Steel vs. Aluminum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Steel is a strong, durable alloy of iron and carbon, used in construction and manufacturing, while aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal commonly used in transportation and packaging.
Difference Between Steel and Aluminum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Steel is an alloy primarily made of iron and carbon, known for its high tensile strength and durability. It is widely used in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing due to its robustness. On the other hand, aluminum is a metal renowned for its light weight and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for applications in the transportation and packaging industries.
Steel tends to be heavier and stronger than aluminum, which makes it suitable for structural applications where strength is paramount. Conversely, aluminum's lighter weight allows for easier handling and transport, benefiting industries such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
In terms of cost, steel is generally less expensive than aluminum, owing to its abundant raw materials and simpler production process. However, aluminum's price is often justified by its superior properties in specific applications, such as its excellent conductivity and malleability.
Steel is prone to rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen, necessitating protective coatings or alloys for corrosion resistance. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it more suitable for environments where exposure to elements is a concern.
While steel is magnetic and widely used in applications requiring magnetic properties, aluminum is non-magnetic, which is advantageous in electronics and electrical applications where interference is an issue.
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Recyclability is another consideration: both steel and aluminum are highly recyclable, but aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable practices.
Comparison Chart
Composition
Alloy of iron and carbon
Pure metal, sometimes alloyed
Weight
Heavier
Lighter
Corrosion
Prone to rust, needs protection
Naturally corrosion-resistant
Strength
High tensile strength
Lower tensile strength
Cost
Generally less expensive
Generally more expensive
Compare with Definitions
Steel
A material known for its durability and resistance to deformation.
Steel beams are essential in bridge construction.
Aluminum
A lightweight metal used extensively in transportation and packaging.
Aluminum cans are commonly used for beverages.
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.
Aluminum
A metal known for its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Aluminum windows resist rust and require little maintenance.
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
Aluminum
A non-magnetic metal with excellent conductivity.
Aluminum wires are used in power transmission.
Steel
Mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult
His team were steeling themselves for disappointment
She steeled herself to remain calm
Aluminum
A recyclable metal that retains its properties after recycling.
Recycling aluminum helps conserve resources.
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.
Aluminum
A ductile and malleable metal, often used in foil and sheets.
Aluminum foil is used for wrapping food.
Steel
Something, such as a sword, that is made of steel.
Aluminum
A silvery-white, ductile metallic element, the most abundant in the earth's crust but found only in combination, chiefly in bauxite. Having good conductive and thermal properties, it is used to form many hard, light, corrosion-resistant alloys. Atomic number 13; atomic weight 26.9815; melting point 660.32°C; boiling point 2,519°C; specific gravity 2.70; valence 3. See Periodic Table.
Steel
A quality suggestive of this alloy, especially a hard, unflinching character.
Aluminum
Standard spelling of aluminium
Steel
Steel gray.
Aluminum
The metallic element forming the base of alumina. This metal is white, but with a bluish tinge, and is remarkable for its resistance to oxidation, and for its lightness, having a specific gravity of about 2.6. Atomic weight 27.08. Symbol Al. Also called aluminium.
Steel
Made with, relating to, or consisting of steel
Steel beams.
The steel industry.
A bicycle with a steel frame.
Aluminum
A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite
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, hard metal alloy used primarily in construction and manufacturing.
The building's framework is made of steel for maximum strength.
Steel
An alloy composed mainly of iron and a small amount of carbon.
The steel used in the car's body provides safety and rigidity.
Steel
A metal that requires maintenance to prevent rust.
The steel fence was coated to prevent rusting.
Steel
A magnetic material widely used in machinery and tools.
The steel screwdriver is essential for any toolbox.
Common Curiosities
Which metal is more corrosion-resistant?
Aluminum is more corrosion-resistant due to its natural oxide layer.
Does steel rust easily?
Yes, steel is prone to rust unless it is treated or alloyed for corrosion resistance.
Is aluminum recyclable?
Yes, aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties.
Which is more cost-effective, steel or aluminum?
Steel is generally less expensive, but aluminum's properties can justify its higher cost in certain applications.
Which metal is better for transportation industries?
Aluminum is preferred due to its lightweight nature, improving fuel efficiency.
What is the main difference between steel and aluminum?
Steel is stronger and heavier, while aluminum is lighter and more corrosion-resistant.
What are common uses of steel?
Common uses include construction beams, machinery, and tools.
What are common uses of aluminum?
Common uses include aircraft components, beverage cans, and electrical wiring.
Which metal has better electrical conductivity?
Aluminum has better electrical conductivity compared to steel.
Why is steel used in construction?
Steel's high tensile strength and durability make it ideal for construction.
Can steel be recycled?
Yes, steel is highly recyclable, similar to aluminum.
Can aluminum replace steel in all applications?
No, aluminum cannot replace steel in applications where high strength is required.
Is aluminum magnetic?
No, aluminum is non-magnetic, making it suitable for certain electrical applications.
Why is steel used in tools?
Steel's strength and durability make it ideal for manufacturing tools.
Which metal is more malleable?
Aluminum is more malleable and ductile compared to steel.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
