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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Al tubes in high temp service
- - By devo (***) Date 08-21-2007 16:52
A current project of mine is the rebuilding of a large propane fired grill.  It was built by a local good ol' boy, but it needs new burner tubes, as the old carbon steel ones have rusted out.  I will need to fabricate new ones.  I considered stainless, but I don't really want to drill the 800 holes needed in stainless.  So I would like to use aluminum, as the material is on hand and it will be easy to drill.  I've looked at commercially available grills, and they all seem to use plated steel or stainless.  Anyone know of any reason aluminum would be a poor choice for this application?
Parent - - By js55 (*****) Date 08-21-2007 19:19
I don't know exactly whrre your temps will fall but Al melts at about 1200 or there abouts.
Parent - - By G.S.Crisi (****) Date 08-21-2007 21:22
To be precise, 670 Celsius (you translate into Farenheit).
Giovanni S. Crisi
Sao Paulo - Brazil
Parent - - By Lawrence (*****) Date 08-21-2007 22:14
To be tediously precise

7075
Melting Point 477 °C 891 °F  Eutectic for nonhomogeneous material that has not been heat treated
Melting Point 532 °C 990 °F  For homogeneous wrought material

6061
Melting Point 582 - 652 °C

2024
Melting Point 502 - 638 °C   Eutectic melting is not eliminated by homogenization

3003
Melting Point 643 - 654 °C

That was fun..
Parent - - By G.S.Crisi (****) Date 08-22-2007 12:20
I agree completely.
Giovanni S. Crisi
Parent - - By js55 (*****) Date 08-22-2007 13:14
I think the consensus is clear. Al is not suitable for burner tubes.
Parent - - By devo (***) Date 08-22-2007 13:41
Thanks for confirming my suspicions.  I've got some 304 on its way.  Now I need a few more drill bits...
Parent - - By Tommyjoking (****) Date 08-23-2007 08:40
Get a bit of parrifin wax from the grocery to dip those little drill bits in when they get warm.  You will be suprised how long they stay sharp.  Good luck with the project and of course you know your required to grill us all some varmit on it when your all done!!!!!
Parent - By MDG Custom Weld (***) Date 08-23-2007 17:14
By the sounds of it, he will be able to grill a LOT of varmits!!

Good luck drilling all of those holes.
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Al tubes in high temp service

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