Why Choose Steel over Aluminium for Fabrication Projects?
Both aluminium and steel have a myriad of uses within the construction industry, but they also have different limitations and strengths and are required to undergo different fabrication processes. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each material before commencing a metal fabrication project, and in this blog post Mascot Still will be sharing some of the differences between the two.
The Fabrication Processes
Aluminium is a lightweight and highly malleable metal in comparison to stainless steel, which makes it ideal for a wide variety of projects – especially those with weight considerations (e.g., aircraft). It lacks the strength of stainless steel, but it is also more affordable and undergoes a straightforward fabrication process. With modern machinery, aluminium can be cut and welded with ease to suit all project needs.
Steel is much stronger than aluminium as it contains a large amount of carbon, which helps to give it strength and hardenability. Steel takes a bit more effort to cut, and thus undergoes a more extensive fabrication process. Welding, brazing, hardening, machining and soft soldering may be used to achieve the desired results, along with hot forging, cold forging, folding, rolling, bending and spinning.
5 Differences and Considerations Between Aluminium and Steel
Heat Conduction Properties
One of the most common uses for aluminium is in computers and technology, along with the automotive industry. It is favoured for its excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for use in the production of heat sinks and cooling systems. Stainless steel would not be suitable for these usage cases, as it has a low thermal conductivity. However stainless steel can withstand a much wider range of temperatures, which is why it is used extensively within the construction industry.
Malleability
If you require an intricate design which incorporates folds, cuts and bends then you will likely want to go for aluminium as it is much more malleable. Steel can still be cut and shaped in many different ways, but it is a lot less malleable. This also means that it will hold its shape for a longer period of time, making it ideal for use in high traffic areas (e.g., for balustrades). You will need to carefully consider your project and longevity expectations before deciding whether to opt for aluminium or steel.
Cost
Prices of aluminium and stainless steel fluctuate based on supply and demand, but aluminium is typically more expensive. Both materials are sold by weight, but projects making use of aluminium generally have a much lower material volume than steel.
Corrosion
As a leading steel supplier and fabricator in Sydney, Mascot Steel provide an extensive range of stainless steel. Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium for protection against corrosion, but you can opt for grade 304 or 316 steel for additional protection. These grades are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Aluminium is also resistant to corrosion due to its passivation layer. You will find steel used for beams and frames in residential and commercial buildings, whilst aluminium is used in applications requiring light weight and flexibility.
Long Term Durability
Aluminium bends, dents, and punctures quite easily. Steel on the other hand is renowned for its exceptional durability, strength, and resiliency. For this reason it is the best choice for use in projects that are expected to perform for a long period of time.
For Quality Steel and Aluminium, Contact Mascot Steel Today
If you require quality steel and aluminium for your next project, look no further than Mascot Steel. We have more than 40+ years’ experience in processing and fabrication and operate out of two branches in Sydney, one in Mascot and one in Penrith. We would be more than happy to assist you and provide a quote, just give us a call on (02) 9313 1313 today.
