Talking About Industrial Machinery

What Are Some Of The Differences Between Aluminum And Steel?

If you are going to be making something out of metal, or if you are hoping to hire a metalworking company to make something for you out of metal, then you will need to decide the type of metal that will be used for the project. There are a few different types of metals that can be used for different types of projects, but two of the most popular options are steel and aluminum. If you think you might be interested in using one of these types of metals for your project, you could be wondering which one you should choose. Before you can make this decision, you'll need to have a better understanding of the differences between the two. These are some of the primary differences between aluminum and steel.

Aluminum is Lighter

First of all, when working with metal, one thing you might want to think about is the weight of the metal. Lighter metal is easier to carry around and work with, of course. Also, when you have to worry about things like weight limits or fuel efficiency, you might want to look for lighter metal. Aluminum is typically lighter than steel.

Steel is Harder

Of course, you will want to make sure that the item that you make out of metal is durable and long-lasting. If this is something you're worried about, then you're going to want to choose a hard and durable metal. Although aluminum does have a lot of benefits, one downside when compared to steel is the fact that it isn't usually as hard. Aluminum can be more prone to being dented or otherwise damaged, so if you need to choose a metal that can withstand tough conditions, steel might be your best choice.

Aluminum is Easier to Work With

Aluminum is more malleable than steel. Because of this, many people who work with metal prefer to work with it, since it's easier for them to bend, fold, and otherwise do what they need to do. However, there is good metalworking equipment out there that can be used to make items out of steel, too.

Aluminum is Less Prone to Corrosion

Lastly, you might be concerned about corrosion, since you might know that your metal item will be exposed to moisture and the elements and since you might know that some metals can be quite prone to corrosion. Aluminum is not prone to corrosion, however, so it's a good choice in these scenarios.

For more information on aluminum and steel, contact a professional near you.


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