Steel and aluminum are the two most popular spinning materials for different advantages. But is one actually “better” than the other? Comparing the two can be likened to comparing apples and oranges, to an extent. True, steel is more affordable, but there are sacrifices for the affordability.
Both steel and aluminum have particular designation for particular reasons. Contributing factors for picking either include cost, shape, strength and malleability. Aluminum very desired thanks to its malleability and elasticity. With this, aluminum can be implemented to create shapes steel cannot. Though steel is a very tough, it has dimensional limits when compared to the much more flexible aluminum.
In addition to malleability, aluminum is very corrosion resistant and doesn’t rust. Whereas steel or “carbon steel” needs painting or anti-corrosive treatment after production, aluminum will remain in the same form, resistant to oxidization, as the day it was refined. Aluminum is therefore very useful, especially in a moist, damp or abrasive environment.
Though steel is stronger than aluminum and less likely to warp, deform or bend under pressure or weight, force or heat and is much heavier and up to 2 ½ times denser than aluminum, there are many more tradeoffs for picking aluminum. But in the end, it depends on for what you’re planning to use the material. If you are unsure, consult a metals expert from where you plan to purchase your manufactured metal.