Anti-seize products offer a convenient and effective way to protect fasteners from seizing. Consisting of a grease-like compound, it’s designed to create a barrier between fasteners and parts. There are different types of anti-seize, however, two of the most common being copper and aluminum.
What Is Copper Anti-Seize?
Copper anti-seize is characterized by the use of copper particles. It features micro-sized copper particles suspended in a grease base.
When applied to fasteners, copper anti-seize will form a barrier. The copper particles will rest on the surface of the fasteners. As a result, seizing and galling is less likely to occur. The lubricating properties of the grease base also help to protect fasteners from seizing and galling.
What Is Aluminum Anti-Seize?
Aluminum anti-seize is characterized by the use of aluminum particles. It features micro-sized aluminum particles — which may or may not be blended with graphite particles — suspended in a grease base.
Aluminum anti-seize is used for the same purpose of preventing seizing and galling as aluminum anti-seize. It also works in the same way: by forming a barrier over fasteners and reducing friction. Rather than copper particles, though, aluminum anti-seize features aluminum particles.
Differences Between Copper and Aluminum Anti-Seize
While they are both used to protect against seizing and galling, copper anti-seize and aluminum anti-seize aren’t the same. Copper anti-seize is better suited for high-heat applications. It can handle hotter temperatures than its aluminum counterpart. While there are different formulas, some copper anti-seize products are rated for up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aluminum anti-seize is better suited for applications where electrical conductivity is a concern. Copper is highly conductive, which is why so many wires and cables are made of copper. Aluminum has low electrical conductivity. Therefore, aluminum anti-seize is commonly used in electrical applications.
Because of its low electrical conductivity, aluminum anti-seize is better protected from galvanic corrosion. When copper comes into contact with dissimilar metals, galvanic corrosion may occur. Aluminum doesn’t suffer from galvanic corrosion, making aluminum anti-seize better suited for applications involving non-aluminum fasteners.
In Conclusion
Anti-seize products are often categorized according to their primary active ingredient. Copper anti-seize features copper particles, whereas aluminum anti-seize features aluminum particles. Aside from their nuances in composition, copper anti-seize offers better heat resistance, whereas aluminum anti-seize offers low electrical conductivity and protection from galvanic corrosion. Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of copper and aluminum anti-seize and how they differ.
