Development of continuous cast aluminum fin stock for a smaller, lighter, and more efficient radiator

摘要

A new radiator that is smaller, lighter, and more efficient than previous radiators was developed. To achieve this progress, a new aluminum fin stock was developed from a Al-Mn-Si-Fe-Zn alloy using twin-belt-type strip caster. The developed aluminum alloy fin stock exhibits high strength after brazing; the post-brazed ultimate tensile strength is 145 MPa. Furthermore, the new alloy has better brazeability than previous alloys, enabling the thinnest radiator fin stock achieved to date. This study investigates the mechanism underlying the alloy's high strength and good brazeability. The improved properties strongly depend on the intermetallic compound distribution.