Aluminium vs. Steel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has a lower strength-to-weight ratio, whereas steel is heavier, stronger, and more prone to rust but offers greater durability and strength.
Difference Between Aluminium and Steel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Aluminum is a lightweight metal known for its corrosion resistance and good conductivity. It's often used in industries where weight is a critical factor, such as aerospace and transportation. Steel, on the other hand, is heavier and much stronger, making it ideal for construction and infrastructure where durability is paramount.
In terms of strength, steel outperforms aluminum with a higher tensile strength, meaning it can withstand more stress before breaking. Aluminum, while not as strong, compensates with its lightness and flexibility, making it easier to work with in applications requiring less structural load.
Corrosion resistance is a significant advantage of aluminum. It naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents rust. Steel, unless treated or alloyed (e.g., stainless steel), is susceptible to rust and corrosion, which can compromise its integrity over time.
When it comes to cost, steel is generally cheaper than aluminum due to the abundance of iron, the primary component of steel, and the less complex extraction process. Aluminum is more expensive, reflecting its more intensive extraction and refinement process from bauxite ore.
Aluminum is also notable for its high thermal and electrical conductivity, making it useful in electrical applications. Steel, while having lower conductivity, excels in applications requiring magnetic properties, which aluminum lacks.
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Comparison Chart
Weight
Lightweight
Heavier
Strength
Lower tensile strength
Higher tensile strength
Corrosion Resistance
Highly corrosion-resistant
Prone to rust unless treated
Cost
More expensive
Generally cheaper
Conductivity
High thermal and electrical conductivity
Lower conductivity
Magnetic Properties
Non-magnetic
Magnetic
Compare with Definitions
Aluminium
Known for its high corrosion resistance.
Aluminum cans do not rust even after long periods.
Steel
Offers high tensile strength.
Skyscrapers rely on steel frameworks for support.
Aluminium
Relatively soft and malleable.
Aluminum foil can be easily bent and wrapped.
Steel
Cheaper and more abundant compared to aluminum.
Steel is widely used in automotive manufacturing due to its cost-effectiveness.
Aluminium
Exhibits good electrical conductivity.
Aluminum wiring is used in many electrical systems.
Steel
Exhibits magnetic properties.
Steel nails can be picked up with a magnet.
Aluminium
A lightweight, silver-colored metal.
Aluminum is often used in aircraft manufacturing due to its light weight.
Steel
Steel is an alloy made up of iron with typically a few tenths of a percent of carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to iron. Many other elements may be present or added.
Aluminium
Variant of aluminum.
Steel
A hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used as a structural and fabricating material
Steel girders
Aluminium
A light, silvery metal extracted from bauxite, and a chemical element (symbol Al) with an atomic number of 13.
Steel
Mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult
His team were steeling themselves for disappointment
She steeled herself to remain calm
Aluminium
(countable) A single atom of this element.
Steel
A generally hard, strong, durable, malleable alloy of iron and carbon, usually containing between 0.2 and 1.5 percent carbon, often with other constituents such as manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, copper, tungsten, cobalt, or silicon, depending on the desired alloy properties, and widely used as a structural material.
Aluminium
(slang) Aircraft or other machinery made partially or wholly of aluminium.
Steel
Something, such as a sword, that is made of steel.
Aluminium
Same as aluminum, chiefly British in usage.
Steel
A quality suggestive of this alloy, especially a hard, unflinching character.
Aluminium
A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
Steel
Steel gray.
Aluminium
Used extensively in packaging and household items.
Aluminum foil is commonly used to wrap food.
Steel
Made with, relating to, or consisting of steel
Steel beams.
The steel industry.
A bicycle with a steel frame.
Steel
Very firm or strong
A steel grip.
Steel
Of a steel gray.
Steel
To cover, plate, edge, or point with steel.
Steel
To make hard, strong, or obdurate; strengthen
He steeled himself for disappointment.
Steel
An artificial metal produced from iron, harder and more elastic than elemental iron; used figuratively as a symbol of hardness.
Steel
(countable) Any item made of this metal, particularly including:
Steel
Bladed or pointed weapons, as swords, javelins, daggers.
Steel
A piece used for striking sparks from flint.
Steel
Armor.
Steel
A honing steel, a tool used to sharpen or hone metal blades.
Steel
(sewing) Pieces used to strengthen, support, or expand an item of clothing.
Steel
(dialectal) A flat iron.
Steel
A sewing needle; a knitting needle; a sharp metal stylus.
Steel
(printing) An engraving plate:
Steel
Projectiles.
