Structural Aluminum used in the Automotive Industry is a new and current advancement that several companies including Porsche have implemented in their engine assembly line.  When Porsche decided to look at their engine assembly line process they decided they needed something robust, flexible, and ready to change with a moments notice. This led them to the use of structural aluminum. Structural Aluminum is as tough and strong as steel and is much easier to work with. This allows for quick modifications in the ever changing engine assembly line. Workers like using structural aluminum because it allows them to control what positions they work in. This is not possible in traditional steel assemblies because the steel cannot be manipulated like aluminum can. Therefor workers have a more difficult time working in the engine assembly when steel is used in the structures.

Another advantage to the aluminum is that it lasts longer. This is a very valuable asset in the ultra-competitive automotive industry. The reason is lasts longer is because it does not corrode. Aluminum is naturally coated with a surface oxide layer which is non-corrosive.  While several companies are competing for every customer, have a material in a car that lasts longer and is just as tough and durable is an advantage that makes Porsche cars better than the competitors. Not only does it last longer, but it is also cheaper. This means that a car can be sold at a lower cost; another advantage in the business world for Porsche.

 

The main purpose of the structural aluminum is for providing ease of engineering frames which are perfect for the automotive industry. Because of its flexibility, it is easy to work with and thus saves time, money, and energy. Being flexible, there is a large variety of sizes and shapes that they can be made into. This is advantageous as well. Several other pros to aluminum are that is can tolerate high temperatures without becoming toxic. Engines become very hot as they run for a long time and having materials that are safe at high temperatures is very important.

One disadvantage while using aluminum is that it is a good conductor of heat and electricity. This could possibly have some undesirable effects while making a car or having it in an engine. However if it is insulated with rubber or another substance that is not conductive, that problem can be avoided.

 

Porsche designed a brand new assembly line using structural aluminum in 8 months and was able to implement it a very short time after that. An amazing fact about the assembly line is that it is required to support eleven tons of weight moving throughout the facility. Porsche has since patented the assembly line and have brought the assembly line into several different applications including manufacturing and material handling.

The structural aluminum has been a very valuable asset to Porsche and would be a good addition to many other different assembly lines. They can be added quickly and are easy to install and disassemble. It is highly recommended that if you are going to build any sort of assembly line, that you build it with structural aluminum.  It is strong, durable, corrosive resistant, and cost effective.