Brass strip for radiator cooling pipe
Brass strip for radiator cooling tubes is a high-precision brass strip used in the production of radiator cooling tubes for automobiles, construction machinery, and other applications. It boasts excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and formability, making it indispensable in the automotive industry, rail transit, and other fields. Primarily made from brass grades such as H65 and H68, it contains 65%-68% copper, with the remainder being zinc. Some grades contain trace amounts of arsenic (0.02%-0.06%) to enhance corrosion resistance. Strip thickness typically ranges from 0.1-0.5mm, width from 20-100mm, and lengths exceeding 500 meters (supplied in coils). Compared to standard brass strip, it offers higher dimensional accuracy (thickness tolerance ±0.005mm) and a superior surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.2μm), making it suitable for complex bending and welding processes.
The production process for brass strip specifically designed for radiator cooling tubes requires multiple precision machining steps. First, high-purity electrolytic copper (99.95%) and zinc ingots are smelted at a controlled smelting temperature of 1050-1100°C. Arsenic is added for alloying to ensure uniform composition (copper content deviation ≤ 0.1%). The molten copper is then cast into cast-rolled coils 10-20mm thick. Through a continuous casting-rolling process, a fine and uniform grain structure is achieved. Subsequently, multiple cold rolling passes are performed to gradually reduce the thickness to 0.5-1mm. Annealing treatments (500-600°C, hydrogen atmosphere) are interspersed to eliminate work hardening. The finishing rolling stage utilizes a high-precision cold rolling mill to reduce the strip to the target thickness (0.1-0.5mm) at a rolling speed of 30-50m/min to ensure dimensional accuracy. Finally, degreasing, cleaning, and bright annealing (300-400℃) are carried out to control the hardness of the strip to HV80-100, which is convenient for subsequent forming. The strip passes the air tightness test (pressure ≥1MPa without leakage) and corrosion resistance test (salt spray test ≥48 hours without corrosion) to ensure product quality.
In the automotive industry, brass strip specifically designed for radiator cooling pipes is a core material for engine cooling systems. Radiator cooling pipes in traditional fuel-powered vehicles utilize H65 brass strip, formed into flat tubes through high-frequency welding. Its excellent thermal conductivity (thermal conductivity ≥ 120W/(m・K) ) allows for rapid transfer of engine heat to the coolant. Tests by one automaker show that radiators using this material improve heat dissipation efficiency by 15% . Battery cooling pipes in new energy vehicles utilize H68 brass strip due to its higher copper content and superior corrosion resistance, making it resistant to additives in the coolant. This has extended the service life of the battery cooling system of one electric vehicle brand to over eight years. In heavy-duty trucks, intercooler cooling pipes utilize thickened brass strip ( 0.3-0.5mm ) to withstand higher operating pressures (≥0.8MPa), resulting in a 30% reduction in intercooler failure rates for one heavy-duty truck manufacturer.
Brass strip for radiator cooling pipes is widely used in rail transit and construction machinery. High-speed rail and subway traction converter cooling systems utilize H65 brass strip for cooling pipes. Its excellent formability allows for complex, serpentine pipes to be processed, increasing the heat dissipation area. This reduced the operating temperature of the converter on one high-speed rail vehicle by 10°C, improving operational stability. Hydraulic oil radiators in construction machinery (such as excavators and loaders) utilize high-pressure-resistant brass strip, ensuring tight sealing under vibration and shock. One construction machinery manufacturer has extended the maintenance cycle of its hydraulic systems to 2,000 hours. In agricultural machinery, economical brass strip is used for tractor radiator cooling pipes, ensuring heat dissipation performance while controlling costs. This has resulted in a 20% improvement in the price-performance ratio for one agricultural machinery brand.
With increasing demands for energy conservation and environmental protection, the performance of brass strips for radiator cooling tubes continues to improve. Manufacturers have developed ultra-thin brass strips (0.08-0.1mm thick) that reduce material usage while maintaining strength. This has resulted in a 10% weight reduction and an 8% cost reduction for one automotive radiator manufacturer . For high-temperature environments, heat-resistant brass strips (with a small amount of nickel added) have been developed that maintain excellent mechanical properties at 150°C, making them suitable for turbocharged engine cooling systems. Furthermore, lead-free brass strips (lead content ≤ 0.01%) have been developed to comply with the EU ELV Directive and expand their application in the high-end automotive market. In the future, with the rapid development of new energy vehicles and rail transit, brass strips for radiator cooling tubes will continue to become thinner, stronger, and more corrosion-resistant, providing a key material guarantee for the efficient operation of cooling systems.
