In manufacturing, a variety of materials are employed. Each one comes with advantages and disadvantages. It can be difficult to decide which is ideal when selecting the right material for your purposes. Two most frequently used metals for metal spinning and metal stamping are aluminum and stainless steel.
The characteristics exhibited by both the metals make them appropriate or inappropriate for different purposes. It is crucial to consider the following factors when choosing a material for your spun part: cost, spinning shape, and—most importantly—the intended use.
The major differences between steel and aluminum
The major differences between steel and aluminum are provided below.
Cost difference between steel and aluminum
Whenever creating any product, cost and price are always crucial considerations. While the cost of iron and bauxite ore, fuel prices, and worldwide supply and demand all influence the cost of steel and aluminum, per-pound steel are typically less expensive than aluminum. The price of finished spinning is directly impacted by the cost of raw ingredients. There are certain exceptions, but in most cases, if two spinning (one in aluminum and the other in steel) are equivalent, the cost of aluminum will be on a higher side. It is majorly due to the rise in the increase of the cost of the raw materials.
Corrosion resistance difference between steel and aluminum
The best quality of aluminum, even though malleability is crucial for manufacturing, is its inherent ability to resist corrosion once spun. Aluminum does not rust. Moreover, no such paint is applied on aluminum that has the characteristic of being flaked off or get damaged. Contrarily, steel needs to be protected by applying paint on it or being spun. Special care is to be taken if the steel is to be used in moist, damp, or abrasive environment. However, no such requirement is needed with aluminum.
Difference in strength of steel and aluminum
Given that it is more elastic and pliable than steel, aluminum is a particularly attractive metal. Aluminum can bend and form in ways unlike steel, frequently producing complex spinning. Preference is given to aluminum, especially for sections that come with straight walls. Besides, the durability and toughness of steel is also high. However, its stretching ability is less than that of aluminum.
Difference in weight of steel and aluminum
Steel is harder than aluminum, even if rust is a possibility. Aluminum comes with the property of being readily scratched or dented. Contrarily, less distortion, waring and bending are observed with steel in the presence of high pressure, heat, and weight. Besides, one main benefit of steel is its superiority in terms of weight and density over aluminum. Typically, steel is 2 and a half times the density of aluminum.
Difference in melting points of steel and aluminum
Many different metals can be utilized in industrial settings, and each has benefits and drawbacks of its own. Although both metals are strong and resilient, they are better suited for distinct activities due to their unique characteristics. Aluminum, for instance, has a melting point higher than steel, making it perfect for items that need to withstand elevated temperatures. For products exposed to harsh chemicals or conditions, steel is a better option than aluminum since it resists corrosion better. The ideal metal for a given application depends on the unique requirements of the finished product.
The difference in strength-to-weight ratio of steel and aluminum
The remarkable strength-to-weight ratios of 7075 aluminum alloys are well known. Sadly, this same characteristic makes them more prone to rust. The alloy is commonly utilized in aircraft and maritime applications, where it is subjected to corrosive substances like salt water. The thin anodized aluminum layers can also be easily destroyed, exposing the metal below to oxidation. As a result, it is important to frequently check for corrosion and damage in 7075 aluminums. Even in the most demanding situations, though, with the right care, a product can last for years.
Why 7075?
Aluminum 7075 is a substance that was initially created for use in the manufacture of airplanes. There are 7075 aluminum sheets, 7075 aluminum tubes, 7075 aluminum components and 7075 aluminum extrusions in aircraft manufacturing. It is an aluminum alloy that is renowned for being sturdy and light. There are claims that it is more powerful than steel. But how is that even conceivable? The makeup of 7075 aluminum holds the key to the solution. It is stronger than other varieties of aluminum because it has a larger amount of zinc.
Furthermore, zinc’s inclusion enables a higher level of hardness, increasing its resistance to wear and strain. This makes it perfect for applications that need durability, like building aircraft. Even though it has greater strength than steel, 7075 aluminum is still lighter than steel, making it easier to work with and less prone to add unneeded mass to a construction. It is therefore a great option for a wide range of jobs.
Aluminum alloys 6061 and 7075 can both be heat treated. It is interesting to notice that 7075 aluminum melts at a lower temperature than 6061 aluminums, although being significantly stronger. For some applications, 6061 aluminums may be preferable to 7075 aluminums because of its higher thermal conductivity. To produce airplane parts like wings and fuselages, 7075 is frequently employed. In other industries, its strength and small weight are also advantageous. 7075 aluminum alloy is frequently used in the manufacture of bicycle parts and rock-climbing equipment.
Wrap Up
It is one of the strongest aluminum alloys now on the market and is frequently utilized in situations where strength is essential. Nevertheless, it lacks steel’s strength. Its ultimate tensile strength is only around half that of typical steel, although having a higher strength, unlike many plates of steel.
Since significant forces are needed in structural applications, this is not frequently employed. In addition, steel is significantly more expensive than 7075 aluminums. In general, this is a strong alloy that has a wide range of uses, but it is not as robust or as versatile as steel. Steel continues to be the preferred material for many structural applications.