Posted by lynchmetals on | Comments Off on Why Work with Aluminum 4047?
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.
Posted by Ryan on | Comments Off on About Our Aluminum Fin Stock
As a leading distributor of aluminum brazing sheets, Lynch Metals uses the alloys Aluminum 1100, Aluminum 1145, and Aluminum 3003 fin stock for their brazing process. The brazing process joins metals at a joint using another metal filler material that adheres to the target metals being joined through capillary action to create a tight fit. Brazing sheets are often used in this process to pre-place the filler material.
The aforementioned aluminum alloys are used to create an effective fin formation medium for transferring heat in industrial applications. Aluminum is chosen because of its inherent light weight, increased conductivity, and easy malleability. It is also a superior choice when the application involves exposure to environmental conditions, liquids, and/or chemicals because of its inherent resistance to corrosion.
Because of these properties, industries such as aerospace, automotive, and HVAC choose aluminum fin stock as their preferred material for radiators, evaporators, coolers, heaters, and condensers.
Aluminum 1100
Aluminum 1100 is heavily alloyed, with a minimum of 99% aluminum and the remainder consisting of copper. This alloy is considered commercially pure and is relied upon for its corrosion resistance. Aluminum 1100 is one of the strongest available aluminum alloys and possesses the ability to maintain its strength in low-temperature situations and when exposed to electrical conductivity.
This non-heat-treatable, low strength alloy is easily welded and can be hot or cold formed. Known for its machinability, Aluminum 1100 is the preferred choice for heat exchanger fins, fin stock, lightweight tools, and sheet metal work.
Aluminum 1145
Aluminum 1145, like all aluminum alloys, is known for its resistance to both chemicals and varying weather conditions. Similar to Aluminum 1100, Aluminum 1145 is also considered to be commercially pure with a 99.45% concentration of aluminum. It can contain up to 0.55% silicon and iron, with the remainder made of some combination of other acceptable metals, such as copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and titanium.
The main advantage Aluminum 1145 holds over Aluminum 1100 is an increased level of conductivity due to the higher composition of aluminum. With its light weight and superior formability, Aluminum 1145 is the preferred choice for household use, electrical applications, hairdressing supplies, printing, and food packaging.
Aluminum 3003
Aluminum 3003 is another popular choice because of its resistance to atmospheric conditions that could cause corrosion. It is an alloy of moderate strength, known for its high ductility. Aluminum 3003 contains 98.6% aluminum, 1.2% manganese, and 0.12% copper. Combined, these metals produce an alloy with reliable machinability, but one that is not heat treatable.
Aluminum 3003 is unique in that it can withstand conventional welding methods, as well as hot and cold forming. Compared to Aluminum 1100 and Aluminum 1145, Aluminum 3003 has superior mechanical properties that make it a better option for cooking utensils, chemical equipment, roofing products, and ductwork. Because it can be rolled and extruded it is also commonly used to produce gutters and downspouts.
Choosing the Right Aluminum Fin Stock
There are a number of aluminum alloys available with similar properties that make them appropriate for projects involving chemical or environmental exposure. Because of the corrosion resistance provided by aluminum, Aluminum 1100, Aluminum 1145, and Aluminum 3003 fin stock are all excellent choices. Ultimate selection depends on the intended application of the end part.
The team at Lynch Metals has the expertise to help you choose the best alloy for your particular situation. With our extensive inventory and specialized equipment, Lynch Metals can help make your project a success. Contact us today for more information and to request a quote for our aluminum alloy fin stock.
Various objects can be manufactured by extrusion, a method that entails pushing metallic alloys through unique cross-sectional dies. Aluminum is among the many metals that can be extruded.
Aluminum extrusion simplifies the creation of objects with complex cross-sections. Aside from its use in custom dies for various applications, aluminum extrusions are used in t-slot aluminum and aluminum angles, among other profiles.
Why Design with Aluminum Extrusions?
