Aluminum, like copper, is very malleable and is fairly easy to form, without compromising its strength. Aluminum can withstand heavy pressures and is corrosion resistant. Aluminum offers a weight advantage over other metals and is typically readily available.
Weight:
Aluminum is significantly lighter than copper or steel, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical.
Corrosion Resistance:
Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to the atmosphere, providing excellent corrosion resistance in many environments, unlike steel which can rust and corrode more easily without protective coatings.
Thermal Conductivity:
While copper has higher thermal conductivity than aluminum, aluminum still provides sufficient heat dissipation for many applications at a lower cost and weight, making it a preferred choice over copper in cost-sensitive applications.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Aluminum is generally more cost-effective than copper and, depending on the alloy and application, can be more economical than certain types of steel, especially when considering lifecycle costs including maintenance and replacement.
Machining and Forming:
Aluminum is easier to machine and form into complex shapes than stainless steel, allowing for more intricate gasket designs without significantly increasing manufacturing costs.
Sustainable:
There is also an environmental benefit to aluminum because it is 100% recyclable.
Aluminum gaskets are an optimal choice in various industrial applications due to their unique properties making them more suitable than copper or steel depending upon a variety of factors regarding the gasket application. Below are some industrial applications best suited for aluminum gaskets and the reasons why:
Engine Gaskets:
Aluminum gaskets are widely used in automotive engines, particularly in intake manifolds and cylinder head gaskets. Aluminum’s lightweight nature contributes to overall vehicle weight reduction, which is crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency and performance.
Heat Exchangers:
The excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum makes it ideal for use in automotive heat exchangers, radiators, and air conditioning systems, where efficient heat dissipation is required.
Fuel Systems and Hydraulic Systems:
Aluminum gaskets are used in the aerospace industry for their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, which are essential for fuel systems and hydraulic systems in aircraft. The weight savings directly contribute to fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
Heat Sinks and Electronic Enclosures:
Aluminum’s superior thermal conductivity makes it an excellent choice for gaskets in electronic heat sinks and enclosures, ensuring effective heat dissipation from electronic components to prevent overheating.
Processing Equipment:
Aluminum gaskets are suitable for use in food processing and pharmaceutical equipment due to aluminum’s resistance to corrosion from water and certain chemicals. Additionally, aluminum’s non-toxic nature is critical in applications where contamination must be avoided.
Reactors and Piping:
In environments where chemical resistance is crucial, aluminum gaskets can offer superior performance, especially against alkaline substances. However, the specific chemical compatibility must be considered, as aluminum may not be suitable for all chemical exposures.
It is important that the material you select is compatible with the chemical environment of the application. The list below is for general consideration and an AMG engineer will be able to help you in determining the best material for your gasket application.
Aluminum may be used these environments but is dependent on specific service conditions and should only be selected after careful investigation:
AMG Products has been supplying a wide range of industries with metallic gaskets since 1904. We have extensive experience working with a variety of metals and configurations. Our experience enables us to better understand your requirements and offer a wide variety of tooling configurations to minimize any tooling costs associated with your sealing device needs.
We understand time is critical, let us work with you to develop a custom stocking program to ensure you have parts on the shelf every time they’re needed.
