Aluminium and steel are some of the most commonly used metals in the world. Titans of the construction, automotive, and aircraft industries, they are used for a virtually unlimited range of purposes. This can largely be attributed to their versatility and durability.
Aluminium is produced by refining bauxite ore to obtain aluminium oxide, and then smelting the aluminium oxide to release pure aluminium. Steel is produced by mixing iron and carbon within a furnace. Each comes in a variety of grades and forms.
Although the two share visual similarities, there are a number of key differences marking aluminium and steel as distinct. Knowing the differences is important for making sure you're choosing the right material for your project.
Clickmetal are specialists in aluminium and steel, with over 70 years' experience within the metals industry. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the difference between aluminium and steel, from their strength-to-weight ratios to their many possible applications.
When it comes to raw strength, steel comes out on top. Its high carbon content makes it stronger and more resilient than aluminium - it’s why it’s such a common component in the automotive industry.
Although aluminium is weaker, it’s also much lighter. The strength-to-weight ratios are 1/8 for aluminium and 1/16 for stainless steel, meaning that an aluminium structure that can support the same load as a steel structure will be bigger but weigh half as much.
Steel can resist high temperatures better than aluminium. Stainless steel has a melting point of around 1,400°C, while aluminium's melting point is around 660°C.
On the flipside, aluminium has the advantage over steel when it comes to the cold - as the temperature decreases, aluminium’s tensile strength increases, while steel turns brittle.
Aluminium is much more flexible than steel, meaning it can be easily bent into various shapes. Steel is more rigid and will break if pushed too far. Aluminium is also very ductile and can be stretched without cracking.
Aluminium has a natural advantage when it comes to resisting corrosion. A layer of aluminium oxide protects it from exposure to air and oxygen, which are both necessary for oxidation. This means aluminium will not rust or corrode over time.
Steel has no such protection; however, some types of steel contain small amounts of alloy metals like chromium to protect against corrosion. These are known as stainless steel. Other types are galvanised in zinc for added protection.
Aluminium is a popular choice for electronic equipment thanks to its high conductivity. It’s why aluminium is typically used to make high voltage long distance power lines. In contrast, steel is a poor conductor.
Given how ubiquitous aluminium and steel are in the manufacturing world, listing all their possible uses would be near impossible. That said, here are a few of the most common.
Aluminium and steel each have their own advantages, and neither is necessarily better than the other. The metal you should choose depends on what you intend to use it for.
Steel is heavier and stronger than aluminium, making it better for heavy duty purposes, while aluminium is more elastic, making it better for shaping. Aluminium’s conductivity also makes it preferable for electronics.
Of course, this is far from set in stone (or if you prefer, metal). If you’re not sure which would be best for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us - we’re happy to discuss your requirements and offer our professional recommendation.
The price of aluminium and steel changes all the time, driven by the global market. In general, however, steel tends to be cheaper than aluminium.
Clickmetal are the UK’s premier suppliers of aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel, and galvanised steel. We cut our metals to the length you require, eliminating waste and extra labour, and have a huge range of standard and bespoke products for you to browse.
We deliver to all corners of the UK, dealing directly with both businesses and individuals. Whether you need metal for a major construction job or a small DIY project, you can trust us to provide.
Got questions about our products and services? Get in touch online or give us a call on 01794 526090 today!
Aluminium sheets, also known as aluminium plates, are the result of basic raw-form aluminium being pressed and rolled into panel form under high pressure
Aluminium sheeting is characteristically manufactured to be very thin and lightweight, yet sturdy enough to offer extreme versatility alongside inherent ease of installation and maintenance. It also boasts numerous other unique and useful properties that make it very widely deployed today across an enormous variety of industrial, agricultural, home DIY and manufacturing/production applications.
A range of additional coatings applied to aluminium sheets can help create a long-lasting material for use in outdoor settings or other challenging environments, such as for exterior cladding. The extremely lightweight nature of very thin sheet aluminium makes it ideal for use in drinks cans, food containers and other everyday products suitable for high-volume storage, transport and retail.
Surface dimensions and thickness are the primary factors to consider when looking at options to buy aluminium sheeting in the UK. While overall surface area is the first key aspect you’ll want to consider in planning a job using this sort of sheet metal, the various material finishes available will also play a significant part in helping you select the ideal sort of aluminium sheet for your needs and intended applications.
Anodised aluminium sheeting, for example, can provide both robust protection against corrosion and a more aesthetically pleasing outer face, while raw or unfinished sheets can be coated or protected in a variety of other ways once initial forming and fabrication is complete. Suitable for use with rivet and plate fixings as well as for welding purposes, aluminium plate is viewed as an especially user-friendly sheet metal, featuring high formability and being easy to cut to size for a diverse range of applications.
It’s commonly cut to 1mm-2mm thick, and at this weight it can be formed easily by hand or with smaller handheld tools. Thicker plates may require either manually operated forming machines, or more industrial-type pneumatic presses or brakes to work into the desired shape.
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