AL 42 alloy is used extensively in the manufacture of sealed beam automobile head lamps, in grommet and pin type glass-metal seals, and in integrated circuit lead frames. It is also the core metal used in the manufacture of Dumet wire. AL 42 alloy has a low expansion coefficient used to match the expansion characteristics of 98% alumina and hard borosilicate glasses. In its various annealed or tempered conditions AL 42 alloy has excellent formability, good stampability, good photoetching characteristics and is solderable. The alloy is fully austenitic at all application temperatures. Where glass-metal sealing is involved, the alloy is usually stabilized with titanium additions to prevent evolution of carbon dioxide bubbles in the glass-metal interface. A titanium stabilized version is available for glass-to-metal seal applications where formation of carbon dioxide bubbles is to be avoided during fabrication. Information provided by Allegheny Ludlum |