At KDMSteel, we choose a range of metal material for your 電気筐体.
The enclosure must have certain facets or features. Among the most vital facets is the material of construction. Some of these materials include:-
- ステンレス鋼
- アルミニウム
- Carbon “Mild” Steel.
Some of the main metal materials to choose from include:
Stainless Steel For Electrical Enclosure
Stainless steel electrical enclosure
There are two types of stainless steel available for use. They are:-
- Type 304 is an iron-based alloy containing between 18% and 20% chromium. It resists oxidation (rust) and provides protection from corrosive solvents, alkalis, and some acids. It is used for indoor and outdoor electrical enclosures.
- Type 316 contains molybdenum, which gives it better corrosion resistance than Type 304 has. It also has better resistance against sulphates, bromides, chlorine, seawater, high temperatures, and some special acids.
Resistance to seawater makes 316 ステンレス鋼 well-suited for marine environments. Type 316 stainless steel electrical enclosures are also used in indoors and outdoors.
Advantages Of Stainless Steel Electrical Enclosures
Corrosion-resistance
Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust.
That’s because it includes several elements not present in normal carbon steel.
These include chromium, molybdenum and nickel.
When these elements get added to steel during the forging process, the end result is a steel that has much better resistance to corrosion than carbon steel.
When stainless steel encounters oxidation sources, such as water or salt, the chromium in the steel forms a layer of chromium oxide on the structure’s surface.
This layer protects the surface from further corrosion. Meaning, your electrical enclosure will have a relatively long lifespan.
Stainless Steel Is Durable And Low Maintenance.
Stainless steel is a low maintenance and durable material. It’s also extremely easy to clean with most standard commercial cleaning products. An occasional round of stainless steel polish will help keep the electrical enclosure looking and performing at its best.
Stainless Steel Has A Clean And Classy Aesthetic.
Looks aren’t everything, but they do matter, especially when you’re working hard to set the right image. Stainless steel has long been a favourite of image-conscious applications such as electrical enclosures. Many people find its sleek, shiny surface provides the clean, modern look they’re seeking.
Stainless Steel Comes In Different Varieties.
The variety of elements present in stainless steel means it’s also relatively easy to create different varieties of stainless steel. Some feature exceptional durability, while others are more resistant to specific types of corrosion.
Stainless Steel Has An Excellent Tolerance For High And Low Temperatures.
Stainless steel maintains its material integrity at extreme temperatures.
Disadvantages Of Stainless Steel Electrical Enclosure
Expensive Initial Cost
Compared to other materials used to make electrical enclosures, stainless steel tends to have a more expensive acquisition overheads. For example, type 304 steel is twice the cost of Aluminum and four times that of carbon steel.
They Tend To Corrode In Marine Environments
Coastal environments affect stainless steel electrical enclosures negatively.
Some materials such as Chloride solutions can cause pitting due to their corrosive effect.
Meaning, you will notice localized corrosion on your stainless steel enclosures because of prolonged exposure to corrosive chemicals.
Where To Use Stainless Steel Enclosures
Stainless steel enclosures can be very useful in the extreme environmental conditions often found in many industrial settings.
Stainless steel enclosures protect their contents from exposure to moisture, corrosive materials, and extreme temperatures.
These enclosures are versatile and easily customized for specific industrial applications.
Note: You can also choose galvanized steel enclosure
Carbon Steel Electrical Enclosure
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is used for more general applications than stainless steel.
It does not have the chromium and manganese content of stainless steel, which means that it’s less resistant to corrosion.
However, it’s less expensive than stainless steel, less prone to denting and it can even be coated to resist corrosion.
Thus, it’s still an extremely durable material with good resistance to a wide variety of conditions.
Carbon steel comes in four different grades based on their carbon content.
Manufacturers use different categories of carbon steel to make various parts of/or the whole electrical enclosures.
They are:-
- Low Steel
- Medium Steel
- High Steel
- Ultra High Steel
Advantages Of Carbon Steel Electrical Enclosure
Carbon steel electrical enclosures are a good choice for any application that needs the general durability of steel.
Especially if the application doesn’t require the extra hardness and polished aesthetic of stainless steel.
It’s an all-around solid material for industrial and commercial applications, including device control boxes and circuit breaker boxes.
Disadvantages Of Carbon Steel Electrical Enclosure
Carbon Steel Is Relatively Weaker Than Stainless Steel
Carbon steel electrical enclosures can not withstand high stress applications.
However, this does not get in the way of their suitability as the perfect electrical enclosure material.
Additional Treatment Is Limited
Techniques such as heat treatment are not recommended because they may influence the material’s Carbon composition.
Where To Use Carbon Steel Electrical Enclosure
You can use Carbon Steel electrical enclosures in the same instances as you would with stainless steel electrical enclosures.
Note:-
If your application requires extreme resistance to corrosion and it’s not feasible to periodically reapply an anti-corrosion coating, carbon steel may not be the right choice.
Aluminum Electrical Enclosure
アルミニウム is a hard, shiny and lightweight metal that’s extracted from bauxite ore.
It’s a highly regarded enclosure material due to its toughness, its natural resistance to weather and corrosion and its beautiful appearance.
Aluminum electrical enclosure
Advantages Of Aluminum Electrical Enclosure
- Aluminum has many of the same attractive properties as stainless steel, but is easier to cut with machining tools and weighs. This means they are cheaper.
- It also features a natural RF shielding property that blocks electromagnetic radiation from penetrating through the material. This will keep the components within the electrical enclosure safe.
Limitations Of Aluminum Electrical Enclosure
Aluminum dents easily than some other materials.
Meaning it’s not a great choice for electrical enclosures that may need to survive heavy impacts.
Where To Use Aluminum Enclosures
Aluminum enclosures are an ideal choice for devices that need rugged protection in an attractive and lightweight package.
It’s also among the best materials for protecting devices from electromagnetic interference, thanks to its natural RF shielding properties.
Factors Determining Choice Of Metal Electrical Enclosure Materials
Budget:- Regardless of the material requirements for your electrical enclosures, your decision always rotates around one thing, price. Different materials cost different prices, e.g., Aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel.
Aesthetics:- Depending on your application, you may opt for materials that allow for further customization to add finesse and appeal. This may influence your choice of one material over the other.
Impact resistance and durability:- When it comes to impact resistance and durability, some materials are stronger. If the electrical enclosure is at risk of being hit by a vehicle or something heavy, you should consider stronger materials.
NEMA rating:- This is perhaps the most important factor to consider during your selection process. The National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association provides a forum for development of technical standards. These standards are in the best interests of the users and the industry. If a material does not meet specific requirements, you might consider choosing an alternative that does.
Environment:– Your electrical enclosure will obviously be exposed to something of some sorts or located at a strategic point.
If certain materials can not withstand said exposures then it might help if you chose a different one.
This is how environment influences choice of electrical enclosure materials.
For all your metal electrical enclosures, contact KDMSteel now.
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