Advantages and disadvantages of aluminium compared with other materials
- Steel refers to metallic alloys that comprise mainly iron and that can be formed into different shapes (unlike cast iron).
- Plastic refers to a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymer that is made from organic monomers or biopolymers.
- In general usage, wood refers to a solid or hard tissue of the stem axis (trunk and branch) of trees and shrubbery. Wood is the most important raw material in the world.
| aluminium | steel | plastic | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★ |
| Formability | ★★★★ Very high | ★★★ Dependent on the alloy. Strength low tensile strength, low hardness on stainless steel Very high tensile strength, wear-resistance and fatigue strength. | ★★ Poor, but can be formed into almost any shape by injection moulding. Depending on the type of plastic – hard, elastic, break-resistant, heat-resistant and chemical-resistant. Lower tensile strength and rigidity than metals. Can be partially compensated through higher wall thicknesses or fibre reinforcement. | ★ Very low |
| Processing | ★★★★ Can be processed in many number of ways: drawing, pressing, cutting, lasering, sanding. It can be cut, cold-formed and easily welded. Ideal properties for extruding and casting. | ★★★ | ★★★ While metals can be processed at high temperatures, plastic in comparison can be formed into parts with complicated shapes more easily and with less effort. | ★★ Typical processing techniques include sawing, sanding and planing. |
| Moisture | ★★★★ Very weatherproof. Aluminium does not "rust". Impermeable to water vapour | ★★★ Stainless steel is insensitive to moisture. Likewise, rust does not appear on fully galvanised steel. Permeability to water vapour is practically zero. | ★★ Plastics are moisture-resistant and can be made completely impermeable to water | ★ permeable to air, absorbs moisture, not a vapour barrier |
| Temperature: | ★★★★ Ideal for environments with low temperatures. This is because in such conditions, it retains its toughness and even becomes harder. | ★★★★ Its melting point is much higher than that of aluminium. Remains sturdy even at low temperatures | ★ Conventional plastics are not fire-resistant, melt and burn quickly. Plastics quickly become brittle at low temperatures. | ★★ Wood cannot withstand high temperatures but remains stable at low temperatures |
| Heat conductivity | ★★★★ Very high, therefore suitable for applications requiring heat to be conducted away. | ★★ Moderate | ★ Very low, therefore good heat insulating property | ★ Very low, therefore good heat insulating property |
| Electric conductivity | ★★★★ Very high | ★★ moderate | ★ none | ★ none |
| Hygiene aspects | ★★★★ Very well suited for cleaning with cleaning agents, acids, bases, solvents and steam. Non-toxic and hygienic. | ★★★★ Very well suited for cleaning with cleaning agents, acids, bases, solvents and steam. | ★★★ Well suited for cleaning with cleaning agents. Sensitive to acids, bases, solvents and steam/heat. | ★ Difficult to clean because of its rough surface. |
| Ageing, corrosion | ★★★★ Not sensitive to weathering effects. UV-resistant, corrosion-resistant oxide layer. | ★★★ Only stainless steel (as opposed to steel) and steel with a treated surface are relatively resistant to corrosion and acids. | ★ Most plastics are sensitive to solvents. Plastics will become brittle, decoloured and fatigued through environmental influences, especially UV light. | ★ As a natural material, not very resistant to ageing: decomposition and breakage |
| Environmental impact | ★★ Aluminium extraction is energy intensive, but aluminium is 100% recyclable. | ★★ Metal extraction through mining is not as eco-unfriendly as with aluminium. | ★ It is based on petroleum (a raw material that is becoming scarcer and more expensive) and can only be partly recycled | ★★★★ Eco-friendly, because it is a renewable resource that can be recycled or incinerated. Neutral carbon footprint |
| Material comparison cases | Aluminium cases: Cases that are sturdy, durable and lightweight at the same | Sheet-steel cases: Sturdy and durable, but approx. twice as heavy as similar aluminium cases | Plastic cases: A wide variety of shapes and colours; can only be used in a lower temperature range. | Wood cases: In part advantageous through its natural look. Solid and low-cost. |
| Material comparison ladders and access equipment | Aluminium ladders: Lightweight and durable while using a low amount of material | Steel ladders: Heavy and sturdy and therefore especially suitable for fixed ladders | Plastic ladders: Lightweight, breakproof and especially for working on electric systems. | Wood ladder: Natural look, solid and low-cost, special shapes mostly impossible to achieve |