Milestone for road tanker construction: New alloy Hydro 5186 Elongal

(Sep. 12, 2002) Accidents involving road tankers can have the most horrendous consequences. Hence Germany has tightened its regulations for the transboundary road transportation of hazardous substances considerably. The 5083 aluminium alloy (AlMg4.5Mn), which has been used for road tanker construction up to now, will therefore be phased out by the end of 2002.

5186 Elongal, an improved alloy from Hydro Aluminium Rolled Products, will, however, ensure more safety with the least possible use of materials. "Our new product has only been on the market for four weeks but it has already gained widespread acceptance - not least because it is so easy to weld," states Oliver Bell, Head of the Strip Business Unit. One satisfied customer is already exhibiting his application of Hydro 5186 Elongal at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2002 from today.

Three years ago, the then new "5186" alloy allowed containers with a wall thickness of only 4.57 mm to be produced. According to the new regulations in force from 2003, this improved 5186 alloy can be used in a thickness of 5.27 mm. The specialists at Hydro Aluminium Rolled Products, however, have further optimised their own innovation, meaning that with 5186 Elongal container wall thicknesses can be reduced to 5.00 mm and still fulfil the tougher regulations.

With its previously unattainable minimum elongation of 26% and constant minimum strength of 275 Mpa, 5186 Elongal thus ensures extensive material savings – without compromising the safety of the vehicle or the workability of the material.