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| Alcoa launches Nautic-Al marine aluminium |
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Following an extensive market review, the company’s range of products, previously known as 5xxx series now carries the new brand name across the whole line-up.
Many of today’s best performing vessels, large and small, are constructed from Alcoa aluminium. With a specific weight about one third that of steel, an aluminium hull and superstructure typically weighs less than half as much as a steel one of equivalent strength. This lightness translates into greater capacity, speed or fuel economy and range, as well as inherently superior manoeuvrability.
Announcing the new brand identity, Alcoa’s European Marketing Manager for Transportation Andrea Tonin commented: “Ever since we developed strain-hardened 5xxx series alloys to provide the exceptional strength, workability and corrosion resistance that marine applications require, aluminium has been the material of choice for forward-looking designers wherever durability, economy of operation and construction, responsiveness or sheer speed are priorities. The Nautic-Al brand will firmly position Alcoa aluminium at the forefront of all designers’ future thinking.”
An aluminium hull will survive significantly higher ultimate loads than a comparable GRP (glass reinforced plastic) hull, and since aluminium is less brittle there is less risk of hull penetration. Aluminium has far greater structural efficiency (stiffness-to-density ratio) than steel – and with magnesium as the major alloying element, the fatigue strength of Nautic-Al products is among the highest of all aluminium alloys. These qualities make the material especially suited for the construction of modern day fast ferries, workboats, small naval vessels and super yachts.
With a microstructure designed for excellent corrosion resistance in the harshest marine environments, aluminium sheets can be used without additional protection such as painting or sacrificial anodes. They are, however, suitable for a wide range of surface treatments where required.
Aluminium is as easy to work as it is versatile – easy to cut, bend, cold form and engineer with standard tools. Alcoa Nautic-Al alloys are quick to weld using GMA-W, GTA-W or Friction Stir Welding (FSW) processes; not only does aluminium resist distortion during welding better than steel, but the welds themselves are highly ductile for subsequent cold forming. Taken together, these factors deliver considerable cost advantages for the constructor.
All the marine aluminium products in the comprehensive Nautic-Al range are tested to the highest international standards, and as you would expect of a company voted one of the most sustainable corporations on the planet by the World Economic Forum every year since the ranking began, Alcoa Nautic-Al products are easy to recycle - almost 70% of the aluminium ever produced is still in use.
In 21st century naval architecture, Nautic-Al is the logical choice.
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