You should never anodize stainless steel as the process can degrade the surface of your stainless causing more harm than good! There are marine-grade aluminum alloys that provide better corrosion resistance against chlorides if lightweight maritime options are needed, but in most cases, stainless will be the dependable choice for long-lasting performance in a broader variety of applications.Īnodizing aluminum can also increase corrosion resistance at an increased cost and often requires more delicate or specialized maintenance to sustain the anodized layer. However, when dealing with more aggressive corrosion risks, such as using highly acidic or basic substances or in marine environments, stainless steel typically offers stronger corrosion resistance.Įxposing aluminum to highly acidic or basic conditions can lead to rapid corrosion and catastrophic failure in most cases. Much like the chromium oxide layer on stainless steel, aluminum can form a passive aluminum oxide layer to help reduce corrosion risks.Īlso, since aluminum contains no iron, it cannot rust. Is Aluminum as Corrosion Resistant as Stainless Steel?īoth stainless steel and aluminum offer excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to water or other mostly neutral fluids. These contain higher amounts of nickel, making them more formable for larger objects like sinks, basins, and tanks. If you want a malleable stainless steel option, consider austenitic grades. This is one area here aluminum’s reduced tensile strength becomes a benefit, making aluminum much easier to form, cut, press, bend, or otherwise shape than stainless steel. If you need to create customized shapes or components, the ability to form, shape, and otherwise manipulate your materials is a critical factor to consider. How Malleable are Stainless Steel and Aluminum? In most cases, a component made with aluminum will weigh roughly one-third of the weight of an identical component made with stainless steel.Īgain, the exact figures will vary based on the specific alloys in question and can be influenced by design choices.īut in all cases, aluminum is measurably lighter than stainless steel. This is one of the critical areas where aluminum offers a distinct advantage. Is Stainless Steel Heavier than Aluminum? However, based purely on potential, stainless steel will always win when high strength is a priority. Through treatment, both alloys can see further increases. The tensile strength of stainless steel alloys typically starts around 515 megapascals (MPa) and can reach as high as 1300 megapascals (MPa) in some cases.Īluminum tensile strengths start around 100 megapascals (MPa) and peak around 400 megapascals (MPa). Exact figures will vary by the alloy in use. Tensile strength is the resistance of a material to breaking under tension. Stainless steel will always provide greater strength than aluminum when compared to similar shapes, thicknesses, or designs.Īn effective way to compare this is by looking at the tensile strength of each material. Which is Stronger? Stainless Steel or Aluminum? In this comparison guide, we’ll look at the range of characteristics aluminum and stainless steel share-as well as how they differ-to help you determine the best material for your project, process, or need. They’re available in a variety of finishes, offer some level of corrosion resistance, and can be found virtually everywhere you look.įrom the car in your garage or kitchen in your home to the industries and worksites throughout your city, there’s a good chance one or both metals are hard at work near you. At a glance, aluminum and stainless steel seem very similar.
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