What is duralumin?

Duralumin is a strong, lightweight alloy of aluminium that is comprised of approximately 4 percent copper and small amounts of manganese, magnesium and silicon. This alloy is widely used in aircraft construction because of its strength and light weight.

Alfred Wilm, a German metallurgist, discovered duralumin in 1906 and patented it in 1909. It was made originally at the Durener Metallwerke company in Germany, and its name is derived from Durener and aluminium. Duralumin alloys soften when heated, are often compared to soft steel in strength and are malleable. They can be rolled, forged or drawn into many different shapes and products.