Difference Between Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Nameplate

Nameplates are very common and one of the most essential components which is used widely. They are used in a variety of ways. You would often spot a warning sign or a brand promotion sign or machine identification on stainless steel nameplates or at many times on aluminum nameplates. These nameplates are made very durable and are made to withstand the cruelest of temperatures and environmental conditions. A lot of material has been time-tested over the years to make the most durable nameplates, but as of now, 2 materials stand apart and are widely used in the market for making nameplates, stainless steel, and aluminum. They both are considered a wonderful option and have been surviving the ups and downs for years. But when it comes down to the comparison between these two products, they do have some vital differences that are worth considering. Everyone eventually wishes to choose the best metal for their nameplates so further we will discuss the characteristics of both of these metals and how are they used.

Also read about Process to Make Metal Name Plates?

Aluminum vs. stainless steel nameplate

The installation process for both metals is pretty easy and convenient. It could be done simply through the rivet holes or an adhesive. The text written over these metals is high invisibility and one could also choose from various design options which makes the text look more attractive. Let’s compare the two metals and try to understand their significant qualities.

1) Durability

This is probably one of the most important aspects as nameplates are expected to last for a long time and to come up to the expectation, they have to fight the environment, weather, and other dangerous substances and remain in shape while keeping the text in its original form. Physical damage is also something nameplates have to face with those scratches and tears on them. it has to be tough to be resistant to these physical damages. Both the stainless steel nameplate and the aluminum nameplates have good resistant quality against such issues. They do not corrode in water which happens to be a big problem faced by other metals. Aluminum has got a heavy layer of aluminum oxide which makes it a very good metal against corrosion. It is a great ally against the harsh weather conditions and would also be near perfect against chemical attacks. The only setback it faces against the stainless steel is the fact that it will easily show a dent or a scratch. Steel has got almost all the qualities that make it a superior metal; it also has an aluminum oxide layer and a chromium layer which gives it a superior level of protection. Stainless steel nameplates are thus in greater demand as their performance overall remains superior.

2) Weight

Weight also plays a crucial role in deciding a metal. You would often hear that for military or aerospace purposes if aluminum has to be used, it is often mixed with some other metal to give it the required strength. In terms of strength to weight ratio, aluminum alloy performs very well than most would expect. If anyone wishes to have a nameplate that is less in weight but very good at strength, aluminum nameplates are what you are looking for. They are also very versatile in terms of taking different shapes, they can easily be molded which makes them a better alternative when you are about to form something unique. In the case of stainless steel, it is their weight that provides them the required strength.

3) Customization

A very important aspect includes how easily a metal could be modified. Both of these two metals react differently when subject to customization.

· Anodization

Anodization Is a process in which color could be added to your nameplates through a thick surface that is formed during this process, which gives aluminum nameplates a very attractive look while the same thing could not be done with stainless steel.

· Photo sealing

This process allows the ink to be pressed under the surface of the metal and subsequently sealed. The process is also known as metal photo sealing. It could be done on aluminum very easily.

It has to be understood that these customization works do affect the nameplate’s durability. So one has to be sure about what process does one wants the metal to go through and what effects it could put on the durability of your nameplate.

Common Uses of Aluminum nameplates and stainless steel nameplates.

Both these nameplates of different metals are used in a variety of ways. For brand promotion, equipment labeling, aluminum serial number tags or tags on steel, identifying badges, and even the warning signs.

We list specific items that could be made on an aluminum nameplate as well as a steel nameplate.

Aluminum nameplate

• Bar code nameplate

• Decals

• Equipment identification tags

• Fire door plates

• Valve tags

• Asset badges

Steel nameplates

• It could be a designation plate

•  A work for military place cards

• A work on instrument panels

• Control panels

• Brand promotion

• Asset tags

cost is one of the deciding factors while choosing your metal. Aluminum in comparison to steel is cheap and is easily available. Stainless steel in comparison is very expensive but is also highly preferred.

Industries that use aluminum nameplates or stainless steel nameplates

Both metals are highly preferred for various reasons across different industries. A lot of essential work is done through both of these metals. Industries like manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and energy use both of these metals in a high quantity as per their requirement. The reliability of both these metals has given them a very special place for the work done towards the upliftment of the country.

Types of metal nameplates that use both

Many works could be done over a specific metal but we list a few works that could be done on both of these metals and will give equally good results.

· Etched metal nameplates

A special chemical is used on the metals through this process, which attacks a part of the metal and leaves behind the required design. They work well with both metals.

· Engraving

In the process of engraving the metal has to be cut in the shape of the design required. In comparison to steel, aluminum is easy to cut and work on. If a CO2 laser is being used that steel could also be used as a metal to form the required shape easily.

· Screen printing

Both metals are good for screen printing. But the method is not generally preferred because of its less durability when compared to other methods.

Both metals have got their pros and cons. But no one could deny that they have got exceptional durability and provide premium quality. We at Machine Plate Online are happy to help you for making beautiful customized nameplates. Our team will assist you in deciding on whether to choose stainless steel nameplates or aluminum nameplates for the best outcomes.

Also read about 

• Industrial Nameplates & Labels Your Business Needs
• How to Choose Adhesives for Nameplates, Labels & Tags
• What is Phenolic Labels and it’s Application

ORIGINAL SOURCE: shorturl.at/fgnAY