Materials Science Forum, Vol.510-511, 386-389, 2006
Characteristic evaluation of extrusion parameters on direct extrusion process of 3003 Al alloy used for automotive condenser tubing
Environmental regulations in the refrigeration technology make the harmful refrigerants such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons) replaced by eco-refrigerants such as CO2, and the substitution of CO2 increases the pressure of multi-void condenser tube. As a result, the stiffness of the conventional 1000 series Al alloys can be open to question. The present study is mainly aimed at developing a direct extrusion process and neocondenser tube material for the application of eco-friendly refrigerants with higher working pressure than the conventional CFC and HCFCs refrigerants. The mechanical properties and burst strength for condenser tube were greatly affected by the large grains formed by brazing condition. As a result of the burst testing, 3003 Al alloy proved to be more suitable than 1100 Al alloy for the application of condenser tube to eco-friendly refrigerant usage because 3003 Al alloy can be durable in the heat exchanger required high pressure of working. Furthermore, optimum dies design has to be introduced for control metal flow and metal welding during direct extrusion process.