Aluminum Vs Plastic: Which Offers Superior Durability?

Aluminium and plastic have a lot of similar qualities. They are both lightweight, malleable and water-resistant. However, aluminium is generally considered to be more durable than plastic. It is a good choice for products that need to last a long time, such as medical cases, and it is also used in planes and trains.

Plastic is strengthened by fusing it with glass or steel, but it is not as strong as aluminium

Plastic, on the other hand, has a lower melting point and is more malleable, making it easier to mould into complex shapes. It can be strengthened by fusing it with glass or steel, a process known as plastic fusion. This involves using an iron to heat and fuse the plastic, creating a thicker and stronger material. However, even with this added strength, plastic is still not as strong as aluminium.

One advantage of plastic is that it is cheaper to buy than aluminium. Aluminium has to be extracted from the earth and modified to form alloys, whereas plastic can be created in a lab or production facility. In addition, both materials are lightweight, malleable, and water-resistant, making them similar in some ways.

Overall, while plastic can be strengthened through fusion with glass or steel, it still does not match the durability and strength of aluminium.

Aluminium is a good choice for planes, trains, etc because it's light and offers good tensile strength

Aluminium is a good choice for planes, trains and other vehicles because it is lightweight and offers good tensile strength. Its light, malleable composition makes it a versatile material. It is also more durable than plastic, which is prone to degradation over time. Aluminium resists corrosion and can withstand more extreme environments. It is also infinitely recyclable, unlike plastic, which has a lower environmental impact. Its recyclability means it can be used to make a variety of products, from car components to building materials.

Plastic is cheaper than aluminium to buy

Aluminium is significantly more durable than plastic. However, plastic is cheaper to buy. Aluminium has to be extracted from the earth and modified to form alloys, whereas plastic can be created in a lab or production facility. Aluminium is also denser than plastic, meaning more compressed aluminium can fit into a transport vehicle.

Aluminium is around US$1,750-1,800 per tonne. A 330ml can weighs around 16g. The polyester for PET is around US$1,000-1,200 per tonne. A PET water bottle weighs about 8-10g and holds 500ml. However, as carbonated drinks need a stronger bottle, the average weight will be around 22-25g for 500ml. Plastic material does cost less and go further. On a per-litre basis, a beverage will cost less to distribute, with less energy needed to transport it. If the product is water, rather than a higher-value beverage such as beer, the cost impact is amplified.

The cost of recycling aluminium and plastic also varies. The price of commodities goes up and down depending on supply, demand and the political climate. At the time of publication, the index prices for recycled aluminium were 140% of the index prices for recycled plastics. The absolute cost depends on how far and by what method the materials are transported and the cost of fuel.

Aluminium is a more durable material that will last through repeated cleanings and daily usage

Aluminium is a more durable material than plastic. It is a good choice if you want a product that will last for a long time and can withstand repeated cleanings and daily usage. Aluminium is a very good material for planes, trains, etc because it's light and offers good tensile strength. It is also water-resistant.

Plastic is cheaper than aluminium to buy as a raw material. It can be moulded into complex shapes easily as it has a lower melting point than aluminium. However, plastic is not as strong as aluminium and is less durable. Plastic is often strengthened by fusing it with glass or steel, but it is still not as strong as aluminium.

Aluminium has to be extracted from the earth and modified to form alloys, whereas plastic can be created in a lab or production facility. Despite this, aluminium is significantly less expensive compared to other metals.

Plastic has a lower melting point than aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant, and highly conductive metal. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics due to its desirable properties. The melting point of aluminium is an important factor in its processing and applications, as it determines the temperature at which the metal can be cast, moulded, or recycled.

Plastic, on the other hand, is a less durable material. It is often strengthened by fusing it with glass or steel, but it still does not match the strength of aluminium. Plastic has a lower melting point, making it easier to mould into complex shapes. This property of plastic is advantageous in certain applications, but it also contributes to its lower durability compared to aluminium.

Overall, the lower melting point of plastic compared to aluminium is a significant factor in their relative durability. Aluminium's higher melting point allows it to maintain its structural integrity at higher temperatures, making it the more durable material of the two.

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