What are the pros and cons of aluminum versus stainless steel?
aadaasdark8072 > 08-10-2018, 06:56 AM
Both of these metals have qualities that make them particularly desirable, but they each have their drawbacks as well.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages associated with aluminum and stainless steel.
The Weight of the Material
One of the major advantages that aluminum has over stainless steel is the fact that it is very light in weight, while steel can be quite heavy. This difference in weight is due to the fact that aluminum is less dense than stainless steel. In fact, aluminum is typically about one-third of the weight of stainless steel; this means that manufacturers prefer to use aluminum for certain items such as window frames and automobile trim, so as not to add unnecessary weight to the component.
The Difference in Strength
There is no doubt that aluminum is a durable material; however, it is not as strong as stainless steel. And while this may not be a concern in every application, those that depend on a particular level of strength should opt for stainless steel.
The reason that stainless steel is stronger than aluminum is due to its higher overall density. There are many applications, such as commercial counter tops and kitchen sinks, that must hold considerable weight, and therefore they are usually made from stainless steel rather than aluminum.
Corrosion Concerns
Both aluminum and stainless steel are noted for their anti-corrosive properties, especially when compared to other metals, but even still, stainless steel is much less susceptible to corrosion than aluminum. Erosion and corrosion are something that must be taken into consideration when using the metal outside where it will be subjected to the elements.
As the name suggests, stainless steel is specially made to prevent staining and corrosion (rust), while aluminum will tend to become clouded if it is exposed to moisture or chemicals for extended periods.
Cooking Applications
One of the foremost advantages that stainless steel has over aluminum is its ability to be used in food preparation. Stainless steel will not influence the taste or texture of food, and this is due to its neutral chemical composition.
On the other hand, aluminum can affect the way food will taste if that product comes in contact with the metal surface for an extended period. Not only this, but aluminum can change the appearance of food, and this does not bode well for restaurants and chefs.
Final Statement
As it has been shown, there are many advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using aluminum and stainless steel. For the most part, aluminum will provide a lighter weight material, which can be a considerable advantage in certain applications, such as automobile trim and engine components. And while aluminum also has anti-corrosive properties, it is still more susceptible to clouding and pitting than stainless steel.
The primary advantage that stainless steel has over aluminum is its strength. While aluminum may be less dense and lighter, steel is much stronger. Stainless steel is also better suited for cooking applications, such as counter tops and food storage containers.
In the end, both stainless steel and aluminum are versatile materials, and their pros and cons will depend on the application in which they are being used.