloys have formed essential parts of aerospace projects since the adoption of metal-skinned aircraft. Aluminum 4047 resists heat much better than other alloys when combined with magnesium, reducing the flammability of finished projects. The aerospace industry also avoids stress and heat-related wear by joining parts using aluminum 4047 fasteners.
Other Applications
You can find aluminum 4047 practically everywhere. It appears in window frames, leak-tight joints, welding filler wires, and housing. The alloy also clads microwave-integrated circuits with laser-welded covers. Any type of construction that requires a lightweight yet durable material stands to benefit from the use of aluminum 4047 alloys.
Work With Lynch Metals for Your Next Aluminum Project
Founded in 1985, Lynch Metals is a premier supplier of aluminum brazing sheets throughout North America. We credit our success to our team of welding experts, knowledgeable sales representatives, extensive inventory, and specialized processing equipment. We’re also one of the largest distributors of both painted and anodized sheet in North America.
To learn more about our aluminum offerings as well as our line of steel products, contact us today.
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