Stainless Steel and Aluminum Castings

Aug 11, 2020

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.