Because of their adaptability and practicality, aluminum extrusions are well-suited to a wide range of applications. Their many advantages include:
Strength – Since aluminum retains its strength regardless of how often it’s reused, it fares well in most heavy duty applications.
Malleability – Aluminum is a particularly pliable metal, making it much more versatile than other common materials.
Lightness – Despite its greater strength, aluminum weighs less than most metals. If a product needs to be light, an aluminum extrusion can greatly reduce its weight without compromising performance.
Corrosion resistance – Aluminum is impervious to rust, providing users with complete protection from corrosion.
Thermal conductivity – Aluminum is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity. This makes aluminum extrusions a must in shielding products.
Cost-effectiveness – Aluminum is an inexpensive material that can be quickly manufactured for any application. The fact that it can be reused any number of times without losing its quality and strength makes it all the more cost-effective.
Sustainability – Since aluminum can be reused, it is a greener alternative to other metals. This makes it ideal for environment-friendly applications.
Aluminum Extrusions in Everyday Life
Aluminum extrusions are widely used in many industries, including the following:
Aerospace
Structural panels, mechanical equipment, and electronic components all make use of aluminum extrusions. Airport ramps used to board aircrafts are also made from aluminum extrusions.
Transportation
Cars and trains both have extruded aluminum panels and components, including engine blocks, transmission housings, and roof rails and chassis. Because of their thermal conductivity, aluminum extrusions can also be found in automobile radiators and condenser tubes. Aluminum extrusions are also used in gangways that load people, cargo, and vehicles, as well as other transportation equipment.
Building and Construction
Aluminum extrusions for building systems include components that resist weather damage and protect building movement. Aluminum extrusions are also found in building facades, railings, balustrades, and canopies. Roofing, window and door frames, wall panels, partitions, and bathroom fittings are among the many architectural components made out of aluminum extrusions. Because they do not rust, they are particularly useful for any structure exposed to the elements.
Aluminum Extrusions from Lynch
Because of aluminum’s inherent advantages over other metals, aluminum extrusions are a preferred building material for heavy industry. Because of its unique properties, it can handle nearly any task or function with ease.
Since 1991, Lynch Metals has supplied manufacturers across the country with the finest extrusion services in the industry. We offer a broad range of custom aluminum extrusions, including fabricated, painted, and anodized products. Regardless of the application, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate our clients’ needs and develop a cost-effective engineered material solution for them, ensuring that our products provide a lifetime of value.
For more information on our products and services, contact us today. If you’re interested in working with us, request a quote on our website.
The process of brazing entails the joining of metals with melted aluminum. It produces a much cleaner joint than other joining methods such as welding and eliminates the need for post-processing.
Aluminum brazing is ideal for large flat surface materials, as it uses pressure to reinforce joints. Since it can be used to join parts made of different materials, it is also a cost-effective option for composite or assembled parts.
Because brazing is performed in large furnaces that can accommodate bulk materials, it is particularly well-suited to mass production. If necessary, another brazing material can also be used in the process.
There are two types of aluminum brazing: aluminum dip brazing and aluminum vacuum brazing. Each process offers a distinct set of advantages.
Aluminum Dip Brazing
Aluminum dip brazing involves placing brazing sheets in molten salt to break down metal oxides. The filler metal is initially positioned outside of the joint and heated to molten temperature before it enters it. As it travels through the joint, the filler metal expels the flux from it.
Unlike aluminum vacuum brazing, this procedure does not apply pressure to a joint. As a result, it can be used on parts without large flat surfaces or similarly sensitive materials.
Alloys subjected to aluminum dip brazing offer greater strength and an increased resistance to corrosion. Since they conduct heat effectively, they are also particularly useful for heat transfer applications.
Aluminum Vacuum Brazing
Aluminum vacuum brazing uses a clean vacuum environment without a flux. Because it applies pressure to the parts to be joined, it can only be used for flat, horizontal surfaces. In contrast, this process is designed for parts that are not flat.
