Material Options for Industrial Enclosures

Industrial enclosures are used to house electrical or electronic equipment in industrial settings. Equipment such as control panels, switches, knobs, displays or wiring are commonly found installed inside the enclosures. Quality industrial boxes, like the ones made by Polycase, are designed to protect workers from accidental contact with this equipment and provide various levels of protection against environmental contaminates. Protection levels against environmental contaminates are determined by the enclosure’s NEMA rating. For an in-depth explanation of NEMA ratings, check our guide to NEMA enclosure ratings.

Popular Industrial Enclosure Materials

Industrial enclosures can be made from a variety of materials. Carbon steel enclosures, stainless steel enclosures and polycarbonate enclosures are all quality options for industrial applications, but different materials offer different benefits. So, what should your next industrial enclosure be made of? Let’s explore each material a little closer.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel enclosures are made from an iron-based alloy containing between 18% and 20% chromium. This helps it resist rust, making it particularly ideal for industrial applications exposed to frequent wash downs and chemical intensive cleaning processes. Stainless steel is a suitable material for both indoor and outdoor use. Check out Polycase’s SA Series of stainless steel enclosures for durable NEMA rated stainless steel solutions.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel, as the name suggests, has a higher concentration of carbon than other types of steel. This makes carbon steel particularly effective in applications where strength and durability are needed. Although the carbon content makes it durable, carbon steel lacks corrosion protection from oxygen and moisture exposure. So make sure you chose an carbon steel enclosure that is powder-coated or painted like the Polycase’s SB Series. Carbon steel is also a cost-effective choice for enclosures when compared to its stainless steel counterpart.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is an extremely durable plastic formed from thermoplastic polymers. Polycarbonate is lightweight, but has high impact resistance and is easy to machine, making it a great choice for industrial plastic cases. Polycarbonate enclosures can even be molded with clear covers, making it easy to monitor internal components. Polycase’s ZQ Series of polycarbonate industrial enclosures is an excellent option if you’re seeking a non-metallic industrial solution.

Environmental Threats

Industrial boxes can be exposed to a variety of environmental hazards during their life cycle. These hazards can cause damage to the integrity of the enclosure, preventing it from performing at its peak. To help identify some environmental hazard your enclosure may face, answer the following questions:

• What temperatures will the enclosure be exposed to?
• Will it be exposed to the weather elements like rain, sleet, or snow?
• Will it be exposed to corrosive gas, vapor, or liquids?
• Will it be exposed to frequent wash downs?

Some materials resist corrosion better than others. The enclosure’s material should have a protection level that matches against your application’s environment. This is where knowledge of NEMA guidelines come in handy. Knowing which NEMA rating your enclosure requires is pertinent in protecting your equipment or device.For an a more extensive guide on selecting the right industrial boxes for you next project, check out our industrial enclosures selection guide.