jane, Author at National Material Company - Steel Processing Facilities

Aluminum for Electric Vehicles: Aluminum is The Future of Automotive

jane2023-12-06T17:46:58+00:00December 8th, 2023|News Blog|

The rise of electric vehicles is an exciting trend, and aluminum is becoming an increasingly popular choice for their construction. Take, for instance, the Cosmic Motors Detonator featured in Daniel Simon‘s book Cosmic Motors: Spaceships, Cars, and Pilots of Another Galaxy. This incredible vehicle showcases the future of transportation, powered by electric motors that deliver lightning-fast speeds. Participating in the electric vehicles and aluminum movement is truly a thrilling time.

The impressive Cosmic Motors Detonator vehicle exemplifies aluminum’s utilization in transportation technology. This automobile serves as a glimpse into the future of space travel, where we may have the opportunity to travel through the cosmos in equally sleek and powerful vehicles. The electric motors of this car are based on real-world technology and can generate the necessary power to propel the vehicle at high speeds.

This article will delve into the many advantages of aluminum and its transformative impact on the future of electric vehicles.

What other materials are commonly used in electric vehicle construction besides aluminum?

Manufacturers use a variety of materials to construct electric vehicles, including:

Steel : commonly used for chassis, body panels, and structural members due to its strength and durability
Carbon fiber: used for lightweight and high-strength components like the battery enclosure, body panels, and wheels.
Plastics: used for interior trim, bumpers, and other body panels.
Copper: used for electrical wiring and components like the electric motor and battery pack.

Other metals, such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium, are used in the E.V. battery pack.

The materials used typically vary depending on the manufacturer and model.

Innovation in E.V. technology has led to the development of new materials and technologies, such as graphene, a lightweight and super-strong material, in E.V. batteries and other components.

As E.V. technology advances, we can expect to see the use of even more innovative materials in E.V. construction.

Image Attribution: https://hauteliving.com/2011/11/haute-auto-the-cosmic-motors-detonator/217730/

Aluminum for Electric Vehicles: Benefits of Aluminum in Electric Vehicles

Aluminum is an excellent option for reducing the weight of vehicles, as it weighs less than steel. Aluminum can make cars lighter, enhancing fuel efficiency and extending their range.

Although lightweight, aluminum is highly durable and can withstand driving forces. This makes it an excellent choice for structural components like the body-in-white. Harsh environments such as salt water and road salt can cause corrosion in electric cars, making it crucial to use resistant materials. Aluminum is known for its corrosion-resistant properties, making it an ideal choice to help extend the lifespan of electric vehicles.

Additionally, aluminum is 100% recyclable, which makes it an environmentally sustainable material for electric vehicles. Automakers who want to reduce their environmental impact should take note of this. Lastly, aluminum is a relatively low-cost material that can help keep the costs of electric vehicles down.

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Steel Processor Partnership Spotlight: Aluminum Slitting Services

jane2023-12-06T17:38:56+00:00November 1st, 2023|News Blog|

So, what exactly can one expect from NMC’s aluminum slitting services? Envision a full symphony, where every instrument — from the delicate violin to the mighty timpani — harmoniously combines efforts under the baton of a capable conductor, and the result is a beautiful, well-constructed piece of music.

Aluminum Slitting — like a full symphony — represents a manufacturing process where machinery and tools cut aluminum or steel into various widths. In a nutshell, a slitting line performs this operation, commencing when an uncoiler machine feeds and uncoils coiled aluminum or steel sheets. Subsequently, the material passes through the slitter head, which cuts it into long strips (mults) according to specifications. Rigorous tests and quality checks then verify the precision-cut mults before recoiling, packing, and shipping them to various industries worldwide.

The Aluminum Slitting Line and Its Components

The entire slitting operation, particularly the slitting line, executes a straightforward steel and aluminum slitting process. For example, like a bicycle chain set, each link plays a key role in ensuring precise flow and the production of quality end products. Let’s explore these key elements:

Uncoiler:

Initially loading the large steel or aluminum coil, the uncoiler unwinds the coil as it feeds the metal strip into the slitting section. It operates a tension control system to maintain proper strip tension during the process.

Entry Guide:

A cylindrical device at the entrance of a tube mill maintains the strip on the mill centerline so that the forming process uniformly bends the material.

Slitter Head:

The slitter head, the heart of the slitting machine, consists of a set of rotary knives or blades that precisely cut along the length of the metal strip. Operators adjust these blades to achieve the desired strip width.

Loop Pit or Pit Table:

A controlled area for the metal strip to form a loop, the loop pit or pit table helps maintain consistent tension during the slitting process and prevents damage to the strip.

Tension Control System:

Essential for maintaining proper tension throughout the process, tension control systems adjust the speed at which the metal strip is fed to prevent issues like wrinkling or stretching.

Recoilers:

After the slitting process, the narrower strips wind onto recoiler mandrels. Multiple recoilers may process different widths simultaneously. They feature tension control mechanisms to ensure uniform winding.

Recoiler Mandrels:

Spindles onto which the slit strips wind, recoiler mandrels are designed to accommodate various coil sizes. They include features like expandable segments to secure the strips.

Control Panel:

Modern […]