Why Brushed Aluminum?

[wpirobotbuilder]

On many cases the front piece is brushed aluminum, and others have aluminum side pieces which stain. Why do manufacturers use the material if it stains so easily, instead of going with a brushed plastic or something?

EDIT: I guess my main point about the staining was for the front piece. The side panels should definitely be made out of aluminum for rigidity, but I wonder why the panels aren't powder coated aluminum. I bought an HP PC years ago and that case is powder coated aluminum.

[Glenwing]

Having used the Define R3 in person the brushed plastic front door definitely wasn't the same as actual brushed aluminum. That being said I don't know if other cases do it much better or not. Could also be for structural reasons, on larger cases aluminum is a much sturdier material than plastic, I can see this coming into play especially on side panels.

[mgsstar]

It could that by using brushed aluminium the case will be more solid and sturdy.

[Wats]

Talking about the Fractal cases? They're plastic with a fancy, easy to scratch finish.

...If you want real, sharp aluminum, Lian Li and Silverstone cases :P

Aluminum. Aluminium ...Potato

The extra i does make it easier to understand... But it was discovered then named without the extra i... Lets just rename it? :D

[LimeFire]

I say that there are three reasons. One, because it looks really good (at least i think i does!). Two (this is a stretch) they are counting on you staining it a buying replacements/ a new case from them. Three, and this is from a business point of view, if people keep buying it and they can charge more for it, then why not?

[wpirobotbuilder]

Talking about the Fractal cases? They're plastic with a fancy, easy to scratch finish.

...If you want real, sharp aluminum, Lian Li and Silverstone cases :P

Aluminum. Aluminium ...Potato

The extra i does make it easier to understand... But it was discovered then named without the extra i... Lets just rename it? :D

But you can touch them without staining them.