ALUMINIUM IN THE CAR INDUSTRY

It is certain that before new forms of energy are found and can be used on an industrial scale, the price of oil will have risen very greatly. For this and other reasons, cars must be made lighter, and efforts are being made to use aluminium to the greatest possible extent. It is mainly in castings that aluminium is used, but it is also increasingly used for the body, and in this connection it is important that it may be spot welded by the same equipment as that used for steel sheet. Research results indicate however that in future jointing techniques will not pose any problems. From the viewpoint of the national economy, it is essential that aluminium scrap should be re-used, since in this way the original high energy input can be utilised again. The use of aluminium will naturally reduce weight and will result in lower fuel consumption. Research is also being conducted into the use of plastics, composites, titanium and magnesium. As far as reserves are concerned, estimates show that even if use of aluminium is greatly increased, there should be enough bauxite reserves for 350 years. Naturally, aluminium is also contained in other minerals. (TRRL)