A Sneak Peek Into Radiator Evolution

By Author: FTH Industries
Total Articles: 2
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Ever since the advent of vehicles, radiators were made using brass and copper.

The trend continued even in the ’70s. Heat dissipation, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance were some major reasons behind the popularity of brass and copper radiators.

However, the oil crisis in this decade brought about a realization for fuel-efficient and lighter vehicles. Further, it gave way to newer materials such as aluminum, plastic, and rubber in the radiator manufacturing and led to a wide-scale distribution by almost every radiator exporter.

In the 20th century, the stock market predicted a shortage of brass and copper. This along with the need for lightweight materials further fueled the adoption of alternatives.

Aluminum radiators made up just around 30% of all radiators until the early '90s. But, ever since, it has prevailed as the material of choice for modern car radiators. Its evident flaws are less relevant than the construction cost savings and weight reductions.

Let us look into each:

The ‘70s brass and copper radiators

In ...
... these radiators, the brass tanks are either placed horizontally or vertically. In between the tanks are tuples of copper tubes also known as cores, which are made up of thin material to facilitate external heat transmission. The cores are fabricated to each tank for its entire length.

The coolant fluid enters the tank and dispels heat while it traverses through the cores till it reaches the other tank at the end.

Also take into account that, given the thinness of the material, the core or the crux of the radiator is prone to damages. In order to prevent radiators from damaging, extreme cautiousness must be exercised when handling the core to avoid anything impacting it.

With the exception of the rare leaking solder connection, the brass and copper radiator is the greatest at dispersing heat and has had only a few issues so far. The leak may be readily rectified if it happens.

To find top-quality brass and copper radiators, FTH is the ultimate destination. They are an advanced car radiator manufacturer that also holds dominance in other types of radiators made of brass and copper mix.

The ‘20s aluminum radiators

Despite being cheaper and easier to make than brass and copper, aluminum was deemed to be more troublesome.

Aluminum doesn't disperse heat as well as copper because its thermal conductivity is just one-third that of copper, and it's also prone to corrosion. However, corrosion can be prevented by using corrosion inhibitors in antifreeze.

Leaking gaskets, pinholes in the tubes due to internal corrosion, cracks on the tanka are some frequent challenges. It’s impossible to repair radiators in such scenarios. Hence, needs replacement.

For the most part, the OEM aluminum and plastic radiator are fashioned identically to its counterpart. They're built differently, with "tangs" on the top and sides of the core. A gasket is used to seal the top and side tanks, and the core tangs are bending over a rim on the tanks to keep them in place.

To conclude, between brass and copper vs aluminum you need to consider cost and durability factors respectively. But for superior quality refer to FTH, the best car radiator supplier in India.