Eldon Goates April 2, 2018 @ Steel Bike Frames. [1][2] Most commonly, the phrase "alloy steel" refers to "low alloy" steels. It happens immediately when you cut it, then grows thicker as time goes on. Instead, practical durability is the pragmatic side of building, using, abusing, and owning the equipment (crane, trailer, press, whatever). For smoother riding bikes, choose 6061 frames. Quality Aluminium frames tend to cost a lot. Good observation. Mechanical Elements - Your Source For Do-It-Yourself Project Plans! Alloy steels are broken down into two groups: low alloy steels and high alloy steels. The same isn't true for aluminum. Because larger pieces of Aluminum are required to get the same performance as with Steel, and usually you can’t replace all the steel (like the axle for instance). Choose the right material for your specific application. 5:17 PM. Required fields are marked *. A 5″ Steel beam is 100 lbs, where a similar 8″ Aluminum Beam is half. And, we always recommend more gussets and other joint support with aluminum because the material is not as robust to fatigue and abuse. Small, alloy frame, lightweight, etc. In thinking about steel vs aluminum in trailer frames and beams, consider how these affect the equation. Steel handles those forces better. Mostly due to their heavy weight. How does that compare in yield strength and shear? material has a set of distinct properties that suit different riding styles Because of practical durability, the required safety factor for an Aluminum trailer is higher than for steel. 7:24 AM. Which Is the Best? Contoh sepeda yang memakai frame steel/hi-ten steel: Sepeda lipat Pacific 2990, MTB Pacific Crosser, ... Sering kita baca pada frame alloy (Al) 6061, 7005, 7075, 6066, 2024, 7020 kode ini menyatakan komposisi dari bahan-bahan pembentuknya. Sure, there are a lot of attractive elements with living Tiny, but to some, the 8 foot width is just too tight. For relatively small cranes like the ones we sell plans for here, the weight of the top beam can be a huge driver in the design simply because someone has to lift and carry the beam. As of 2011, most mountain bike frames are made from steel or a mixture of metals known as an alloy. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. A Comparison of 6063 and 6061 Aluminum Alloy. Common alloys of aluminum are 6061 and 7075. You screw up a weld, it looks great up until it fails. Aluminum is in the 2700 kg/m^3 range. Its primary alloying ingredients are magnesium which results in an alloy with medium to high strength, excellent machinability, and good weldability. When well made and cared for, steel will last a lifetime. ... Hi-Ten Steel vs Chromoly vs Alloy. 7005 aluminum has a resistance to failure of 51,000 psi, compared to the 45,000 psi recorded for 6061 aluminum while also being more resistant to squeeze. Apparently SIG has figured out using stainless (slide) and aluminum alloy (frame) together. Eldon Goates May 19, 2018 @ I just don’t want to do the cutting for now. We use the word “stiffness” frequently, yet the descriptive engineering term is “Modulus of Elasticity”. I’ve tried some online calculators, but don’t know enough. I would also like to know what size of material would be use and frame type for different size of trailers. Aluminum Frames: 6061 vs 7005. Thanks. On The Road – Rattle Traps We Call Trailers, Frequently Asked Question about custom trailer design. Please use our Contact Us page. Contrary to common belief, aluminum does “Corrode”, or more accurately it oxidizes. often considered, that the aluminum alloy 6061 more suitable for bicycle frames, than an alloy 7005, although the alloy 7005 and somewhat more durable. Does anyone knows where I can buy car trailer frames pre-cut ready to weld? Originally called "Alloy 61S", it was developed in 1935. That cost is $34.28 per foot — almost 3 times the cost of the steel beam — but, it weighs roughly half as much (127 lbs). Alloy 6061, or structural aluminum, comes in two variations, or tempers, T4 and T6, which have slightly different properties caused by processing after extrusion. Spring 2020 saw the launch of their successful 4130 All-Road bikes. The strength, on the other hand changes a lot. You don’t want that happening to your trailer frame or any other beam! It can manufacture hi-ten steel frames, 6069/6061 alloy frames, carbon fiber frames, magnesium alloy frames and other new-material frames. