Aluminum

Factual Questions
41

NASA evaluated using a set of copper-beryllium sockets for use in space because they were better at not producing electrostatic sparking. But it was decided it wasn’t worth the trouble. Although we still have a few samples in use. The copper-beryllium sockets had to be surface roughened, and still have thermal problems. I think they’re worse than standard steel ones.

42

A couple of days ago, when I made my original comment about berylium, it had been brought up earlier in the thread. Now that post isn’t there. I don’t get it.

John W. Kennedy
“Compact is becoming contract; man only earns and pays.”
– Charles Williams

43

<cue Twilight Zone theme>

44

It’s there John, it’s a remark at the end of MC’s post. At least on my machine.

45

Of course, a steel can would make drinking your pepsi mighty labor intensive…
Another aspect that wasn’t mentioned - I seem to remember that aluminum doesn’t rust as fast as iron/steel. Stainless steel doesn’t rust, but it’s also very expensive and would make for expensive (and heavy) drink cans. Right?

46

[quote]
Beryllium is highly toxic. - John W. Kennedy

[quote]

      • IIRC, Boron isn’t real good to munch on either. The beryllium frame cost $5000 or $7000 or some such ridiculous amount. I doubt you’ll see the neighbor kids leave their beryllium bikes laying in the street anytime soon.
  • I always wanted to order me one of the titanium Russian prybars, just to see how much lighter & stiffer it was compared to steel prybars. I don’t recall ever seeing any retail source for Boron or Beryllium, or anything made of either material. - MC
47

Aluminum bicycle frames are very popular because they weight about as much as a Titanium frame, but cost about a fifth as much. However, they’re very stiff, making for a bumpy ride.

Titanium is also ?flammable?, so cutting is is very difficult. In addition to the cost of raw materials, Ti frames are usually built by hand, so you have to figure in the cost of paying someone for ten hours work.

Beyond Beryllium is the only company I know of that makes Be frames. I’m pretty sure that they run about 10,000 for even a basic double triangle frame. Beryllium dust does nasty things to your lungs, that’s another negative.