At first glance, aluminum and stainless steel may appear similar: both a silvery gray, softly shiny, and used to make many of the same products. Many food service and kitchenware items, for instance, are made available from a manufacturer in both types of metals. What separates these two, other than price?
1. Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum is a metal with a high degree of thermal conductivity. What that means in real terms is that a water will boil more quickly in a stockpot than one made of stainless steel. However, aluminum also cools more quickly than stainless, so stainless will help keep a pot of soup warm longer.
2. Thermal Properties
Its lower degree of thermal conductivity means stainless steel is much more resilient to use in high temperatures. Aluminum will begin to soften around 400 degrees Fahrenheit; meanwhile, stainless steel can function well at temperatures up to 800 degrees. Some stainless steel grades can withstand temperatures nearly double that for short periods of work, up to 1500 degrees.
3. Strength
Both metals are quite strong and durable, but stainless steel more so than aluminum.
4. Strength to Weight Ratio
Stainless steel is very strong, but at the cost of a heavier weight. While aluminum is not as strong, manufacturing with this metal will result in an item nearly one third the weight of a steel part. This incredible strength to weight ratio makes aluminum very attractive to manufacturers, especially in the aerospace industry.
5. Welding
Most grades of stainless steel are relatively simple to weld, while aluminum’s high thermal conductivity makes it a more difficult task. However, both are among the most popular types of metals used in welding.
6. Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum has the distinct advantage over stainless steel here, with it being an excellent conductor of electricity. Stainless steel does not conduct electricity well in comparison to other metals.
7. Workability
Pure aluminum is a very soft and malleable metal, and even after alloying, it is easy to cut and form. Due to its strength and hardness, stainless steel takes effort to form into shape.
8. Corrosion Resistance
Both metals are known for excellent corrosion resistance. Chromium is one of the principal alloying agents in stainless steel, and boosts the corrosion resistance of the steel alloy. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion on its own, although it is more vulnerable to damage from highly basic or acidic exposure.
9. Cost
In general, a part made of aluminum will be more affordable than the same item made of stainless steel.
10. Reaction to Foods
Consumers have the choice between aluminum and stainless steel cookware, and often make the decision to purchase aluminum based on price. However, aluminum is a more reactive compound than stainless steel. Acidic foods such as tomato sauces can leave aluminum damaged or with unsightly marks, while other foods like eggs can discolor if cooked or stored in aluminum. While both metals produce high-quality items, choosing stainless steel may be worth some additional money for non-reactive cookware.
Category: Aluminum
Aluminum Tread Plate
What is Tread Plate?
Rolled aluminum tread plate is made of an alloy, where elements such as copper or silicon are added to aluminum to increase its strength and corrosion resistance. The two of the most common grades of aluminum alloy include:
Alloy 3003: The most widely used of all aluminum alloys. Manganese gives the alloy up to 20% more strength over pure aluminum, while still allowing for good workability. While not as strong as 6061, aluminum 3003 tread plate’s shiny reflective finish makes it both functional and decorative.
Alloy 6061: 6000-series aluminum is mixed with magnesium and silicon, giving the metal a high degree of strength. This, along with its corrosion resistance and weldability, is why 6061 is often referred to as structural aluminum. Aluminum 6006 tread plate comes in a mill finish, which means its surface is untreated with little to no shine.
Uses of Aluminum Tread Plate
Tread plate, Diamond plate, Checker plate. No matter what the name, it all refers to the same product: metal sheet or plate with a regular pattern of raised diamond marks. When looking to keep workers safe on the job, aluminum tread plate is a durable, high-quality option to help reduce slips and falls. So why choose aluminum tread plate over other materials? It has numerous benefits including:
- Slip resistance: The raised pattern provides traction even under tough weather conditions that can find surfaces covered in water or mud. For this reason, tread plate is typically used on stairs, ramps, loading docks and other industrial areas.
- Corrosion resistance: Unlike iron oxidization, aluminum oxidization stops at the surface. Iron rust can be easily worn or flaked off, exposing fresh metal which rusts and leads to further deterioration. Aluminum oxidation, on the other hand, will not progress beyond the outside layer unless the oxide is removed. This makes well-suited to wear and tear, including exposure to corrosive elements like seawater.
- Hygiene: Tread plate is easy to wash down, and the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy means it can hold up to regular use of strong cleaning agents. This makes it ideal for areas needing regular heavy-duty sanitation, such as food processing plants, kitchens and walk-in freezers, and ambulances.
- Protection: The design of tread plate gives impact and surface protection, coupled with the strength of solid metal. When used for corner guards and door plates, aluminum tread plate will help prevent unsightly marks or damage in high-traffic areas.
- Decorative: Aluminum tread plate is often used for its decorative quality. Vehicle trim, shop walls, and furniture can be made of tread plate, most often in a bright polished finish. The high shine combines both form and function, with the shiny surface also helping with ease of cleaning.
FastMetals is your one stop spot to get tread plate. Starting at .063 thickeness up to .375, FastMetals.com has you covered. In size selection as small as 1 foot by 1 foot, all the way to 4 feet by 8 feet. Need something really specific? No problem – just submit a fast quote for a custom cut.