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They have a very high 98% of their average alloy composition in common. One issue with Aluminum is it’s propensity to propagate cracks — especially in the weld areas. The material you choose may well focus on your wallet and DIY skills rather than weight or function. I do own a Combat Commander (all steel) and I love shooting it (as said earlier, lower recoil) but it's quite a bit heavier than the Defender. Angles, tees, and shapes made of Aluminum 6061 are a good substitution for steel. Why? In general, alloy steel is steel that is alloyed with a variety of elements in total amounts between 1.0% and 50% by weight to improve its mechanical ⦠Well, that depends on the alloys being compared (Steel and Aluminum). However, it was used in frame tubing form when bonded (lugged and glued) frames were in style during the mid-90âs. I have a shop and I’d like to start building and selling car trailers. In general, Aluminum is around 10,000,000 psi and Steel is around 30,000,000 psi. As mentioned in the article, aluminum is not fundamentally “weaker”, but it does have different properties — especially with deflection. Both 1060 aluminum and 6061-T6 aluminum are aluminum alloys. Beam shape, and where the beam type is used (like for beams of a trailer frame) certainly relate to strength. Mechanic October 19, 2020 @ Just remember that weight is only part of the story when choosing between Aluminum and Steel. All should be an alloy, as itâs stronger. This is not a measured value. Steel isnât as flashy as alloy or steel. There is obviously a lot to compare in Steel vs. Aluminum, but we’ll stick to the 6 big items for long beams like cranes or trailer frames. The State Black Label All-Road follows up their ultra-affordable steel gravel bike from earlier this summer, with a new alloy frame & build that saves up to 5lb, while retaining pricing that wonât break the bank. Although bike frames today are available in a wide variety of materials such as titanium, carbon and even bamboo, most entry- and mid-level cyclists will be deciding between an aluminum frame and a steel frame. It does vary slightly by alloy, but not much. The obvious big advantage of Aluminum over Steel is weight — or more accurately, the density. Steel is in the 7800 kg/m^3 range. I’m replacing rusted 2x2x1/8″ thick galvanized steel tube crossbars on a pontoon boat trailer. A500, a common steel tube material has a yield around 46,000 psi. Some 'alloy' frames are prefixed CrMo Alloy this is a steel frame and superior to a basic steel frame and will normally be lighter than an aluminium frame at the same price level. That said, the above discussion still applies, just in a different priority. Steel tyres are generally 70 to 80 per cent less costly than alloy wheels, so theyâre relatively inexpensive to replace. Consider the whole picture as you make your choices. When you consider the weight of a normal trailer frame (think utility trailers), you may save 150 to 300 pounds with an Aluminum Trailer frame. 9:02 AM. Especially if you are not an expert welder. You clean and prep the adhesive correctly no worries. As of writing, a generally available (though slightly expensive) website Metals Depot, shows a pretty standard Steel 6″ I-Beam (S6 x 12.5 lb — 6.00″ x 3.332″ x .232″) is $13.5 per foot (assuming you buy a full 20′ piece). I’ve heard different opinions, so let’s look again at the Engineering and clear up some facts. I carry a Colt Defender daily. Steel mountain bikes feature durable construction that can withstand even the roughest of terrains. I don't know about you but I can clean and mix better than I can weld. Part 2 of this Comparison of Steel and Aluminum. The difference between the two is somewhat arbitrary: Smith and Hashemi define the difference at 4.0%, while Degarmo, et al., define it at 8.0 %. Appeal. Steel is the original bike frame material. Fount the accessory kit and blue print. For each property being compared, the top bar is 6061-T6 aluminum and the bottom bar is ASTM A36 carbon steel. Think about the added fatigue that occurs when driving down a road with washboard (breaking bumps). Finally, another big benefit of Aluminum (especially with Aluminum trailers), it does not rust. This means that additional care is required when interpreting the data, because some material properties are based on units of mass, while others are based on units of area or volume. I build one out of steel years ago that has worked great but need it to be wider and lighter. Current page last modified on 2020-05-30. Hi. Steel, in general, is also much better for fatigue. Khorae Olivier March 20, 2018 @ They absorb bumps and road vibration. The 6061 alloy is softer, making the bike's ride more comfortable. Most people say that’s not enough weight savings to justify the added cost, the complexity of the build and the sacrifice in practical durability. Aluminum Frames: 