Difference Between Aluminum and Galvanized Steel

Aluminum vs Galvanized Steel

Difference between aluminum and galvanized steel is obtained by comparing the properties of both. Aluminum is a metal, and it has all the attributes of metal – that are: It is ductile, corrosion resistant, flexible and a good thermal conductor. Aluminum is also weather resistant, and can be machined, thinned into wires and sheets or soldered. Aluminum makes alloys in conjunction with other metals, and aluminum alloys are known for their lightweight and cost effective properties. Whereas galvanized steel is obtained, carbon steel is dipped in molten zinc which clings onto the steel like a thin film. Steel is an alloy of iron, and known for its strength, and used as a construction or building material. It can corrode, and in order to make it anti corrosive the galvanization process of steel is necessary. An Italian Luigi Galvani invented this process to ensure that steel can be saved from corrosion or rust by a coating of zinc.

The galvanization process for carbon steel produces various affects which helps in manufacturing various parts of industrial objects, and it is available in various forms. Galvanized steel is also used for building housing frames, truck and bus bodies, household appliances, electrical towers, metal pails, and for other various items integral for our usage in daily life.

Aluminum has a low density, which results in a higher heat exchange when compared to galvanized steel. In various industrial apparatuses, aluminum is preferred over galvanized steel due to its increased performance and light weight. The low density of metal helps it to be a better thermal conductor. Where weight is concerned, aluminum versus galvanized steel wins. Its quality to be lightweight, an efficient heat transferrer, its cooling and defrosting properties, as well as its cost effective advantages, make it a better material than steel.

Aluminum products are also preferred over galvanized steel due to their anti bacterial properties and easy to clean nature, especially when there is foodstuff involved. As compared to hard and smooth aluminum surfaces, galvanized steel surfaces are porous and rough, which can hold and accumulate bacterial growth and contaminate food processing.

Galvanized steel is the ideal material to be used for those industrial processes where caustic soda and potassium hydroxide are involved, since galvanized steel has zinc film which is resistant to mild alkaline solutions; more than aluminum. Aluminum and galvanized steel are both compatible with each other, and adjacent to each other in the galvanic scale. There are many aluminum understructures with galvanized steel exteriors built over the past half century.

Summary:

1. Aluminum is a metal, whereas galvanized steel is obtained by a hot dipping process in which carbon steel is dipped into zinc.

2. Galvanized steel has a porous and rough surface which is difficult to clean.

3. Aluminum surfaces are hard and smooth, which helps eliminate bacteria growth with an easy cleaning method.

4. Aluminum and galvanized steel are both compatible with each other.

5. Aluminum is preferred for its lightweight, anti corrosive and thermal conductivity properties, whereas galvanized steel is heavier and more expensive.

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