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Stainless Steel and Aluminum Compared and Contrasted
Posted By:
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Both aluminum and stainless steel are versatile and useful materials. The applications of stainless steel and aluminum are bountiful due to their sought-after properties.
Knowing how they compare to each other, and when one should be used over the other, can come in quite handy.
Facts About Aluminum
Aluminum is a natural element found in nature in form of an ore known as bauxite. Bauxite has to undergo an expensive procedure to extract aluminum which is then further treated to be used in industries.
Properties of Aluminum
Aluminum is non-magnetic, meaning it is not attracted or repelled by magnets. It is ductile like most metals. Ductility is the ability to be pulled to form wires. It is also malleable, i.e. can be beaten into sheets. The most significant property of aluminum is its low density.
Facts About Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy, and unlike aluminum does not exist naturally even in the form of an ore. Stainless steel has to be made combining iron, carbon and chromium, other chemicals and minerals may also be added. Different grades of stainless steel can be made using different ratios of the above mentioned elements.
Properties of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a poor conductor of electricity. It may or may not be magnetic depending on its different types. Stainless steel is also malleable and ductile like aluminum. Even though it is malleable and ductile, but compared to aluminum, it is less flexible.
Advantages of Aluminum:
- Due to its low density aluminum is exceptionally light.
- Aluminum can also be easily shaped and deformed, making it an ideal candidate in several industries.
- Aluminum comparatively is quiet inexpensive.
- Aluminum is a robust and long lasting material.
- Aluminum does not rust easily and is almost corrosion resistant.
Advantages of Stainless Steel:
- It is a strong material making it ideal for industrial structures.
- It is highly corrosion-resistant even more so than aluminum.
- It is even more robust than aluminum and can be extremely long lasting.
As we have seen, both aluminum and stainless steel are useful resources. The difference in their properties makes them suit different needs. Aluminum is better suited in aircraft bodies due to its light weight. It is also used in overhead cables due to it being light and is able to conduct electricity. Stainless steel utensils are popular because of the stable and un-reactive nature of the steel. Stainless steel also has several applications in the industries due to its strength and properties of being corrosion-resistant.
If you are interested in getting hold of high quality and high grade stainless steel or aluminum at a reasonable price, you should look for a reliable and trusted supplier like Action Stainless & Alloy.
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