6061 vs 7005. Let's start by taking a look at a pile of numbers for aluminum and steel: ALUMINUM Alloy Tensile Proof Elongation Designation Strength (psi) Strength (psi) (%) 6061-0 18000 8000 25 From above, and from the Posts on Deflection, when we factor in stiffness, an Aluminum beam that is reasonably equivalent to the 5″ steel beam is the 8″ I-Beam (8″ X 4.00″ X .270″). To be honest with a proper design glued 6061 is tough to beat. It’s light, strong, and looks sweet to boot. A Feature of Synthesis Engineering Services, Inc. Examples: Al-6061-T6 (a common Aluminum alloy) has a yield strength around 40,000 psi, and tensile strength around 45,000 psi. The immediate and repeated bounce. Thatâs why youâll find this alloy in so many different applications including bicycle frames, motorcycles, firearms, camera lenses, construction and automobiles. Mechanic August 25, 2020 @ Welding Aluminum takes a lot more skill — with more specialized equipment. Most aluminum extrusions are either 6063 or 6061. Posting something to get you going is a good idea, so I’ll keep that in mind. Unfortunately, this is one of the main reasons you don’t see more Aluminum trailer. Another corrosion factor is cross corrosion where, with water and a few other chemicals in the air and land, dissimilar metals will seize together. Yes, it can work, but unless it’s really important, Steel is a better choice. If headspace is an issue, then Steel has a distinct advantage. Read more in Safety with a Crane, and the bigger one, Gantry Crane Failure Modes. I’m considering 2x2x1/4″ thick 6061-T6. Steel bolts in aluminum, without extra treatments, for instance. The T6 refers to one of the T tempers of aluminum alloy, which is achieved through solution heat-treated and then artificially aged. Aluminum is so reactive in oxygen, it’s effectively impossible to have aluminum present in air without oxidation. So, a trailer frame that weights 600 lbs in steel will weigh 210 lbs if made just the same in Aluminum. There is a lot that happens when rolling down the road — including bumps, potholes, washboard, curbs, wind, overloading, etc.. All of these things change the forces on a trailer in ways we can’t usually calculate. Titanium is expensive not only because of the material costs, but because welding must be done meticulously to avoid contamination, and machining must be done precisely. Far from it. Additionally, check out the Frequently Asked Question about custom trailer design. Aluminum Alloy 6063 Alloy 6063, or architectural aluminum, can be soft anodized to create an aesthetically pleasing, colored finish for visual architectural and building applications. Great article. Aluminum frame bikes are among the best selling models and ... Chat Now Send Inquiry; Aluminium / Aluminum 1060 Alloy ⦠Aluminum alloy fram⦠Complete steel road bikes weigh 20-22 lbs. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. Deflection is a big deal in the comparison of Aluminum vs. Steel. Part 2 of this Comparison of Steel and Aluminum uses a Gantry Crane beam as the example to discuss deflection differences. I'll vote that the well made alloy framed guns will suffice for about 90% of us "regular" folks. Those numbers may be meaningless by themselves, but if you think about it in general terms, Steel is alm⦠No frame material is more durable than steel. Nylon rope, for instance, is quite strong, but not stiff at all. 6061-T6 aluminum belongs to the aluminum alloys classification, while ASTM A36 carbon steel belongs to the iron alloys. It can ding, scratch, dent, even bend, and retain structural integrity. If that’s you, go with a wider tiny house built with these new trailer plans! The application for a Gantry Crane is similar to a trailer in that the beams are usually quite long compared to their length. 6061 (Unified Numbering System (UNS) designation A96061) is a precipitation-hardened aluminium alloy, containing magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements. Your email address will not be published. So, if Aluminum is lighter and just as strong, then why don’t we all have Aluminum trailer frames? We do provide engineering services, so let us know more of what you need. Aluminum is such a great material. Chromoly vs Everybody 1060 Aluminum vs. 6061-T6 Aluminum. Also, more care is needed for good welds, and more support (like gussets) around the joints to avoid fatigue issues. The way it is processed, like heat treatment, also makes a huge difference. Aluminum Frames: 6061 vs 7005. BikeAdvisor September 18, 2012 Guides 3 Comments. Thank you. Example would be a 16 ft flat deck 10,000 lb capacity trailer VS a 20 ft flat deck with 14,000 lb capacity. As the saying goes âsteel is realâ In fact, it was the only modern frame option up until the mid-1970s when the first aluminum bikes became widely available. