Picking the right radiator is key to keeping your machine running smoothly and efficiently. Both aluminum and copper-brass radiators have advantages, but understanding their differences can help you make the best choice for your machine.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about aluminum and copper-brass radiators.

Both of which we manufacture on-site at our Winnipeg, Manitoba facility and ship across Canada and the U.S.

Whether you’re deciding between lightweight, efficiency or something easy to repair, we’re here to help you choose with confidence! 

So let’s look at the key differences between copper-brass and aluminum radiators so you can pick the right one for your needs.

What is an all-aluminum radiator

As the name suggests, all-aluminum heat exchangers are made entirely out of aluminum.  This makes aluminum radiators both lightweight and strong. 

What industries are all-aluminum radiators best for?

Aluminum heat exchangers are widely used across various heavy-duty industries.

All-aluminum radiators are ideal for sectors where machinery:

• Runs all day long
• Works in conditions where they’re prone to rust
• Works in hot environments

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an all-aluminum radiator?

All-aluminum radiators have a lot to offer. 

So let’s take a look at the top advantages and disadvantages of aluminum radiators.

Advantages of Aluminum Radiators

Lightweight
Aluminum radiators weigh 30-40% less than traditional options like copper-brass. Therefore, all-aluminum rads improve fuel efficiency and are easier to handle and install.

Corrosion-resistant 
All-aluminum radiators resist rust and corrosion. This ensures your heat exchanger lasts longer. 

Better cooling efficiency
Aluminum radiators dissipate heat quickly. This helps keep engines and machines cool. 

Durability 
Heavy-duty aluminum radiators are more durable than plastic rads. As a result, they are more capable of withstanding the extremes of heavy-duty industries.
 

Disadvantages of Aluminum Radiators

Upfront cost
Aluminum radiators do tend to have a slightly higher upfront cost. However, they offer greater savings in the long run. 

Repairability
Because aluminum is difficult to weld due to its tendency to warp or crack under heat, repairs typically require skilled technicians with specialized equipment for welding and patching.

Luckily, here at West End Rad, our team of experts has the experience and tools necessary to handle even the most complex aluminum radiator repairs. This ensures high-quality results and long-lasting performance.

Further to that, if you choose to purchase a complete all-aluminum rad from us, you’ll get our 100% leak-free guarantee! 

Our 100% Leak Free All Aluminum Radiators 

Here’s our guarantee on all our aluminum heat exchangers:

• Double Testing Procedure On All Cores
• Guaranteed Leak-Free Between 20-30 PSI

*Note: In the odd case your core does leak, we will repair, replace or credit your account.

What is a copper-brass radiator

Now let’s cover copper-brass radiators.

Copper-brass heat exchangers are constructed using, clearly, copper and brass. 

These materials are known for:

What industries are copper-brass radiators best for?

Various heavy-duty industries use copper-brass heat exchangers. 

Copper-brass radiators are ideal for industries where machinery:

• Was originally built with a copper-brass radiator. This makes replacing the heat exchanger easy. 
• Needs strong durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Works under high temperatures or pressure for long periods of time.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a copper-brass radiator?

Copper-brass radiators come with many benefits. 

So let’s take a look at the top advantages and disadvantages of copper-brass radiators.

Advantages of Copper-Brass Radiators

Long lasting 
Copper-brass heat exchangers can last up to 6,000 hours without failure

Built with trusted material
Historically, manufacturers always used copper-brass to create radiators.  

More Rows and Tubes
Copper-brass heat exchangers use more rows and tubes. This means their base heat transfer ability is higher. 

Durability
Copper-brass rads are extremely durable and easy to repair.

Disadvantages of Copper-Brass Radiators

Weight
Copper-brass radiators weigh more than their aluminum radiator counterparts. As a result, copper-brass radiators aren’t as fuel efficient as aluminum radiators. 

Solder Joints
The solder joints in copper-brass heat exchangers reduce the heat transfer ability of the radiator. 

Our 100% Leak Free All Copper-Brass Radiators 

Here’s what you can expect with our copper-brass heat exchangers:

• Ready in 1-3 days or less from sign-off (that’s ⅓ of the time of our competitors!)
• Customizable fin spacing to solve your or your customer’s plugging/heating issues
• Available for automotive (serpentine) style cores as well as industrial style cores

What are the key differences between all-aluminum and copper-brass radiators?

There are a few key differences to keep in mind when choosing between an all-aluminum heat exchanger vs.  a copper-brass heat exchanger:

1. 1. Aluminum radiators are lighter than copper-brass radiators. 
2. 2. Aluminum radiators have much wider tubes and fin styles. Whereas copper-brass radiators have narrower tubes and fins.
3. 3. Copper-brass radiators are easier to repair than aluminum radiators.

When it comes to choosing between a copper-brass radiator or an aluminum radiator, consider your machine’s needs and the environment you’re using it in. 

Which radiator type is more durable — aluminum or copper-brass?

Generally all-aluminum radiators are slightly more durable than copper-brass radiators. 

Why?

Because of their strength and heat tolerance.

Aluminum radiators are strong and corrosion resistant. This means they require less maintenance and are longer-lasting in industrial settings. 

Are all-aluminum radiators lighter than copper-brass radiators?

Yes! All-aluminum radiators are lighter than copper-brass radiators. 

Aluminum is a lighter material to work with.

An average aluminum radiator, depending on its size, weighs about 15lbs. Whereas an average copper-radiator, depending on its size, weighs about 45 lbs.

Therefore, an aluminum radiator is about ⅔ lighter than a copper-brass radiator!

Which type of radiator is easier to maintain — aluminum or copper-brass?

Copper-brass radiators are generally easier to repair than aluminum radiators.

How? Because they are constructed using solder. 

As a result, this allows copper-brass heat exchangers to easily be taken apart, cleaned, and re-soldered.  

This isn’t to say that aluminum rads can’t be repaired. They most defnitely can. However, you need to find a shop that specializes in aluminum welding. 

Luckily, we do here at West End Rad!  We can service your aluminum rad out of one of our three service locations in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Estevan. 

Live somewhere outside of the Canadian Prairies? No problem!

Send our team a photo of your part and we’ll quote it and provide freight options so we can get the repairs done quickly.

High Quality Aftermarket Aluminum & Copper-Brass Radiators Available Across Canada & The U.S.

We are proud to serve radiator shops, fleet owner-operators and small to medium-sized enterprises across Western Canada.

See all our unique aluminum and copper-brass core styles here:

We can customize our high-quality radiators to meet your extremes .

You can rely on our dedicated team to provide you with top-quality industrial rads that meet your exact needs.

Curious about what aftermarket radiator cores are available in Western Canada? Contact our team for more information:

Toll-free: 1-877-RAD-CORE (723-2673)
Winnipeg: 1-204-633-5648
Estevan: 1-306-634-2055
Saskatoon: 1-306-934-7005