New Heater Matrix from Martin Robey

[Series1 Stu]

Hi

Does anybody have experience of the aluminium heater matrix that Martin Robey are now offering?

I am interested in it but wonder whether anybody has direct experience of it before I commit.

https://www.martinrobey.com/part/20852

Regards

[angelw]

Hello Stuart,
I have had no direct experience with the product, but copper is better at conducting heat than aluminum, although aluminum is able to radiate the heat into the air better than copper because of its lower density.

The main reason for Heater Matrixes and Radiators being made of Aluminum today is cost, both in material and manufacturing.

Regards,

Bill

[Phil P]

Hi Stuart,
Another reason for the use of aluminium is lightness... the density of aluminium alloys is a third of that of copper based alloys.

The conductivity of copper is twice that of aluminium so will give a better heat transfer. The emissivity of both copper and aluminium if both are painted black will be about the same. Polished aluminium radiators won't be the best.
Yours,
Phil

[Series1 Stu]

Am I right in thinking that none of the regulars here have fitted one of these heater matrices?

I was hoping to get some feedback on the fit, form and function.

I have the heater box to restore and will be fitting a Fiero fan and motor (bought years ago when they were available). I have blasted the box so next its time to modify for the motor and larger diameter fan. It would be nice to have the matrix to hand to check for clearances etc.

Regards

[paydase]

copper is better at conducting heat than aluminum, although aluminum is able to radiate the heat into the air better than copper because of its lower density.

The main reason for Heater Matrixes and Radiators being made of Aluminum today is cost, both in material and manufacturing

Another reason for the use of aluminium is lightness... the density of aluminium alloys is a third of that of copper based alloys.

The conductivity of copper is twice that of aluminium so will give a better heat transfer. The emissivity of both copper and aluminium if both are painted black will be about the same. Polished aluminium radiators won't be the best.

If my understanding is correct and copper looks to be better overall in terms of cooling power, why so much hype in replacing copper radiators with the expensive Marston look-alike models made of aluminium, apart from looks (they are not even exactly correct repros...)?