How does stainless steel’s resistance to thermal expansion compare to aluminum?
Stainless steel and aluminum are widely used in engineering and manufacturing, but their thermal expansion properties differ significantly. Stainless steel has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compared to aluminum, meaning it expands less when exposed to heat. The average CTE for stainless steel is around 17.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C, while aluminum’s CTE is approximately 23.1 × 10⁻⁶/°C. This makes stainless steel more stable in high-temperature environments, reducing the risk of deformation. Aluminum, however, is lighter and more conductive, making it suitable for applications where weight and heat dissipation are priorities. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for specific thermal conditions.
