Stainless Steel or Aluminum: Which Is Right for Your Fabrication Project?

Stainless steel and aluminum are two of the most commonly used materials in metal fabrication projects. Both materials are synthetic alloys, meaning they are manmade combinations of naturally occurring metals, but that’s almost where the similarities stop.

If you’re planning a metal fabrication project and you’re unsure whether to use stainless steel or aluminum, read on to learn the differences between the two so that you can better understand what projects they are best suited for.  

Weight and Strength

One of the more pronounced differences between stainless steel and aluminum is their weight. Aluminum is less dense than stainless steel, making it much lighter, which is why it is often used in boat and aircraft components. However, stainless steel’s greater density means it’s far stronger and more durable, which is why it is often used in large buildings and bridges.

Corrosion

Both stainless steel and aluminum have a high resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Because of its passivation layer, aluminum is naturally corrosion and oxidation resistant without any need for treatment, while stainless steel must have the inorganic compound chromium included in it in order to become corrosion and oxidation resistant. While both are considered non-corrosion materials, stainless steel has the greater resistance to corrosion and oxidation between the two.

Electrical Conductivity

Along with copper, aluminum is the most commonly used metal in electrical wiring because of its ability to conduct electricity. Because of this and because it is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum is often used in the construction of high voltage overhead power lines. Conversely, stainless steel is considered a poor conductor of electricity. For this reason, aluminum is the obvious choice when it comes to projects involving electrical components.

Thermal Conductivity

Aluminum is also a good conductor of heat, which is why it is often used in thermal management components for computers. However, aluminum becomes soft at around 400 degrees, making it difficult to work with at high temperatures. Stainless steel, on the other hand, does not share the same thermal conductivity properties, making it better for projects in which you’d like to avoid heat transmission.

Malleability

Aluminum is a lightweight material that is easy to cut, bend, and form, which is why you’ll often see it used in cookware, tools, and other household items. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which makes cutting, bending, and forming it a far more difficult task. This is why you’ll see it used in heavy equipment, large buildings, and bridges.

Cost

High global demand and higher production costs for steel make its price generally higher than aluminum. Aluminum, on the other hand, is relatively easy and cheap to make, making it the more affordable material of the two.

Contact Amtex Precision Fabrication About Your Metal Fabrication Project

If you still can’t decide between stainless steel and aluminum for your next fabrication project, contact us today, and we’ll be glad to answer any of your questions.