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but the term alloy steel usually only refers to steels that contain other elementsâ like vanadium, molybdenum, or cobaltâin amounts sufficient to alter the properties of the base steel. Enjoy. Please note that the two materials have significantly dissimilar densities. Just take your cut list down to the local steel source. Which Is the Best? Bike Frame: Aluminum Vs. Steel. I just wanna do the welding. Situations like frame twisting caused by uneven loading when hitting a highway pothole. Although 7000 series aluminum is a harder alloy that makes a frame stronger, it also makes the ride quality much more rough. All products have passed South Korean KS quality system certification, Japan SG certification, US CPSC, European Union EN standards and so on, reaching the world top level. Your email address will not be published. The stiffness of the 7005 frame make its ride more harsh. Again, the actual numbers are not so important, because the issue is how much a beam will deflect under load. While it’s true that the strongest Steel alloys are much stronger than the strongest Aluminum alloys, in common material to build a trailer (or crane or press), the aluminums have comparable strength numbers. Trailers, especially utility trailers, are a special design case for any material. Material strength is not the only factor, however. That’s the first and most common reason people state for an Aluminum trailer. For comparison, 20′ of that weights 86.5 lbs. Have you ever slid your hand along a piece of Aluminum and got black on your hand? It is a steel that is stronger than carbon steel (more commonly used in bike manufacturing), so we can use thin wall tubing, giving you a lightweight frame that will last through years of riding. So, why is there a debate about Aluminum Trailer Frames and other beams? 6061 is an alloy that consists of aluminum, magnesium and silicone and is considered to be superior to 7005, made of aluminum and zinc, although the latter appears to be more resistant. Yes, there are formulas, but they are not as simple as it might at first sound. Is there a formula or a web site that would show what is the best way a trailer is build and have the correct size of material. Those numbers may be meaningless by themselves, but if you think about it in general terms, Steel is almost 3 times heavier for the same volume. The new 6061 Black-Label All Road combines all the best of their prior Black Label and All Road bikes. Steve Lussier May 16, 2018 @ Precipitation hardening applies high temperatures to reduce its plasticity and increase the yield strength. Steel frames are heavier- Steel is the heaviest bike frame material used today. Also, there is a fundamental difference in how Aluminum can attach versus how steel attaches (I’m making the assumption that the rest of the frame is steel). Is an Aluminum Trailer Frame Good or Bad? 6061 aluminum alloy is softer so it dents and bends easier but will give a smoother ride. Of course, the suspension and tires take up some of that, but the trailer frame still must handle the additional flexing as it bounces up and down. Lighter and faster the new 6061 Black Label aluminum frame gets a new carbon fork too, plus fast 700c or more-capable 650b options to build up a very ⦠and it works great and carries great. Interestingly, the alloying of Steel and Aluminum only changes the density slightly — insignificant in practical terms. The yield strength is the measure of the maximum amount of stress that will not permanently (or just âelasticallyâ) deform a specimen of alloy (to learn more on this topic, feel free to read about it in our article all about 7075 aluminum alloy).When comparing 6061 and 7075 aluminumâs yield strengths, it is evident that 7075 aluminum is far superior by a factor of almost 2. Steel and Aluminum prices fluctuate because they are both a commodity. Chromoly is a chrome-alloy steel with a medium carbon content and .8% - 1.1% molybdenum for strength. Anyway, if you would like some engineering help, I’m happy to do that with an engineering contract. Aluminum 6061 can be forged, rolled, or extruded into a variety of shapes. Great performance. See the stiffness section above and consider the context of Steel vs Aluminum trailer. According to ABC of Mountain Biking, steel mountain bikes offer built in shock absorption as well as an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Which Is the Best? A third advantage of steel is something we call Practical