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Stainless Steel vs Aluminium
Are you needing stainless steel or aluminium for your upcoming projects? These two metals could not be more different in most ways; they each have unique qualities that make them suitable for a diverse range of uses. Euro Steel goes through the basic qualities of each to help you decide which one will be most suitable for your upcoming project.
The Relative Benefits of Stainless Steel and Aluminium
Aluminium is an elemental metal, while stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel as well as other elements such as carbon, molybdenum to name a few. Both of these products are sought after for a variety of industrial and domestic uses – but for different reasons. Here is an overview on what you need to know about the two metals.
1. Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium oxidises in much the same way as the iron in carbon steel, but aluminium oxide actually shields the metal from decay – the opposite of what iron oxide does to steel. As a result, aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. Similarly, Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance due to its protective passive layer of chromium oxide, which is formed through a reaction between oxygen in the environment and chromium in the stainless steel. Stainless needs to have a minimum of 10.5% chromium for this passive layer to form.
2. Malleability
Stainless Steel is durable and resilient, while aluminium is softer and more flexible. The higher malleability of aluminium allows it to form more intricate spinnings than stainless steel typically can.
3. Strength
Stainless Steel is harder than aluminium and thus withstands dents and scratches and other impact marks much more effectively. Stainless Steel is less likely to warp or bend as a result of weight, blunt force or heat. If your project requires less durability and protection, aluminium will be just fine.
4. Weight
Aluminium is about a third of the weight of stainless steel. Aluminium is thus much easier to handle and transport. Interestingly, however, despite aluminium’s lightweight nature, it can provide much the same structural strength and reliability as stainless steel can, if shape and structural rigidity are optimised. The design and spinning of aluminium parts play a big role in providing this strength.
5. Cost
Although the prices of both metals are constantly in flux and should be monitored before purchasing, aluminium is typically cheaper than stainless. As you can see though, the differences between the two show that cost cannot be the deciding factor between these 2 metals as both are necessary dependant on the application.
Get Your Stainless Steel and Aluminium from Euro Steel
Whatever you choose to make with stainless steel or aluminium, Euro Steel can provide the sheet, plate, coil, tubing and finishes you need. We are one of South Africa’s largest distributors of stainless steel and aluminium. Contact us if you need quality, corrosion-resistant metals for any purpose.
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