When selecting an enclosure for use in an industry where cleanliness is key, such as food, pharmaceutical or oil and gas, the enclosure material can be very important. Stainless steel is a widely popular enclosure material option in these industries.Let’s explore a few of the benefits that stainless steel has to offer. Below, we’ll discuss why stainless steel is such a useful material for electrical enclosures, why it’s often the first choice for our customers, and the stainless steel enclosures Polycase offers.
Polycase SA-54 Stainless Steel Enclosure

Polycase SA-54 Stainless Steel Enclosure

In Need of a Stainless Steel Enclosure? Browse Our Options Here!

1. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant.

Stainless steel hase a high resistance to rust and corrosion. 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.

2. Stainless steel is durable and low maintenance.

Stainless steel is a durable, low maintenance 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 steel looking and performing at its best.

3. 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 favorite of image-conscious businesses and institutions. Many people find its sleek, shiny surface provides the clean, modern look they’re seeking.

4. Stainless steel comes in many 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. Why are there so many different varieties available? Another benefit of stainless steel is it’s relatively easy to vary the production process and the composition of elements. This alters the properties of the stainless steel. To learn more about two of the most common types of stainless steel, see our guide to the differences in stainless 304 vs. 316 steel.

5. Stainless steel has an excellent tolerance for high and low temperatures.

Stainless steel maintains its material integrity at very high and low temperatures. While temperature tolerances vary between stainless steel varieties, the Nickel Institute’s guide to high-temperature characteristics of stainless steels is a good place to start your research.

Stainless Steel Enclosures from Polycase

Polycase can help you find a stainless steel enclosure to fit your application. Polycase’s SA Series is among our toughest and most popular NEMA enclosures, and they’re designed to give you all of the most important benefits of stainless steel.Features that make the SA Series one of our top customer choices include:
  • NEMA 4X rating for superior corrosion resistance
  • Constructed from 304 stainless steel, one of the most popular and durable varieties
  • Hinged quarter turn latch, with a lock for secure access
  • Waterproof and dustproof gasket that seals out inclement conditions
  • Natural EMI and RFI protection
Can't Decide on Stainless 304 vs. 316 Steel? Learn More in Our Guide!Polycase SA-31 Stainless Steel Enclosure

Polycase SA-31 Stainless Steel Enclosure

Looking for more information about the benefits of stainless steel and its manufacturing process? See our guide to the differences between carbon vs. stainless steel. Need help choosing an enclosure? Our team is ready to help! Call us at 1-800-248-1233 or contact us online.
In Steel Enclosures