Durability. I like how you talked about steel and aluminum in terms of how strong they are being dependent on the alloy in question. That’s the practical side of using Aluminum — especially with Aluminum trailers. On the other hand, Cranes are quite different from trailers because the dynamics are (typically) much less abrupt. It is one of the ⦠12:31 PM. DON’T confuse Stiffness with Strength — they are very different properties. Please note that the two materials have significantly dissimilar densities. How much more? Itâs even a primary component found in the design of aircraft components. Most Ti frames are the 3Al/2.5V alloy (3% aluminum/2.5% vanadium), though a stronger alloy, 6Al/4V (6% aluminum/4% vanadium) is increasingly used. Aluminum Frames: 6061 vs 7005. Complete aluminum road bikes weigh around 18 lbs. Are you ever scared by what you see in tow rolling along? 11:36 AM. Which Is the Best? The factors of leg failure are more complicated for buckling with an applied bending from the top. But what it lacks for that flashiness, it more than compensates for in durability and reliability on the road. Why not use it for all the cranes and presses too? I don't care if it is steel vs aluminum. What if . Almost all of them provide cutting as a service. . So, an Aluminum trailer frame may cost 3 times as much, and weigh about half that of a similar steel trailer frame. Well, that depends on the market of the moment. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. Let’s make a collection of photos here just for a few good laughs — Scary trailers on the road. It just means it needs a little more care and a few more accommodations in design and construction. A similar I-Beam in Aluminum (6″ X 3.33″ X .230″) costs $23.32 per foot (again, for a full 25′ piece). You want to live Tiny, but not “that” tiny? This includes things like it’s easier to get good welds when building with Steel, and it has a greater resistance to damage and abuse. 6061 is an older type of alloy, and needs a particular hardening process to finish it. There is obviously a lot to compare in Steel vs. Aluminum, but weâll stick to the 6 big items for long beams like cranes or trailer frames.The obvious big advantage of Aluminum over Steel is weight â or more accurately, the density. There are 3 advantages for steel, 2 are areas where Steel seriously out-shines Aluminum. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. I would like to build a aluminum trailer and don’t have a clue what to use for materials lol. How would I go about some engineering help? 6061 is an alloy that consists of aluminum, magnesium and silicone and is considered to be superior to 7005, made of aluminum and zinc, although the latter appears to be more resistant. 9:30 AM. I would think that the mixture of metals would change the density and strength and go into the decision process. Aluminum 6061-T6 is a type of precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy that has been treated. The biggest issue is knowing what materials — channel, tube, angle, I-beam — then the sizes, combinations, and configuration. But, there’s a lot more to it. For stainless frames, the goal is to have a heavier gun to absorb recoil. . All newer SIG slides are stainless steel. A36, a common Steel alloy for angle iron, channel, etc., has (by definition) a yield strength of 36,000 psi (minimum), and tensile strength of 58,000+ psi. Of course, this does not mean you shouldn’t use it. Mountain bike frames made with an aluminum alloy offer a solid design that can withstand high-impact jumps. The tensile strength of the alloy is 7005-T6 350 MP, and alloy 6061 â 310 MPa, yield stress 290 and 275 MPa, respectively. It weighs 250 lbs. Is steel stronger? Maybe we can also debunk a few misconceptions. It has good mechanical properties, exhibits good weldability, and is very commonly extruded (second in popularity only to 6063). Aluminum may be a lot lighter, but it’s also much more expensive. In recent years, steel frames have declined in popularity. 7005 aluminum has a resistance to failure of 51,000 psi, compared to the 45,000 psi recorded for 6061 aluminum while also being more resistant to squeeze. Aluminum has a lot of really great qualities, as does Steel. Steel is usually used in the normalized condition. If the crane is really long, Aluminum may not be an option, but you get the idea. You can see this effect illustrated with a Gantry Crane example in this 2nd Post on Deflection. I’d love to find a steel dealer that sells them pre-cut ready to weld. ... 7005 and 6061. (Granted, there are a lot of alloys, so compare specs before accepting this statement.). I donât know what SIG uses.