Aluminium and steel are both metal manufacturing hallmarks. Both are useful and widely used metals. Both are uncommon in nature, unlike silver and gold. So, who wins the aluminium vs mild steel battle when it comes to your specific requirements?
- Aluminium:
Aluminium goes through several stages before it becomes the gleaming silver metal, we're all familiar with. The primary component of aluminium is bauxite, which is mined primarily in tropical areas. The bauxite is ground into a thick paste known as alumina, which is then melted with molten cryolite and electrically shocked. The ions separate, and the remaining liquid cools and solidifies into the aluminium we know and love. For the workmanship of aluminium plates, aluminium sheet suppliers ensure that the product quality is good and the performance is stable and reliable.
- Steel:
Steel is a chemical compound composed of the elements iron and carbon. Iron is mined, and smelted, impurities are removed, carbon is added, and carbon steel is formed. This is the foundation for other steels, such as stainless and chrome-molybdenum. Top stainless Steel sheet supplier offer multiple types of standard testing techniques, such as flaring tests, third-party inspections, flattening tests, and PMI tests, which are used to assess the durability and quality of sheets. Only after a thorough inspection is the industrial products packed in high-quality packaging material by SS sheets suppliers and delivered to the customer.
Knowing the differences between aluminium and steel properties gets your project off to a good start. Below are some qualities of steel and aluminium that will help you know which of the two would be suitable for your project.
Weight
Steel is harder than aluminium, even with the possibility of corrosion. Most aluminium spinnable tempers and alloys dent, ding, or scratch more easily than steel. Steel is a strong material less likely to warp, deform, or bend when subjected to weight, force, or heat. Nonetheless, the tradeoff for steel's strength is that it is much heavier/denser than aluminium. Steel has a density that is 2.5 times that of aluminium. The part's final application will ultimately determine which material it is spun from, balancing all of the limitations and advantages of each material. Some spinnings are simple to decide, while others are more difficult.
Cost
Steel vs aluminium costs is always a hot topic, especially with our current administration's tariffs on imported goods. The price of steel tubing varies due to the differences in carbon, mild, and stainless steel. Stainless steel alloys contain a certain amount of chromium and other trace minerals, which raises the price. Basic carbon steels and mild steels are significantly less expensive, and aluminium is priced somewhere between carbon and stainless steel. According to SS sheet suppliers, these basic steels are the most affordable. However, as with most things, there are other trade-offs when choosing carbon steel over aluminium alloys. However, even with those sacrifices, carbon or mild steel are perfectly acceptable materials for most components.
Strength & Malleability
Aluminium is a highly desirable metal due to its greater malleability and elasticity than steel. Aluminium can go places and form shapes that steel cannot, resulting in deeper or more intricate spinnings. Aluminium is the material of choice for parts with deep and straight walls, in particular. Steel is a tough and resilient metal, but it cannot be stretched to the exact extreme dimensions as aluminium without cracking or ripping during the spinning process.
Ductility
Steel or aluminium, which is more ductile? This is especially important if your application involves electricity. Carbon steel is not a ductile material. Carbon, while beneficial to metal strength, ultimately makes the material more difficult to manipulate. If your project calls for a malleable metal, you may be able to get away with mild steel.
Final Thoughts
These are some factors to consider when selecting the suitable metal for your project. There may be other factors to consider, but it is recommended not to make your decision solely on price. Contact Stainless Steel sheet suppliers and aluminium sheets suppliers to know which of the two will be apt for your requirements.
