While stainless steel and aluminum casting both offer excellent benefits for specific applications, each has its own characteristics and advantages. Consider the following:
- Weight vs. Strength – aluminum is not as strong as stainless steel, however, it is approximately one third the weight, which makes it a good option when the weight-strength ratio is a consideration.
- Workability – stainless steel is less malleable than aluminum and not as easy to work with, which can be important.
- Electric Conductivity – stainless steel is a poor conductor, while aluminum is a very good one, making it more desirable for some applications.
- Welding – aluminum is harder to weld than stainless steel.
- Heat Resistance – aluminum softens at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is far lower than stainless steel.
Cost – stainless steel is typically more costly than aluminum.