Aluminum vs Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?
Did you know that aluminum is infinitely recyclable? You can continue using aluminum for a number of different purposes for years and years. Aluminum and stainless steel are two of the most important types of metal in modern society and you’re likely to run into each of them multiple times each day.
A big point of discussion when it comes to ordering metal from a metal supplier is which is better when it comes to aluminum vs stainless steel. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks that make it valuable for your operations.
The good news is that you’ve come to the perfect spot to learn about what is aluminum and settle the dilemma of stainless steel vs aluminum once and for all. Keep reading this article for more info!
Strength
Both stainless steel and aluminum bring a lot of strength to the table, but stainless steel comes out ahead in a strength contest. Still, aluminum is useful thanks to its weight-to-strength ratio as it is one of the lightest metals on the planet. If you need a mix of strength and lightness then you should look to get aluminum from your metal supplier, like this aluminum round bar.
Weight
When it comes to stainless steel vs aluminum for weight, aluminum comes out ahead each and every time. There is a reason why aluminum is the metal of choice for creating jets and other aircraft. It is also a great metal for making skyscrapers as more and more of these massive buildings use aluminum.
Cost
It might surprise you, but aluminum is much cheaper to purchase than stainless steel. With that being said, both of these great metals are affordable when you want to purchase them from your metal supplier. Both are also quite eco-friendly and recyclable.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum and stainless steel are both resistant to corrosion but stainless steel comes out ahead here. It has chromium in it, which makes it stand up to corrosion and rust much more effectively than aluminum. You can scrub the rust off of the chromium and it will repair itself over time.
Aluminum doesn’t rust, but it will corrode in the right conditions. Aluminum has a thin shield of aluminum oxide that will protect from some forms of corrosion but not all. Stainless steel is better if you’re worried about issues with rust.
Conductivity
Stainless steel is different from many metals in the sense that it is a horrible conductor. You’ll get a great deal of thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity with aluminum. There is a reason why aluminum is prevalent in the automotive industry and air conditioning units that use electric power.
Now You Know the Difference Between Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
Knowing the differences between aluminum vs. stainless steel is important when you’re looking at your options with your metal supplier. Stainless steel is stronger and is more resistant to corrosion, but it also weighs a lot more. Aluminum is lighter and still strong but it is susceptible to issues with corrosion in the right conditions.
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