Aluminium profiles VS Stainless steels
Aluminium profiles and stainless steel are two of the most common building materials. What are its differences? In which building solutions should we use them?
Let’s look for their differences today:
1. Material and composition
– Aluminium profiles:
A metallic material made from aluminium as the main alloying element, by adding other alloying elements such as copper, magnesium and zinc. Aluminium has a low density of about 2.7g/cm³, which is about one-third that of stainless steel.
– Stainless steel:
It is an alloy steel with corrosion resistance. It is mainly composed of iron, chromium, nickel and other elements. The density of steel is higher, about 7.8-8.0g/cm³.
2. Performance characteristics
– Aluminium profile advantages:
Lightweight and high strength, good thermal conductivity, better corrosion resistance (especially in dry environments), good processing performance, low cost.
Aluminium has a high thermal conductivity, about three times that of stainless steel, and is suitable for the manufacture of heat sinks and other heat dissipation equipment.
The cost of aluminium profiles is relatively low. Compared with stainless steel it will be about 30% lower in price.
– Stainless steel advantages:
The yield strength of stainless steel is twice as large as that of aluminium alloy, the tensile strength is 2.5 times larger, the melting point is twice as large, and the hardness is 3~4 times higher.
Disadvantages: High density, poor electrical and thermal conductivity, high cost.
The price of it is usually more than aluminium alloy, the average price of stainless steel plate, bar and tube is about 16 USD/kg.
3. Their applications
Aluminium profiles:
It is commonly used in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, building doors and windows, and electronic product housings. It is widely used because of its light weight and high strength, good processing performance and low cost.
Stainless steel:
It is suitable for kitchenware, tableware, medical equipment and building decoration and other fields. It is favoured for its corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, aesthetics and other characteristics.
4. Maintenance and care
Aluminium profile:
Its surface is easy to produce an oxide layer and has a certain degree of corrosion resistance. However, corrosion may be accelerated in some extreme environments. Maintenance should pay attention to avoid scratches and collisions, and clean the surface regularly.
Stainless steel:
It has good corrosion resistance and anti-bacterial regeneration ability, easy maintenance. But need to pay attention to avoid contact with strong acid, strong alkali and other corrosive substances.
Summary
Aluminium profiles and stainless steel have their own advantages and disadvantages and applicable scenes. When choosing, it is necessary to make comprehensive consideration according to the specific needs and the use of the environment.
If you need lightweight and high strength, good thermal conductivity, low cost products, you can choose aluminium profiles. If you need strong and high temperature resistant products, you can choose stainless steel.
Hugh Aluminum is a manufacturer of Aluminium profiles. We design and manufacture all types of aluminium profiles.
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