Galvanized Steel VS Aluminum

Galvanized steel and aluminum are two commonly used materials in construction and manufacturing. They both have unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. In this post, we will compare galvanized steel vs aluminum based on various aspects like corrosion, strength, cost, weight, appearance, and other factors. Please keep reading for more details.

Galvanized Steel VS Aluminum Corrosion

Galvanized steel is a type of steel that is coated with zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding first to protect the underlying steel. As a result, galvanized steel is very corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications.

Similarly, aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a thin but dense layer of aluminum oxide on its surface. This layer of aluminum oxide acts as a barrier to protect the underlying metal from further corrosion. Furthermore, this layer of aluminum oxide is self-repairing. If the surface of the aluminum is scratched or damaged, the aluminum oxide layer can quickly reform and prevent further corrosion from occurring.

In summary, both galvanized steel and aluminum offer excellent corrosion resistance. But aluminum is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel.

Galvanized Steel VS Aluminum Strength

In terms of strength, galvanized steel is stronger than aluminum. Steel has a higher density (7.85 g/cm³) and is more rigid. Its high tensile strength means it can withstand more stress and pressure. It is often used in applications that require a high level of strength, such as in the construction of buildings and bridges. While aluminum is lightweight and not as strong as galvanized steel. The lower tensile strength makes it deform more easily under tension or weight. It is ideal for use in applications that require a lightweight material, such as aircraft and vehicles.

Weight

Aluminum is much lighter than galvanized steel because of its lower density (2.7 g/cm³). The density of aluminum is about one-third that of steel. This means that for the same volume of material, aluminum weighs significantly less than steel.

Appearance

It is easy to distinguish between galvanized steel with spangles and aluminum. But zero spangle galvanized steel and electro-galvanized steel look similar to aluminum. Galvanized steel has a silver-gray color. But it looks slightly rough, particularly galvanized steel with spangles. Aluminum, on the other hand, has a silver-white color and a smooth, shiny surface, giving it a more uniform appearance.

Galvanized Steel VS Aluminum Cost

Galvanized steel is much cheaper than aluminum. The cost of galvanized steel is determined by the cost of the steel itself, plus the cost of the zinc coating. The thicker the zinc coating, the higher the price. The cost of aluminum is higher than galvanized steel because it is more expensive to produce.

Other Factors

Galvanized steel is often more fire-resistant than aluminum. However, aluminum is a better conductor of electricity than galvanized steel, making it more suitable for some electrical applications.

Below is a table for your reference.

Item	Corrosion-resistance	Strength	Price	Appearance	Weight
Galvanized steel	Good	High	Cheap	Silver-gray color, rough surface	Heavy
Aluminum	Excellent	Low	Expensive	Silver-white color and a smooth, shiny surface	Light

Which Is Better Galvanized Steel or Aluminum？

Galvanized steel is well-known for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications like building construction, bridges, and fences. It is also generally less expensive than aluminum, which makes it a more cost-effective option in many cases. On the other hand, aluminum is a lightweight material, making it ideal for applications where weight is a crucial factor. Additionally, aluminum has a more uniform appearance, which can be widely used for decorative purposes.

Ultimately, the choice between galvanized steel and aluminum depends on the specific requirements of the application, including factors like strength, durability, corrosion resistance, weight, appearance, cost, and more. Wanzhi Steel is an experienced manufacturer and supplier of metal products. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!