JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R
Enthusiast
George, I can't argue with the expense factor of hydroformed materials being prohibitive, but I have read in the Aluminum Association Journal "there are many forms of joining and working aluminum, some of which include gas-metal-ark (GMA) and gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welding, mechanical fastening such as riveting and clinching, adhesive bonding, and combinations of these such as weld bonding. General techniques for cutting are done with many standard tools with careful attention paid to the use of heat." It seems Hydroform manufacturing is best suited to mass production, but there are other methods available for various purposes.
Now to try and address your original question: The Association states "Aluminum has one-third the density of steel, which means a component can be 1.5 times thicker than a steel version while remaining 50 percent lighter. It can absorb twice as much energy as steel at the same weight. Pound for pound, aluminum can be up to two-and-a-half times as strong as steel and absorb up to twice as much energy." PS: NO I HAVE NEVER BUILT ONE....but did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, and only offer these observations for the sake of discussion.
Now to try and address your original question: The Association states "Aluminum has one-third the density of steel, which means a component can be 1.5 times thicker than a steel version while remaining 50 percent lighter. It can absorb twice as much energy as steel at the same weight. Pound for pound, aluminum can be up to two-and-a-half times as strong as steel and absorb up to twice as much energy." PS: NO I HAVE NEVER BUILT ONE....but did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, and only offer these observations for the sake of discussion.
