At first glance, aluminum and stainless steel may be hard to tell apart, but there are actually several significant differences. Since they are both extensively used for a wide variety of applications, it’s important to have an understanding of what these dissimilarities are before choosing the material you think will best suit the end result of your project. Maui Industrial Metal Fabricators is the leading metal service center on the Hawaii and Maui islands, offering a wide range of metal supplies.

The company’s experts discuss the distinct characteristics of each of these popular metals:

• Cost: Cost is a big factor to consider with any project. The price of aluminum and stainless steel consistently fluctuates, but aluminum doesn’t require as much processing, thus, usually making it cheaper than stainless steel. 

• Strength & Weight: Stainless steel is much heavier than aluminum materials and a great deal stronger. While this may seem like a drawback of aluminum, there are plenty of applications that require a lighter metal, such as in the production of aircraft.
• Flexibility: Aluminum has exceptional elasticity, allowing it to have a great deal of flexibility that stainless steel cannot match. Being able to bend the material allows the metal to be cut and shaped in a particular way.
• Corrosion Resistance: Untreated aluminum has a high resistance to corrosion in a majority of environments and won’t typically rust. The chemical composition of stainless steel, specifically the chromium that is added into its makeup, aids in making this a corrosion resistant material as well.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY homeowner in need of metal products, Maui Industrial Metal Fabricators is your trusted source for aluminum, stainless steel, welding and fabrication services. Contact them at (808) 871-4740, or visit their website to see a list of their products and services.