The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the world. People across the globe rely on their vehicles every day for transportation. When it comes to the safety and reliability of automobiles, the metals that are used to construct them plays a major role.
Below, this automotive metal supplier in Houston, Texas is going to review the types of metals that are commonly used to build cars, and we’ll also explain why they are so important in terms of vehicle safety and longevity.
Steel
Steel is one of the most widely used metals in car manufacturing. It has excellent strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for vehicle body frames and safety cages.
Automotive steels are treated to provide excellent resistance to corrosion and rusting, which helps prolong the lifespan of a vehicle’s exterior. In addition, steel can be shaped and formed into almost any shape by an automotive metal supplier in Houston, Texas, giving manufacturers plenty of flexibility when constructing the exterior of a vehicle.
Some of the other advantages of using steel include its affordability, recyclability, malleability, and strength-to-weight ratio.
Manufacturers have been using steel in cars since the beginning of the automotive era and continue to rely on it as a major component today. Steel is also commonly used to make smaller components such as wheels, engine parts, and exhaust systems.
This metal plays a vital role in modern car manufacturing, as it helps to keep vehicles safe and reliable while also being affordable and easy to use.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another important metal that is commonly used in car manufacturing. It has many beneficial properties, including its light weight and excellent thermal conductivity. This makes aluminum a great choice for cooling components such as radiators and air conditioning systems. Aluminum is also highly malleable and formable, which allows manufacturers to easily shape parts into complex shapes without the need for excessive machining.
Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal material for car bodies and exterior components. While it has a higher upfront cost than steel, it offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio. This helps reduce the overall weight of a vehicle, which ultimately improves fuel efficiency and performance.
In recent years, aluminum has become increasingly popular in the automotive manufacturing realm due to its light weight and cost advantages. In fact, many modern vehicles feature frames and body panels made from strong yet lightweight aluminum alloys.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another metal that is commonly used in car manufacturing because of its low weight and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it an ideal choice for creating light, yet strong chassis parts — including suspension and engine components.
Magnesium is also highly corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing exhaust systems. Additionally, magnesium can be easily molded into complex shapes by an automotive metal supplier in Houston, Texas due to its malleability.
Despite these advantages, magnesium is usually more expensive than steel and aluminum. It is typically used on higher-end vehicles where cost isn’t as much of a concern.
Overall, metal plays a crucial role in automotive manufacturing. By using the right type of metal for each application, car manufacturers can create vehicles that are safe, reliable, and efficient while still being affordable.
Looking for an Automotive Metal Supplier in Houston, Texas?
Are you searching for a reliable automotive metal supplier in Houston, Texas that can provide the high-quality metals needed for your manufacturing efforts? If so, Banner Industries is the company to call. We offer a wide variety of metals, including steel, aluminum, and magnesium, to ensure that our clients have easy access to the materials they need.
If you need help selecting the right type of metal for your application, our experts are available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today at (800) 950-3652 to get started.