Radiators are typically heat exchangers incorporated for cooling the internal combustion engines of any vehicle. A good radiator is vital for the efficient working of your car as it prevents the overheating of the engine. Depending on the vehicle's specific requirements, the radiator core is made of different materials. A radiator manufacturer typically uses an aluminium or a copper core for the car radiator. Read along to learn the difference between aluminium and copper radiators to understand which is better for your car.
Difference between Aluminium and Copper Radiators
When we say copper or aluminium radiators, it does not imply that these are the only metals used in the radiator. Often a radiator manufacturer in India will use different alloys of copper and aluminium for radiator parts. So, why do the manufacturers use different materials? The reason for using different materials lies in heat conductivity, cooling capability, weight and durability.
Heat Conductivity
Copper is a better thermal conductor when compared to aluminium. This implies that copper radiators are better at conducting heat than their aluminium counterparts, making them more efficient in keeping your car cool. The heat conductivity of aluminium is almost half that of copper. Manufacturers like FTH Industries counter this drawback by using aluminium alloys that significantly increase the heat conductivity of aluminium.
Durability
It is vital to consider the durability of a radiator to get the best value for money. You definitely do not want to buy a radiator that needs frequent repairs or is high maintenance. Since copper is more thermally complacent, it can withstand much higher temperatures. Aluminium radiators, on the other hand, are more likely to be damaged. Radiator manufacturers use aluminium alloys to raise the thermal conductivity and maintain a balance between the weight cost and efficiency of the component.
Weight
One key motivation behind designing any vehicle component is to gain maximum efficiency in minimum weight. The same logic applies with car radiators too. The radiator manufacturers try to leverage materials in order to achieve a weight and efficiency balance.
Aluminium, when compared to copper is very light in weight and thus supports a higher engine performance. However, this little offset is manageable by manipulating the design of the car.
The End Note
The article above highlighted the significant differences between an aluminium and a copper car radiator. As can be seen, copper radiators are definitely a better choice to enhance your vehicle's performance. However, this does not imply that aluminium is a lost cause. Leading radiator exporter like FTH Industries are leveraging the benefits of both materials to come up with innovative designs for enhanced performance.