Today's View of the Aluminum Automotive Radiator

This paper presents an overview of the aluminum automotive radiator as seen today. After many years of research and development, including numerous large field tests, the aluminum radiator is finding a place in the European market. The paper looks at past efforts, what is happening today, and some evaluations for the future. It discusses options which are available to the manufacturer in selecting a radiator design and a joining process that meets immediate and long-range objectives.

Costs and product reliability are the primary considerations in any new product or production change. However, increasing emphasis is being placed on long-range goals consistent with national policy on energy conservation and elimination of water and air pollution. Consequently, low product weight and fluxless joining have moved into the priority column for radiator construction. Advances in aluminum joining have concentrated on pollution-free processes. This factor, coupled with the lightweight metal, new material advances and aluminum's relative price stability, have advanced the aluminum radiator to its highest point of interest and use in its long effort for market acceptance.