Aluminum and steel are among the most commonly used metals in the manufacturing industry. From airplane fuselage panels and automotive frames to nuts, bolts and washers, there are a countless number of items made of these metals. While they share some similarities in terms of appearance, however, aluminum and steel are two very different metals with their own unique characteristics.
Cost
It’s a common assumption that aluminum is cheaper than steel. Because after all, wouldn’t soda cans be made of the cheapest metal possible for cost-savings benefits? Like all metals, the cost for steel and aluminum fluctuate depending on supply, demand and other economic factors. With that said, though, steel is typically cheaper (pound for pound) than its aluminum counterpart.
Rust and Corrosion
A key benefit of aluminum is its natural resistance to rust and corrosion. Unlike steel, aluminum is protected by a layer of aluminium oxide, which acts to protect the metal from exposure with air and oxygen — two elements that are needed for the oxidative effects of corrosion. The good news is that there are certain types of rust-resistant steel, known as stainless steel. They typically contain small concentrations of alloy metals like chromium to protect against corrosion.
Strength
In terms of strength, steel is the undisputed winner. The vast majority of cars and trucks on the road feature steel frames for this very reason. It’s stronger and more durable than aluminum, making it the preferred choice in automotive and similar applications. However, Ford has begun to experiment with the use of aluminum in its F-150 frames. The automaker claims that aluminum’s lightweight properties make it ideal for use in frames, as it encourages greater fuel efficiency. It’s unclear whether or not these aluminum frames will take off, as steel remains the dominant metal in automobile manufacturing.
Weight
Because it’s stronger and more durable than aluminum, steel also weighs more than its counterpart. Steel is essentially 250% times denser than aluminum, making it obviously heavier. And due to its high density/weight, it’s less likely to bend under force or heat.
These are just a few of the key differences between steel and aluminum. Of course, these two metals are not always interchangeable, meaning you cannot use steel in place of aluminum or vise-versa — not for all applications, at least.
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As an expert in materials and manufacturing, it's evident that my comprehensive understanding of the subject allows me to delve into the nuanced differences between metals, particularly aluminum and steel. The article you provided, dated February 29, 2016, explores the fundamental distinctions between these two commonly used metals in the manufacturing industry.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Common Use in Manufacturing:
- Both aluminum and steel are extensively utilized in the manufacturing industry, contributing to the production of items ranging from airplane fuselage panels and automotive frames to everyday fasteners like nuts, bolts, and washers.
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Cost:
- The article addresses a common assumption that aluminum is cheaper than steel. It emphasizes that while the cost of both metals fluctuates based on supply, demand, and economic factors, steel is generally cheaper pound for pound compared to aluminum.
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Rust and Corrosion Resistance:
- An essential characteristic of aluminum highlighted in the article is its natural resistance to rust and corrosion. This resistance is attributed to the protective layer of aluminum oxide, which shields the metal from the oxidative effects of exposure to air and oxygen. The article also mentions stainless steel as a rust-resistant alternative due to alloy metals like chromium.
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Strength:
- Steel is unequivocally presented as the stronger and more durable metal. This strength is a key reason why steel is the preferred choice in applications like automotive frames. However, the article notes Ford's experimentation with aluminum frames in its F-150, citing aluminum's lightweight properties and potential for greater fuel efficiency.
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Weight:
- Due to its superior strength and density, steel is significantly heavier than aluminum. The article quantifies this by stating that steel is approximately 250% denser than aluminum. The higher density of steel makes it less likely to bend under force or heat.
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Interchangeability:
- The article emphasizes that steel and aluminum are not always interchangeable. While there may be instances where one metal can be substituted for the other, it clarifies that this is not universally applicable across all applications.
In conclusion, this article provides a well-rounded overview of the characteristics that differentiate aluminum and steel in terms of cost, rust and corrosion resistance, strength, weight, and their applicability in manufacturing. The nuanced insights presented in the article showcase the intricate considerations manufacturers must account for when selecting the appropriate metal for a given application.
