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Aluminium vs Steel: What is the Difference

Aluminium vs Steel

Aluminum and steel are two of the most commonly used metals in manufacturing. There are numerous items made of these metals, ranging from airplane fuselage panels and automotive frames to nuts, bolts, and washers. While they have some visual similarities, aluminum and steel are two very different metals with their own distinct properties.

What Is Aluminium?

Aluminum (Al) is a silvery-grey metal that is soft. It has a gleaming appearance. Aluminum is light in comparison to other metals. It is malleable, which means that it can be deformed under pressure. Aluminum’s properties have led to its use in aircraft manufacturing. Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion because it can oxidize into aluminum oxide and form a protective layer on its surface. It is also a good conductor of heat and electricity. Aluminum has a high degree of flexibility, which means it can be easily molten and drawn into wire-like structures. Even when very thin, aluminum foils are impermeable.

What Is Steel?

Steel is an iron alloy with added carbon to increase its strength and fracture resistance when compared to other forms of iron. Steel is an iron alloy with a carbon content ranging from 0.03% to 1.075% and other elements. It has a high tensile strength at a low cost, making it a popular material for building, infrastructure, tools, ships, automobiles, machines, appliances, and weapons. It is one of the most well-known materials in the world, with an annual production of more than 1.3 billion tonnes.

Aluminium vs Steel

Strength:

Despite its susceptibility to corrosion, steel is harder than aluminum. While aluminum gains strength in colder temperatures, it is more prone to dents and scratches than steel.

Steel is less prone to warping or bending due to weight, force, or heat. Because of its resistance, it is one of the most durable industrial materials.

Corrosion:

Iron, chromium, nickel, manganese, and copper combine to form steel. To provide corrosion resistance, chromium is added as an agent. It is also more corrosion-resistant because it is non-porous. Because of its passivation layer, aluminum has a high oxidation and corrosion resistance. When aluminum oxidizes, the surface turns white and sometimes pits. Aluminum may corrode rapidly in some extremely acidic or base environments, with disastrous results.

Malleability:

While steel is extremely tough and resilient, aluminum is much more malleable and elastic. Aluminum’s malleability and smooth fabrication allow it to form deep, intricate, and precise spinning, allowing handlers a great deal of design freedom. Steel is more rigid, and if pushed too far during the spinning process, it will crack or rip.

Density:

Aluminium is a light, soft metal with a low density. Steel is a dense metal alloy with high hardness.

Electrical Conductivity:

Unlike most metals, stainless steel is a terrible conductor. Aluminum is an excellent electrical conductor. Aluminum is commonly used for high-voltage overhead power lines due to its high conductance, light weight, and corrosion resistance.

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