Ben Gribbin
October 25, 2017
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A while back, we published an article about the specific alloy used to make early Land Rover bodies, Birmabright.
One reader got in touch and shed a some light on the specific alloys involved in making Birmabright.
So what is Birmabright? Specifically BB2, as used on early Land Rovers? BB2 Birmabright is simply a trade name for the alloy AA5251 (in UK, HS4).
Chemical Composition of Birmabright (AA5251)
| Element | % Present |
|---|---|
| Copper | 0.15 |
| Magnesium | 1.7-2.4 |
| Silicone | 0.4 |
| Iron | 0.5 |
| Manganese | 0.1-0.5 |
| Zinc | 0.15 |
| Titanium | 0.15 |
| Chromium | 0.15 |
| Aluminium | Balance |
This alloy was made by a number of aluminium smelters. Birmabright was the name used by Birmetals Ltd (suppliers of BB2), who were bought out by British Aluminium and their parent company likely continue to own the trademark & rights to this day. British Aluminium continued to supply Land Rover from their falkirk plant until 2004. During the late 1970's, Birmetals brochures also referred to Birmabright by it's american standard name - AA5251.
Birmabright Properties
Description:
An alloyed non-heat treatable rolled aluminium sheet designed for general sheet metal work where higher mechanical properties are required together with a degree of formability.
Spec: BS EN 485-2:2008
| Physical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.69 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 625 °C |
| Thermal Expansion | 25 x10^-6 /K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 70 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 134 W/m.K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.044 x10^-6 Ω .m |
Sheet and Plate - 0.2mm to 25mm
| Mechanical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress | 120 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 190 - 230 MPa |
| Hardness Brinell | 56 HB |
Welding Birmabright Land Rover Panels
All welding processes can be used on Land Rover body panels, including MIG and Tig. Recommended filler wire is 5356.
Location of Birmabright Works
Clapgate Lane, Quinton, Birmingham, circa 1945, credit Google. Note the camouflaged factory roof.
And the site today:
Other Brand names for AA5251
- Hiduminium 22
- Alcan GB M57s
- BA 21
- Alcoa 510
- AWCO 21
Related items for sale on eBay
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