Aluminum alloy is the most widely used non-ferrous metal structural material in industry, and has been widely used in aviation, aerospace, automotive, mechanical manufacturing, shipbuilding, and chemical industries. The rapid development of industrial economy has led to an increasing demand for aluminum alloy welded structural components, which has led to in-depth research on the weldability of aluminum alloys. At present, aluminum alloy is the most widely used alloy, and when choosing aluminum alloy, we also need to consider some factors in order to make a good choice. What are the differences between aluminum alloy and stainless steel? Today’s topic mainly focuses on aluminum alloys.

What is the difference between aluminum alloy and stainless steel?

The difference between aluminum alloy and stainless steel is as follows:
1. Price wise: Stainless steel is expensive, while aluminum alloy is cheap
2. In terms of hardness: stainless steel has a higher hardness than aluminum alloy
3. In terms of surface treatment, aluminum alloys are more abundant, including electrophoresis, spraying, anodizing, etc., while stainless steel is less abundant.

What are the types of aluminum alloys?

Aluminum alloys are divided into two categories: cast aluminum alloys and deformed aluminum alloys.
Deformable aluminum alloys are further divided into non heat treatable strengthened aluminum alloys and heat treatable strengthened aluminum alloys. Non heat treatable strengthening cannot improve mechanical properties through heat treatment, and can only be achieved through cold working deformation. It mainly includes high-purity aluminum, industrial high-purity aluminum, industrial pure aluminum, and rust proof aluminum.
Heat treatable reinforced aluminum alloys can improve their mechanical properties through quenching and other heat treatment methods, and can be divided into hard aluminum, forged aluminum, superhard aluminum, and special aluminum alloys.

How to choose aluminum alloy?

1. The thickness of aluminum alloy material
The thickness of a profile refers to the wall thickness of the material, and the selection of material thickness mainly depends on the customer’s own needs. If good insulation is needed, it is better to choose a thicker one.
2. Check the chromaticity of the material
The color should be consistent, and if the difference is significant, do not purchase. If there are dents or bulges on the surface of aluminum alloy materials, it is also important to choose carefully.
3. Check the glossiness of the material
Check if the color of the aluminum material is consistent. If there is a significant color difference, it is not advisable to purchase. The cross-sectional color of general aluminum alloy profiles is silver white, with a uniform texture. If obvious defects such as white spots, black spots, cracks, burrs, and peeling are found on the surface of aluminum alloy, even if the price is cheap, it is best not to purchase it.
4. Check the flatness of the material
Check the surface of the aluminum material and there should be no dents or bulges. Aluminum materials produced by legitimate manufacturers have a smooth, bright, and strong surface, and their strength is tested by moderately bending profiles. Aluminum is not necessarily the harder the better, it has a certain degree of toughness. Shapes that are too prone to bending may have insufficient strength.
5. Surface treatment method
Choose surface treatment methods with strong corrosion resistance such as anodizing and electrophoresis.

6. Price comparison
Obtain quotes from multiple manufacturers, compare prices, and assess product quality. Understand the manufacturer’s strength and case studies. Understand the manufacturer’s processing capabilities and customer cases, and choose an aluminum processing plant with strong capabilities. Consider your own needs. Choose appropriate types and specifications of aluminum materials based on personal or business needs.

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