Duralumin and Aluminium – the two words are often used interchangeably, but are they the same? In today’s blog post, we will dive deep into metals and compare these two widely used materials’ features, properties, and differences. Duralumin and Aluminium are commonly used in various industrial applications, but do you know which is better or when to use one? Read on to learn more!
What is Duralumin?
Duralumin is a remarkable alloy that has revolutionized industries from aviation to sports equipment. Developed in the early twentieth century, it is a unique combination of aluminium, copper, magnesium, and manganese with superior strength and lightweight properties.
What is Aluminium?
Aluminium, on the other hand, is lightweight and has excellent electrical conductivity. It also has good corrosion resistance, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications. Aluminium is also a good thermal conductor and can be easily shaped and machined. Aluminium is not as strong as Duralumin but has a low density, making it a popular choice for aircraft, automotive, and construction industries.
Difference between Duralumin Vs. Aluminium
Appearance
Another striking difference between Aluminium and Duralumin is their appearance. Duralumin is usually silver-grey, while Aluminium is silver-white. Aluminium is also highly reflective and has a high lustre surface, making it perfect for decorative applications. In contrast, Duralumin is usually treated with an anodizing process to improve its surface hardness, making it more suitable for industrial applications.
Strength
When comparing duralumin vs aluminium, one of the main differences between the two materials is their strength. Duralumin has a higher tensile strength than aluminium due to its alloy composition, which makes it better suited for applications that require strength and durability, such as aircraft construction.
Corrosion Resistance
Another difference between duralumin and aluminium is their corrosion resistance. While both materials resist corrosion, duralumin has superior corrosion resistance due to its alloy composition, which includes copper and magnesium, which help protect against oxidation. This makes duralumin an ideal material for applications that require superior corrosion resistance, such as marine components or offshore structures.
Cost
When it comes to cost, Aluminium is much cheaper than Duralumin. While Duralumin has superior qualities, its manufacturing process is more complex and expensive than Aluminium. The production of Duralumin involves the melting and mixing of copper and aluminium, a process that requires a considerable amount of energy. The cost factor of Duralumin makes it a more suitable choice for industrial applications, where strength and durability are crucial.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, Duralumin and Aluminium are both widely used materials with unique properties and features. Duralumin has superior strength and durability, making it a popular choice for industrial applications. On the other hand, Aluminium is lightweight, has excellent electrical conductivity, and is corrosion-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor and decorative applications. Knowing the differences between these two materials will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right material for your project.
