The aluminum radiator vs the copper radiator, which is best for your vehicle?

by edirect team

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The cooling system or popularly known as the “radiator” is probably not the most exciting element of the investment when you map out the stages of your car building. As a result, when you have to go looking for a new radiator, you come across a wide range of options available to fit your automobile. Will a four-core copper-brass radiator and a two-row aluminum radiator perform as well? Which product cools quicker, and why? 

Aluminium radiators and copper radiators are both often utilized in contemporary automobiles. Radiators are typically made of one of these materials. Because of their physical characteristics, copper and aluminum are both used. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. 

What is an Aluminium Radiator?

 

Aluminium radiators are heat exchangers that are used to move thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of heating. Aluminium is a fantastic element to use to construct radiators because it is a great heat conductor. Due to the excellent heat conductivity of aluminum, radiators constructed of aluminum reach the desired temperature more quickly than radiators made of other materials. 

What is a Copper Radiator?

 

Copper radiators are, as their name implies, constructed of copper. The only material utilized to make radiators in older times was copper. Copper has a better heat conductivity; hence it was utilized in the earlier times. The ideal metal for radiators in trucks has always been copper. It is perfect for this use due to its exceptional thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and strength. 

So What is The Difference?

 

The primary distinction between the two radiator types is largely attributable to the materials used, as well as the size of the tubes and the type of fins. 

Copper isn't the only material found in radiators; it's frequently combined with other metals and alloys such as brass and lead. The narrower tubes and fins of a copper radiator, on the other hand, are mostly made of copper. Aluminium radiators, on the other hand, have much wider tubing and are typically combined with steel alloys. 

However, the two types differ significantly in terms of heat conductivity, cooling capabilities, durability, weight, and so on. Continue reading to find out more. 

Because copper has less strength than aluminum as a metal, tubes must be made thin in order to keep the radiator cool. Because aluminum has greater strength, its tubes can be made wider, resulting in a better cooling effect. Wide tubes allow for direct contact between fins and tube, resulting in faster heat dissipation. 

Both copper and aluminum, however, have advantages. Copper's heat conductivity is far superior to that of aluminum. Copper radiators are also easier to repair. Aluminium, on the other hand, is much lighter and stronger than copper. Those who are more concerned with appearance prefer aluminum that can be polished to a mirror-like finish. 

Copper Brass:- 

• Uses More Rows and Tubes

   

• Base heat transfer ability is higher

   

• Heavier in weight

   

• The use of lead/tin solder results in a mixed metal core

   

• The solder reduces the heat transfer ability.

   

Aluminium:- 

• Base heat transfer ability is lower

   

• Light weight

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• Uses lesser rows and tubes

   

• Produced through the process of brazing

   

• The heat transfer is uniformed due to all aluminum core

   

The Judgement:  Aluminium is a long-lasting metal that is corrosion-resistant due to a thin layer of aluminum oxide, and it can withstand heavy handling because it is more malleable and elastic than steel. Furthermore, the metal has an extremely low mass for its volume; it is 2.5 times less dense than steel, making installation far easier for you or your installer than alternative materials.   

Aluminium is far more environmentally friendly than steel; not only does it require less energy to produce the raw material, but it also requires less energy and water to heat the radiator. As previously stated, this is better for you and the environment because you can save money on your bills. Aluminium is also 100% recyclable and is frequently made from recycled materials, making it more environmentally friendly in the long run.  

Which is The Best for You?

 

1. The price distinction between copper and aluminum radiators 

At the moment, the market price of copper materials far outweighs the price of aluminum materials. Copper materials are several times more expensive than aluminum materials in terms of cost alone. As a result, in order to save money, many automotive radiator manufacturers and buyers will prefer aluminum car radiators. 

2. The difference in welding between copper and aluminum car radiators 

Soldering is used to join the copper car radiator for sale. The welding medium is tin, which is achieved by melting and cooling tin, whereas the welding of aluminum car radiators is brazing of aluminum, which uses the different melting points of different aluminum alloys, as well as melting and cooling of the aluminum alloy itself in a specific atmosphere. The aluminum car radiator has no excess components doping, ensuring consistent performance from start to finish. 

3. The difference in heat dissipation capacity between copper and aluminum automobile radiators 

Copper materials have a relatively high heat dissipation coefficient. Copper products therefore have a higher heat dissipation capacity than aluminum products. However, because welding of copper materials is dependent on the melting and cooling of tin, there is a layer of tin-lead alloy hanging on the surface of the copper car radiator's heat pipe and main sheet. Although copper has a higher heat dissipation coefficient than aluminum, there is a layer of tin-lead alloy between the heat dissipation components, resulting in a much lower overall heat dissipation coefficient for copper car radiators. 

Conclusion

 

Aluminium has the advantage of being lighter by 30% to 40%. This is a significant advantage over copper for a racer. When it comes to corrosion, neither has an advantage. A copper radiator core will turn green and deteriorate quickly if not protected, especially in a damp environment. As a result, copper radiators have always been painted, typically black. If aluminum is not protected from the elements, it will oxidize. 

Which is superior, aluminum or copper? Each has distinct advantages over the other in various areas. Which to use in your specific case is determined by what is more important to you. Weight, appearance, uniqueness, and cost must all be considered before making a decision. Over the years, it has been discovered that a properly built high efficiency copper radiator will cool the same as a properly built aluminum radiator.   

Last but not least, the sort of vehicle you drive—whether it's a heavy-duty truck or a personal car—determines the ideal radiator for you. A copper-brass radiator, for example, works well with an old car or a heavy-duty truck, whereas an aluminum radiator goes a long way for your personal car. 

Radiator design has changed over the years, and recently there’s been a trend towards using radiators made mostly from plastic instead of metal. While plastic radiators are definitely cheaper to produce and install than their metal counterparts, they should probably ultimately be replaced. Here are just a few reasons why.

Why You Should Replace Your Plastic Radiator

The biggest reason to use a metal radiator instead of a plastic model is because it will extend the life of the product. When a vehicle’s thermostat opens, coolant that is heated to temperatures up to 200 degrees rushes into the radiator tank. This happens constantly when your vehicle is running, and this exposure to such a high temperature can cause a plastic radiator to crack. Once a plastic radiator is cracked, it needs to be replaced. The aluminium core that rests within most plastic radiators is a little more durable, but even that isn’t as effective as the brass and copper radiators that have been widely used for years.

The Advantages of a Plastic Radiator

The only real advantages that plastic radiators have is that they are lighter and less expensive than metal radiators. Price is often a sticking point with people, so it is perfectly understandable if you wish to go with a less expensive option for your vehicle. A plastic radiator might be useful if you want to keep your vehicle relatively light or if you do not drive your vehicle very often.

A Metal Radiator might be the Better Option

On the other hand, a metal radiator with brass upper and lower tanks and a copper core will last longer and transfer heat much more easily. They can also be repaired much more easily should they be damaged. Metal dents and bends, while plastic cracks. Dents can be pounded or bent back into shape; plastic will need to be replaced.

No matter what kind of radiator you wish to install in your vehicle, Mac’s Radiator will be able to help you. We have a complete manufacturing department that can build all kinds of radiators and holding tanks, so contact us today when you decide you need to have your vehicle’s radiator replaced.

Mac's Radiator is the best mechanic to help you with all of your mechanic needs!  Let Macs help you - we are located in 6 convenient locations, for when you need us close to home, or when you're on the road.

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