Aluminum for Body Stampings-Selection of Alloys, Drawing, and Welding

THE present shortage of sheet steel has made the substitution of aluminum worth while for some automotive parts, the authors report, despite the higher cost of aluminum per pound.

Two aluminum alloys are suggested for automotive applications. Alcoa No. 2 automotive sheet is said to furnish a good combination of properties from the standpoint of strength, resistance to corrosion, workability, and price. Alcoa No. 3 is said to be superior to No. 2 in workability and to have excellent resistance to corrosion, although its strength is somewhat lower than that of No. 2.