Senasys Machine produces a variety of machined parts made from different stainless steel and aluminum grades, among others.
Widely used for their versatility and corrosion resistance, aluminum and stainless steel are two of the most popular metals used for manufacturing. To know when it is better to use aluminum vs stainless steel, we must compare factors like their compositions, mechanical properties, and cost.
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel comes in a variety of grades. The grades are classified by a series number and assigned a numerical grade. The numbers classify the grades of steel based on their composition, physical properties, and applications. The most popular grades are 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel.
Stainless steel has a high tensile strength, heat resistance, durability and a low maintenance option, but it may not be as cost effective as aluminum.
Whereas stainless steel is commonly found among food and medical equipment, large architecture infrastructures such as bridges, and automotive industry due to better corrosion and heat resistance.
Aluminum
Due to its low tensile strength, aluminum is commonly alloyed with other metals to give it a number of different superior properties. Some of the most common aluminum alloys are 3003 aluminum and 3004 aluminum. Aluminum is also an easier material to use when creating customized components as it’s much easier to form, cut, press, bend or otherwise shape compared to stainless.
Aluminum is typically found in the transportation, electrical, household appliances and architecture industry due to being more light weight, corrosion resistant, conductivity, and a more cost-effective solution.
Anodizing aluminum can also increase corrosion resistance at an increased cost and often requires more delicate or specialized maintenance to sustain the anodized layer.
You should never anodize stainless steel as the process can degrade the surface of your stainless causing more harm than good!
Both aluminum and stainless can be welded, although due to aluminum’s reduced heat tolerance, it is more difficult. The oxidation layer of aluminum has a higher melting point compared to stainless, causing welds to impurities. Stainless is a much easier material to work with when it comes to welding with it’s improved thermal tolerances and less sensitivity.
Our skilled team of machinists can assist you with choosing the best metal for your application. Contact us today with your machined part needs!