There are many different types of piston materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The strongest piston material is typically made from forged steel, which offers excellent strength and durability. However, forged steel pistons can be quite expensive, so they are not always the best option for budget-minded consumers. Another strong option is cast aluminum, which is often used in high-performance applications. Cast aluminum pistons offer good strength and weight savings over forged steel units, but they can be susceptible to cracking under extreme conditions.