Radiators are made of aluminum and copper. Both these radiator materials have their own advantages and drawbacks. The aluminum and copper radiators differ within the strength, heat conductivity, appearance and weight. Copper was the sole material that was used to manufacture radiators in the earlier years. It has been used because copper has superior heat conductivity.
One of the main differences between aluminum and copper radiators is seen within the tubes, which carry the coolant. In copper radiators, the tubes are narrow. The tubes are made narrow to stop internal pressure from swelling. Additionally, these thin tubes are likely to be clogged. On the opposite side, aluminum radiators have wider tubes. These wide tubes maintain more direct contact between the tube and the fins, which augments the radiator’s capacity to dissipate heat. Moreover, the tubes within the aluminum radiator don't clog that fast. Whereas the copper radiator uses only a half-inch tube, the aluminum radiator uses a one-inch wide tube.
The tubes in copper radiators are soldered, the tubes in aluminum radiators are welded to the tank. One advantage of welded tubes is that heat transfer takes place at an excellent pace. On the opposite side, the soldering slows down the heat transfer in copper radiators. When talking of repairs, Copper is simpler to repair than the other radiator. Concerning the weight, aluminum is lighter than copper. This implies that the vehicles fitted with aluminum radiators will have less weight than the copper fitted ones.
Another difference that may be seen is that aluminum is better proof against damage than the other. It may be seen that copper is more recyclable than aluminum. When comparing the value, aluminum is cheaper than copper.
• Copper is better than aluminum in heat conductivity.
• In copper radiators, the tubes are narrow. On the opposite hand, the tubes in aluminum radiators are wider.
• The tubes of copper get clogged over that of Aluminum tubes.
• When the copper radiator uses only a half-inch tube, the aluminum radiator uses a one-inch wide tube.
• Aluminum is better resistant to damage in comparison to copper.
• When tubes in copper radiators are soldered, the tubes in aluminum radiators are welded to the tank.
• Concerning the weight, Aluminum is lighter than copper.
• Copper is simpler to repair than Aluminum radiators.
