The aluminum and stainless steel appear quite similar materials, but unquestionably it is not true. The characteristics and application zones are divergent and global. Aluminum is used in aircraft, bicycles, etc as it is lightweight. Unlikely stainless steel has dominated the food and appliances industry, chemical and infrastructure ventures.
Aluminum is the second most abundant metal on the globe. It has some commendable properties like light-weight, malleability, and non-magnetic. Oppositely, stainless steel has more weight and strength. It is an amalgamation that proffers corrosion-resistant, heat resistance, weldability, and some stainless steel grades are magnetic.
However, it is an exigent job when it comes to segregate aluminum and stainless steel. They both look similar.
A simple key test can be employed, which does not require any tool or instrument. Simply rub the key on the unidentified surface of the metal, if scratches appear without applying much pressure, then IT IS THE ALUMINIUM. On the other side, scratches will not appear easily on stainless steel.
When aluminum and stainless steel are subjected to grinder, stainless steel will produce a spark, while aluminum will not.
The magnetic test can also be administered. But all stainless steel grades are not magnetic.
