Duralumin is a multicomponent alloy that is made from aluminum, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Other components are added to the mixture during the manufacturing process.
Varieties of duralumin
Depending on certain technical characteristics, the alloy has its own classification.
It includes such types of duralumin:
They differ among themselves in the composition and production technology.
D1 - the very first type of duralumin. Its name has not changed since 1908. The composition also remained the same (aluminum, copper, magnesium and manganese). Alloy D16 is considered durable and differs from the previous one in high percentage of magnesium. Duralumin brands D17 and D19 are heat resistant. D18 is an alloy with a low content of magnesium and copper. It is ductile.
Note. In addition to the main components, silicon and iron are added to the composition of duralumin.
Application area
Duralumin is a group of important industrial metals, which played a decisive role in the development of the construction of any facilities. Today, this metal is effectively used in shipbuilding, the construction of pipelines for various purposes, the construction of high-speed trains and much more. This is due to the high quality characteristics of the material, as well as its excellent technical characteristics.
Aluminum, the price per kg of which varies between 50-75 rubles, has long been used in all sectors of construction. It is not only ductile, but also durable metal. It is for this reason that it became the basis for the production of duralumin alloy.
The appearance of this metal attracted the attention of aircraft designers. In the 20th century, aircraft first appeared, in which duralumin was the main structural material. It lost its corrosion resistance due to the use of magnesium and silicon in its production, but became stronger than aluminum.
Types of products from this metal
Duralumin is a high-strength alloy from which various materials are made. They can be used on a farm (for arranging private households) and on a production scale.
The following materials are produced from duralumin:
The duralumin pipe can be profile and round. They differ in the scope and some characteristics.
Marking of duralumin pipes according to the results of the final processing:
- "M" - plastic and soft materials.
- "N" - pipes with a reduced rate of strength.
- “T” - hardened metals that have undergone natural aging.
- "T1" - pipes that have passed the process of hardening and artificial aging.
Note. Most of the products are made from duralumin alloy grade D16.
The duralumin pipe can be thin-walled or thick-walled. Both that and another look are effectively applied in construction. The wall thickness of the pipe of the first type is 0.5-5 mm. Section - 6-150 mm. Thick-walled pipes are presented in a larger assortment. Their diameter is 30-300 mm, wall thickness is 6-40 mm.
Duralumin profile pipes can also be of various types. Product Parameters:
- length - 1-6 m;
- section - 10x10-60x60 mm;
- wall thickness - 1-5 mm.
Important. All materials of this type are manufactured in accordance with GOST.
Duralumin sheets have also become popular in the field of construction. Their thickness varies between 0.3 mm and 10 mm. They are widely used in exterior decoration. In transport, special embossed duralumin sheets are used, which are endowed with anti-slip properties. You can also use this metal in the construction of flights of stairs, wall panels, the creation of partitions and many other structures.
Plates from duralumin in their appearance resemble sheets, only with a greater thickness - 60 mm. With this indicator, the length of the products reaches 500 mm. They are used for the construction of various construction and industrial facilities.
Dural bar - a full-bodied profile, the cross section of which can be round, hexagonal and rectangular. Its main advantage is practicality. The material is quite plastic and cuts well. The product is light in weight.
Technical characteristics of duralumin
The metal is endowed with excellent quality indicators. This fact played a significant role in its popularity, as well as in its application in various fields of human activity.
Duralumin is a high-strength metal. Depending on the marking, it is able to withstand various mechanical and physical influences. The alloy cannot absorb moisture. Despite this, duralumin products are exposed to it.
Note. Duralumin alloy is not endowed with anti-corrosion properties. For this reason, the surface of the products must be painted (protected from moisture).
The melting point of duralumin is about 650 degrees. The metal is light and practical, reliable and durable. It can be used in regions with any climatic conditions. Great popularity of alloy products gives their low cost.
The disadvantages of duralumin
Despite the excellent technical performance, the metal has several disadvantages. Firstly, duralumin does not withstand electrochemical effects. Secondly, it cannot be combined with cast iron or steel. Thirdly, the melting point of duralumin is 50 degrees lower than that of aluminum. The latter plays an important role in the construction of aircraft or trains.
Production
The alloy manufacturing process is carried out on high-tech equipment: blast furnaces, firing chambers and much more. Liquid metal is poured into molds and placed in a firing chamber. In this process, the alloy loses its properties and becomes soft.
After that, he is subjected to a natural aging procedure. It lasts no more than 24 hours at an air temperature of +20 degrees. There is also an artificial aging procedure. For this, the alloy is placed in a special chamber. The process takes about 3-4 hours.
Note. Only after passing through all stages of production does duralumin gain high strength and reliability.
It should be noted that an alloy with a natural aging process is considered to be of higher quality. Its life is much longer than that of a metal with an artificial aging procedure.