Home » Aluminium vs. Steel Angle: A Comprehensive Comparison

Aluminium vs. Steel Angle: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the vast world of construction and design, the decision to use aluminium or steel angles remains a longstanding debate.

Each metal offers unique attributes and benefits, depending on its use. In this article, we will delve deep into the characteristics, pros, cons, and applications of both materials.

We also offer an array of products in both aluminium and steel that you can explore through the links throughout this article. We have also added a few examples to the ‘Related Products’ bar of this page.

Let’s get into it…

Properties & Characteristics

Aluminium:

Lightweight: Aluminium is renowned for its lightweight nature, making it a preferred choice for applications where weight is a critical factor.
Corrosion Resistant: Aluminium is known for its remarkable resistance to corrosion. The science behind this is fascinating. Aluminium forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on its surface when exposed to air. The oxide layer protects the underlying metal from corrosion and deterioration. As a result of this natural process, even if the aluminium surface is scratched or damaged, the oxide layer will immediately reform, providing continuous protection. In corrosive environments, such as coastal regions or areas with high pollution, aluminium is especially valuable. Steel, without protective coatings, corrodes rapidly in these settings, but aluminium stands firm, offering longevity and peace of mind.
Flexibility: While it’s strong, aluminium is also flexible, making it ideal for forming and shaping without breaking.

Steel:

Strength and Durability: Diving deeper into the innate properties of steel, its strength is primarily derived from the iron-carbon bond. Historically, humans have been using iron for millennia, from weapons to tools to infrastructure. The advent of steel-making processes, particularly the Bessemer process in the mid-19th century, allowed for the mass production of steel, making it more cost-effective and consistent in quality. This high tensile strength of steel, especially when alloyed with other elements like manganese, tungsten, or chromium, gives it a significant edge in heavy-load-bearing structures. For instance, skyscrapers, railway tracks, and bridges predominantly rely on steel. From freezing cold to scorching heat, its durability is not just about its strength, but also about its ability to maintain its structural integrity.
Heat Resistance: Steel can withstand higher temperatures without losing its structural integrity.

Applications

Aluminium:

Given its lightweight nature and flexibility, aluminium is widely used in:

Aircraft and aerospace components.
Lightweight vehicle parts for improved fuel efficiency.
Marine structures due to corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
Electrical transmission lines for its conductivity.
Packaging materials like cans and foils.
Window and door frames in buildings.
Modern architectural facades and structural components.
Kitchen utensils, including pots, pans, and cutlery.
Heat sinks in electronics due to its thermal conductivity.
Sporting equipment like baseball bats and bicycle frames.

View our 50.8mm x 50.08mm x 3.175mm aluminium angle and other sizes

Steel:

Thanks to its strength and durability, steel is commonly found in:

Building frameworks and structural beams in construction.
Automobile bodies and chassis.
Railway tracks and train components.
Bolts, nuts, and screws for fastening purposes.
Piping systems for gas, water, and oil.
Machinery parts in industries.
Reinforcing bars in concrete structures.
Furniture making, including tables, chairs, and bed frames.
Fencing and wire products.
Agricultural tools and machinery components.

Discover our 40mm x 40mm x 5mm steel angle and more

Cost & Sustainability

Aluminium and steel production have evolved dramatically over time. It was the Hall-Héroult process for aluminium production that revolutionized the industry and made aluminium more accessible to the masses in the 19th century. Due to its difficulty of extraction, aluminium was previously considered more valuable than gold. Today, the energy-intensive nature of this process means aluminium often has a higher initial cost than steel.

Due to its production process, aluminium is generally more expensive than steel. However, due to its longevity and corrosion resistance, it often offers better value in the long run. Due to its abundance, steel, however, is usually more affordable in its basic form.

Aluminium, however, has an edge when it comes to sustainability. Compared to its initial production, recycling aluminum consumes just 5% of the energy. The value of recyclable materials like aluminum continues to rise as societies become more eco-conscious. Aluminium’s recycling efficiency not only reduces costs in the long run, but also positions it as a green and sustainable material.

Both metals are recyclable from a sustainability perspective. Recycling aluminum consumes significantly less energy than its initial production, making it an environmentally friendly process.

Summary of Findings

Aluminium is lightweight, flexible, and corrosion-resistant. It’s ideal for applications where weight and flexibility are crucial.
Steel is strong, durable, and heat-resistant. It’s suitable for projects where strength and longevity are paramount.

And The Winner Is…

In spite of the fact that both metals have their own advantages, the choice of which metal to use is highly dependent on the project requirements. Steel is your go-to material if you’re looking for strength and durability. When it comes to projects that require lightweight materials that are corrosion resistant, aluminium takes the crown when it comes to lightweight materials.

Remember, it’s not always about which metal is better overall, but which is better suited for your specific needs. Explore our vast range of aluminium and mild steel angle products to find the perfect fit for your project.

As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project.

Please also check out the other articles in our helpful guide series. We have written about aluminium sheeting and checker plate recently to name but two of our articles.

We are also proud to sell this product on our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.