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For homework: Aluminum is about 7 times more expensive than steel.
A full answer: Basically: Aluminum is more expensive. And during 2011 is expected to go higher, because of less demand. Although the price of steel is constantly on the raise. BUT, in some cases making things from steel can turn out to be more expensive. Like boats. But again, in the usual case Aluminum is more expensive.
How much more expensive depends: There are different kinds of steel.
Also, it depends on how much material you'll need. Sometimes a small amount of aluminum will suffice for a much larger amount (in weight) of steel you would need for the same task. In that case making your project from aluminum will cost less than from steel. But the raw cost of steel is still cheaper than that of aluminum. (The reason is that aluminum, although more "abundant" - meaning found more on the surface of earth, is harder and therefore more expensive to retrieve).
The most significant cost difference, is the cost of work: tools, knowledge and the price for fixing mistakes. Working with aluminum is much more expensive than steel.
In 2002 (before the price rise of steel) it was 4.2 times more expensive to make a car from aluminum, than from steel.
But then a comparison by a boat maker shows that its EASIER to work with aluminum, if you use its features to your advantage: (No need to paint submerged parts, build without bending, use standard profiles etc.) and easier to sell.
And then it depends if you need to use new material or can use scrap.
Today (March 2011) iron ore (the main part for making steel) is 4 and a half cents per pound, while aluminum is a dollar and 14 cents! 0.045 vs 1.14. That's Aluminum over 25 times more expensive than iron. (But then again, steel is about 3.5 times more expensive than iron, so aluminum is about 7.2 times more expensive now.
Please understand that a shortage (like the one during the Chinese Olympics a few years ago) can make the price of steel rocket up, and change everything. So you never know what will be. But currently, Aluminum is more expensive.
By the way, Mary Antoinette had a set of cutlery (knife, fork and spoons) from aluminum, that was at that time just discovered, and more expensive than silver.
What else can I help you with?
Why is aluminum used for garden trowel?
Aluminum is not the best material for a garden trowel, while very light, it is too soft. A better material would be steel or even better stainless steel.
Why is aluminum difficult to weld?
Aluminum is a bit more difficult to weld than steel , because of it's lower melting point. Also Aluminum takes more heat , because of it's property of absorbing and releasing the heat quicker. With the proper electrode , or rod , and amps to volt settings, along with a bit of practise , it can be quite simple . One usually has to have a faster travel speed with the filler rod or electrode.
Why is gold more expensive then aluminum?
because they make most all of the alluminum used
Why was aluminum more expensive than gold in 1886?
Aluminum does not occur in nature as a solid metal. It is produced by man in several processes which require lots of energy. These processes were not invented until the 1880's. So, until then, aluminum was scarcer than gold and therefore more expensive.
Why was aluminium more expensive than gold at one time in the past?
In the late 19th century, aluminum was considered a precious metal due to its rarity and the complexity of its extraction process. At that time, the primary method for producing aluminum was costly and labor-intensive, making it more expensive than gold. The invention of the Hall-Héroult process in 1886, which allowed for more efficient and cheaper extraction, eventually led to a dramatic decrease in aluminum prices, making it widely available. This shift transformed aluminum from a luxury material into a common commodity.
What is more durable Aluminum or steel doors?
Steel is a harder and more durable metal than aluminum. Therefore, steel doors are often more durable and more difficult to damage than aluminum doors.
Is steel roofing more reliable than aluminum?
Aluminum roofing may be cheaper and much more affordable than steel roofing however, steel roofing has proven to be much more reliable. It can resist different weather conditions and lasts much longer than aluminum.
What are the differences between an aluminum and steel frame bike?
Aluminum frames are lighter and more resistant to rust, while steel frames are heavier and provide a smoother ride due to their flexibility. Aluminum frames are also stiffer and more responsive, while steel frames are more durable and can absorb more vibrations.
What is the difference between Aluminium alloy and steel?
If the steel contains by weight one or more of the following elements in the proportion shown, it is an alloy steel. 0.3 % or more of aluminium 0.0008 % or more of boron 0.3 % or more of cobalt 0.4 % or more of copper 0.4 % or more of lead 1.65 % or more of manganese 0.08 % or more of molybdenum 0.3% or more of nickel 0.06 % or more of niobium 0.6 % or more of silicon 0.05% or more of titanium 0.3 % or more of tungsten (wolfram) 0.05 % or more of zirconium 0.1 % or more of other elements (except sulphur, phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen), taken separately. Any steel not containing one or more of the above elements in the weight proportions shown, is a non-alloy steel.
What is the relationship between the friction coefficient of steel and aluminum?
The friction coefficient of steel is generally higher than that of aluminum. This means that steel surfaces tend to have more resistance to sliding against each other compared to aluminum surfaces.
What cost more carbon fiber or steel?
carbon fiber costs more than steel
What is the disadvantage of aluminum?
Aluminium is more expensive than steel
Is aluminum more non corrosive than stainless steel?
No, stainless steel never corrodes.
What are the advantages in aluminum compared to steel?
Aluminium is lighter than steel and much more durable
Does steel wire or aluminium wire stretch more after exceeding its elastic limit?
Steel wire tends to stretch more than aluminum wire after exceeding its elastic limit. This is due to the different mechanical properties of the two materials, with steel being more ductile than aluminum.
What are the key differences between a steel frame and an aluminum frame in terms of durability and performance?
Steel frames are generally heavier and more durable than aluminum frames, providing a smoother ride and better shock absorption. Aluminum frames are lighter and stiffer, offering more responsive handling and acceleration. Steel frames are more resistant to dents and cracks, while aluminum frames are more prone to damage from impacts. Ultimately, the choice between steel and aluminum frames depends on personal preference and riding style.
Is a steel or aluminum patio cover more weather proof?
Steel and aluminum patio covers are both good options for preventing damage, however steel lasts much longer. The only problem that steel can have is rust.
