Modern technology is becoming more advanced. Accordingly, the manufacturers have to use materials of the highest quality for it, often differing in a special set of properties. For example, layered metal composites are very widely used today. All of them are characterized by high strength, corrosion resistance, long service life. Further in the article, we’ll talk about what bimetal is and where it is used.
Definition
What are bimetals? One of the layers in such materials is most often inexpensive steel. The second layer is made from expensive non-ferrous or even noble metals. Composites of this variety are used, usually when it is necessary to give the product special properties. Also, the use of such materials in various fields helps to save on aluminum, copper, bronze, silver, etc.
Thus, what is bimetal is understandable. This is a composite, most often consisting of two layers. Such materials differ from ordinary ones in special properties. A layer of cheap steel in bimetals is always called the core. The layer of expensive material is cladding.
On the page for example, photos of various types of bimetals and products made from them are presented. The materials of this variety are used in the national economy in fact very widely.
Main types
Such composites can be made for different purposes. At the same time, their production methods differ. At present, composite two-layer metals can be used in the national economy:
corrosion resistant;
anti-friction;
instrumental;
conductive;
thermal.
Corrosion Resistant Bimetals
The base layer for materials of this variety consists of low alloy or low carbon steel. The crying one is made of stainless steel. Also this layer can be copper, nickel, aluminum. Such metals are used in the form of thin and thick-walled sheets, for example, in such industries as:
oil refining;
chemical;
food;
shipbuilding.
What is antifriction bimetal
Materials of this group in most cases are used in the manufacture of plain bearings. As a cladding layer in antifriction bimetals, usually bronze or aluminum is used. Such materials have a smooth sliding surface. But at the same time they are not too durable.
Therefore, low-carbon steel is used as the base layer in such bimetals . Composites of this variety are produced in the form of ribbons. Subsequently, bearing shells are made from such material.
Tool bimetals
Materials of this variety can be used for the manufacture of, for example, saws, knives and other cutting tools. Such bimetals differ, among other things, in increased strength and wear resistance. They use mild steel as the base layer. At the same time, plating is made of hard alloys. Also, sometimes it is made of alloyed with chrome steel.
Conductive materials
Bimetals of this group are commonly used in high-voltage transmission lines in the northern regions. The main layer is made of steel. At the same time, plating is made of metals with good electrical conductivity. Most often it is copper. Also, the cladding layer of electrically conductive materials can be made of aluminum.
Thermal bimetals: characteristics and application
Materials of this type are usually strips that can bend when temperature changes. One layer of such composites consists of a metal with a high coefficient of linear expansion. It can be, for example, some alloys. Also, non-ferrous metals are often used in the manufacture of such a layer in thermal composites. A second layer of materials of this type is usually made of an alloy of nickel and iron that is practically unable to expand.
Bimetals of this variety are used most often for the manufacture of various kinds of devices. It can be, for example, temperature regulators, protective relays, thermometers.
Manufacturing methods
Manufacturers of bimetals are, of course, primarily all kinds of metallurgical enterprises. For example, the manufacture of composites of this type in our country are:
OJSC Magnitogorsk Hardware and Metallurgical Plant.
OJSC Ural Foil.
OJSC “All-Russian Institute of Light Alloys”, etc.
Different technologies can be used for the production of bimetals. Most often, such composites are made by:
simultaneous rolling;
drawing or pressing;
pouring of melts;
combined casting;
explosion cladding;
surfacing;
thermal spraying.
Reviews about bimetals produced by modern domestic industry, consumers have mostly only good. Such materials differ in good qualities primarily because factories carefully monitor compliance with the technologies for their manufacture at all stages of production.
Fields of application
What is bimetal, we thus found out. In the petrochemical industry, such composites are commonly used to make corrosion resistant equipment. Also in this area, such composites are used for the production of elements with a hardened work surface.
In the nuclear industry, bimetallic tube sheets are very often used. Also from these composites are made:
condenser batteries of turbine units;
containers for storing purified water;
tanks for chemical reagents.
In the electrochemical industry, such metals are often used in the electrolysis production of chlorine for water purification. In shipbuilding, composites of this type can be used:
Household use
In industry, bimetals, therefore, are used very widely. In everyday life, materials of this type, in addition to various kinds of cutting tools, can be used, for example, in heating networks. Currently, bimetallic radiators have become very popular among the population.
Such batteries are made of two types of metal. The main layer of such structures is steel. The crying one is made of aluminum. The advantages of radiators of this type include, first of all, long service life, strength and reliability. The main advantage of such batteries is that they can be used in networks with a sufficiently high pressure in the mains and a coolant of not too good quality.
The aluminum layer in bimetallic radiators is located on the outside. This material is characterized by a high degree of thermal conductivity and is able to warm up as soon as possible. In addition, aluminum looks modern and attractive. In the interiors of houses and apartments, bimetal radiators usually fit simply perfectly.
The base layer of the composite used to make such batteries usually consists of anti-corrosion steel. This material is durable and does not rust due to air and various impurities present in the coolant.
Particularly popular with property owners are radiators of this type of "full bimetal." For batteries of this kind, the internal register is integral. That is, it is a welded steel structure of collectors and vertical channels.