Steel
(sewing) A fringe of beads or decoration of this metal.
Steel
A type of slide used while playing the steel guitar.
Steel
Medicinal consumption of this metal; chalybeate medicine; (eventually) any iron or iron-treated water consumed as a medical treatment.
Steel
(countable) Varieties of this metal.
Steel
The gray hue of this metal; steel-gray, or steel blue.
Steel
(figurative) Extreme hardness or resilience.
Steel
Made of steel.
Steel
Similar to steel in color, strength, or the like; steely.
Steel
(business) Of or belonging to the manufacture or trade in steel.
Steel
Containing steel.
Steel
(printing) Engraved on steel.
Steel
(transitive) To edge, cover, or point with steel.
Steel
(transitive) To harden or strengthen; to nerve or make obdurate; to fortify against.
Steel
To back with steel.
Steel
To treat a liquid with steel for medicinal purposes.
Steel
To press with a flat iron.
Steel
To cause to resemble steel in appearance.
Steel
(transitive) To steelify; to turn iron into steel.
Steel
(transitive) To electroplate an item, particularly an engraving plate, with a layer of iron.
Steel
(transitive) To sharpen with a honing steel.
Steel
Coldbath Fields Prison in London, closed in 1877.
Steel
A variety of iron intermediate in composition and properties between wrought iron and cast iron (containing between one half of one per cent and one and a half per cent of carbon), and consisting of an alloy of iron with an iron carbide. Steel, unlike wrought iron, can be tempered, and retains magnetism. Its malleability decreases, and fusibility increases, with an increase in carbon.
Steel
An instrument or implement made of steel
Steel
A weapon, as a sword, dagger, etc.
While doubting thus he stood,Received the steel bathed in his brother's blood.
Steel
Fig.: Anything of extreme hardness; that which is characterized by sternness or rigor.
Steel
An instrument of steel (usually a round rod) for sharpening knives.
Steel
A chalybeate medicine.
Steel
A piece of steel for striking sparks from flint.
Steel
To overlay, point, or edge with steel; as, to steel a razor; to steel an ax.
Steel
To make hard or strong; hence, to make insensible or obdurate.
Lies well steeled with weighty arguments.
O God of battles! steel my soldiers' hearts.
Why will you fight against so sweet a passion,And steel your heart to such a world of charms?
Steel
To cause to resemble steel, as in smoothness, polish, or other qualities.
These waters, steeledBy breezeless air to smoothest polish.
Steel
To cover, as an electrotype plate, with a thin layer of iron by electrolysis. The iron thus deposited is very hard, like steel.
Steel
An alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
Steel
A cutting or thrusting weapon with a long blade
Steel
Knife sharpener consisting of a ridged steel rod
Steel
Get ready for something difficult or unpleasant
Steel
Cover, plate, or edge with steel
Steel
A strong, durable metal alloy primarily composed of iron.
Steel beams are essential in building construction.
Steel
Susceptible to rust without proper treatment.
Steel bridges need regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Common Curiosities
Does aluminum rust?
No, aluminum does not rust; it forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion.
Is aluminum more expensive than steel?
Yes, aluminum is generally more expensive due to its extraction and refinement process.
Why is steel preferred in construction?
Steel is preferred for its high strength and durability, making it ideal for structural applications.
Why is aluminum used in the aerospace industry?
Aluminum is used for its lightweight properties, which are crucial for flight efficiency and performance.
Which metal is heavier, aluminum or steel?
Steel is significantly heavier than aluminum.
Does steel have any advantages in electrical applications?
Steel is less commonly used in electrical applications due to lower conductivity but is useful where magnetic properties are needed.
What are the main uses of aluminum?
Aluminum is used in aerospace, packaging, and electrical applications due to its light weight and corrosion resistance.
What makes steel susceptible to rust?
Steel rusts because it contains iron, which reacts with oxygen and moisture to form rust unless treated.
How is the cost of aluminum justified despite being higher?
The cost is justified by its benefits like light weight, corrosion resistance, and conductivity.
Can aluminum be magnetized?
No, aluminum is non-magnetic.
Which metal conducts electricity better, aluminum or steel?
Aluminum conducts electricity better than steel.
Is steel more durable than aluminum?
Yes, steel is generally more durable due to its higher strength.
Can aluminum be easily recycled?
Yes, aluminum is highly recyclable and retains its properties through recycling.
Is steel also recyclable?
Yes, steel is recyclable and widely recycled, making it an environmentally friendly option.
What industries primarily use steel?
Steel is primarily used in construction, automotive, and heavy machinery industries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