During aluminum vacuum brazing, pressure is applied to a metal part to break down its oxide layer. The filler metal is then diffused into the base metal. Because the filler metal is inserted into the joint before brazing begins, the process results in a cleaner and more precise joint.
Aluminum vacuum brazing can be performed on metals with objects and cross-sections with different dimensions, making it a particularly versatile solution. Because it offers greater precision than dip brazing, it’s best suited to any application that requires strict consistency.
Lynch’s Brazing Solutions
Aluminum dip brazing and aluminum vacuum brazing are far better options than other joining methods, providing manufacturers with more durable and effective products. As with any manufacturing technique, however, any prospective user should thoroughly consider their needs to ensure that they invest in the best strategy for their applications.
If you need appropriate equipment for your brazing processes, the experts at Lynch Metal can help. Since 1991, we’ve been a trusted leader in the distribution of flux brazing alloys used in aluminum dip brazing and aluminum brazing fins and sheets used in aluminum vacuum brazing.
Our extensive inventory, specialized processing equipment, and years of experience make us the go-to resource for your aluminum brazing needs. From aerospace to telecommunications, we’re able to provide manufacturers in every major industry with reliable and efficient solutions to their brazing challenges.
For more information on our products and services, contact us today. If you’re interested in working with us, request a quote on our website.
Lynch Metals is proud to be the premier stocking distributor of aluminum brazing sheet in North America, supplying the aerospace, automotive, signage, and telecommunications industries with top-of-the-line, high-performance materials. Our vast inventory includes 1100, 1145, and 3003 aluminum fin, as well as #7, #8, #13, and #14 brazing sheet.Aluminum fin is used to efficiently transfer heat. For instance, Lynch’s 1100, 1145, and 3003 aluminum fin are typically found in air coolers, evaporators, condensers, radiators, humidifiers, and baseboard heaters. Today, aluminum fin is favored over copper, offering lighter weight, better conductivity, and superior corrosion resistance. Lynch’s precision high-speed equipment can run aluminum fin stock as light as 0.001”.
Brazing sheet, on the other hand, is often utilized in vacuum brazing jobs, mostly for aerospace applications.
How the Brazing Process Works
Put simply, brazing is the process in which two or more metal items are joined together by pouring a filler metal into the joint. The filler metal fills the gap between the close-fitting parts via capillary action. The filler is brought just above its melting temperature and is typically protected by a flux, such as borax. This flows over the base metal in a process called wetting, and is cooled to join the pieces together. Flux can be applied as a paste, liquid, or powder, and can also be applied via brazing rods. Brazing sheets can play a critical role in this process, serving as a very convenient method for pre-placing filler metal.
Variables such as temperature, vacuum level, and cycle time are strictly controlled during brazing based on the specific materials being used. There are several types of brazing available, including flux brazing and vacuum brazing — two very popular methods.
During flux brazing, flux pours into the joint, which then is dislodged by the liquid filler to remove oxides on the part, completing the braze. Manual and automatic torch brazing, induction brazing, dip brazing, and controlled atmosphere brazing are common types of flux brazing.
Vacuum aluminum brazing, on the other hand, occurs in a vacuum furnace, or can be performed using inert gas atmospheres. With this method, flux is not needed to create joints due to the vacuum’s clean environment. Magnesium is used as an additive — also known as a “getter” — during the vacuum aluminum brazing process.
The Difference Between Welding and Brazing
During welding, two metals are melted together to join them. During brazing, on the other hand, two or more materials are merged via the use of a third material. The cleanliness of parts is much more important for brazing, and because less heat is used during the process, contaminants are less likely to burn up. Brazing also allows for tighter control over tolerances.
Producing a reliably clean joint, brazing allows non-similar metals to be easily joined together. This technique is also more cost-effective, especially for complex and multipart pieces. Brazing is well-suited for mass production and is simple to automate, allowing for savings on costs and labor.
Learn More About Aluminum Brazing
Ready to get started on your aluminum brazing project, or looking to learn more about the process and how it can benefit your unique application? Contact the experts at Lynch Metals today.
