While it might seem as if stainless steel and aluminum bar are quite similar, that is not entirely the case. The two materials can look nearly the same, but there many of their features are different. If you are deciding whether to use aluminum or stainless steel for a project, the following are a few of the things you should know to make the best possible decision.
Corrosion Potential
Stainless steel is a combination of nickel, iron, manganese, copper, and chromium. The reason for the addition of chromium is because it is exceptionally resistant to corrosion. It is also a non-porous material which increases the resistance even more. Aluminum instead resists corrosion due to its passivation layer.
Strength to Weight
While aluminum bar is often not as strong as stainless steel, it does have a much lower weight. This is one of the reasons that aluminum is predominant in industries like aircraft manufacturing, where weight is the defining factor toward quality.
Thermal Conductivity
It may not be surprising that aluminum has better thermal conductivity than steel. This is one of the reasons that aluminum is a typical product used in the manufacturing of air conditioning units and car radiators, where conduction of heat is a positive. As for stainless steel, it can be used at higher temperatures than aluminum, so they differ in that respect.
Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum bars are also known for being excellent conductors for electricity, while the opposite is true for stainless steel. Because of the high conductance, corrosion resistance, and lightweight nature of aluminum, it’s a common material used in overhead power lines.
Workability & Welding
Stainless steel is known for being one of the easiest substances to weld, but aluminum is not. Aluminum can be quite challenging to weld. As far as workability goes, aluminum is softer, which makes it easier to form and cut. Stainless steel is hard to work with in these ways, especially compared to aluminum.
Cost
While there isn’t a huge discrepancy between the cost of stainless steel and aluminum, you will find that aluminum is often at least slightly less expensive. This can be an important factor depending on your budget and project needs.
Understanding the unique properties of stainless steel and aluminum will make it easier to decide which is best for your needs. Make sure to consider all of the features of each before you go in either direction. What might be perfect for someone else may be the completely wrong option for you.
