Menu
Menu
Industrial use of electrical and electronic steel enclosures has numerous applications. Stainless steel and carbon steel are both used to fashion these enclosures. Let’s examine the differences between stainless steel and carbon steel enclosures, their applications, and how they perform under various industrial conditions.
Stainless steel and carbon steel are both alloys of iron, carbon, and sometimes other elements. Stainless steel, in particular, is composed of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. The primary differences between stainless steel and carbon steel include the following properties.
Stainless steel, as the name implies, resists staining due to corrosion. Iron-based metals such as steel are susceptible to oxidation (rust and corrosion) – a chemical conversion caused by exposure to oxygen – which eventually disintegrates the iron component.
Stainless steel prevents oxidation due to its high chromium content (10.5 percent by mass), which is not susceptible to oxidation. Chromium’s corrosion-resistance protects the iron content from exposure to oxygen.
Carbon steel’s higher carbon content might make it a durable metal, but it lacks the corrosion protection from exposure to oxygen and ambient moisture possessed by stainless steel.
The other main differentiator between the two types of steel is carbon steel has a higher carbon content than stainless steel – 0.05 up to three percent by weight depending on the grade. Carbon steel’s primary characteristics are:
Stainless steel enclosures are 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.
Some of the industrial uses for stainless steel enclosures include:
Carbon steel comes in four different grades based on their carbon content. Manufacturers use different categories of carbon steel to make various parts and industrial equipment.
Carbon steel enclosures require additional finishing, such as paint or powder coating for protection from the elements. While stainless steel enclosures – like our 316 stainless steel enclosures from Integra Enclosures – with their inherent protective chromium component, resist rust and corrosion.
Our NEMA-rated stainless steel enclosures withstand adverse environmental conditions and have higher moisture and corrosion resistance than carbon steel enclosures. NEMA ratings for electrical enclosures include protection from a variety of environmental factors.
Type 1 – external impact; used indoors.
Type 2 – external impact and falling water.
Type 3R – rain, snow, dust, and drainage in high humidity.
Type 4 – ice, rain, dust, and streams of water; for indoor and outdoor use.
Type 4X – NEMA type 4 with additional corrosion resistance.
Type 12– protection from non-corrosive liquids and external impact, for indoor use.
Type 13 – protection from non-corrosive coolants, external impact, and oil.
The steel used in foodservice and marine applications requires corrosion resistance to withstand contact with corrosive cleaners, saltwater, and acidic substances. Stainless steel enclosures like Integra Enclosures StrongBox line meet NEMA 4X specifications and are custom made to any size or specification.
In contrast, carbon steel enclosures often lack the corrosion-resistance properties of stainless steel enclosures and their corresponding NEMA rating.
In terms of performance and customization, stainless steel enclosures like those at Integra Enclosures have numerous advantages over carbon steel enclosures.
Stainless steel enclosures provide heat protection inside and outside. They resist corrosion from weather, saltwater, and chemical exposure. They can also shield external environments from heat generated by internal electronics.
Stainless steel enclosures can withstand hose-down cleanings, making them ideal for sanitary and sterile working environments.
Custom sizing and configurations are a feasible and cost-effective alternative when choosing stainless steel enclosures. Integra Enclosures offers custom-made, heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant grades of stainless steel enclosures designed to withstand the elements while maintaining appearance and durability.
Stainless steel enclosures can be custom built to accommodate unique sizing, back panel, mounting style, and other options. Integra Enclosures’ custom-made stainless steel enclosure designs include numerous options:
In contrast, carbon steel enclosures are frequently mass-produced and ultimately lack the corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel. Carbon steel does not have the yield strength (resistance to impact) and tensile strength (resistance to breaching) that stainless steel possesses and is slightly brittle by comparison.
Furthermore, carbon steel enclosures lack the heat resistance of stainless steel and the certification required for use in foodservice and marine applications. Carbon steel enclosures often fall short of the numerous customization options of a stainless steel enclosure since they tend to be mass-produced.
In terms of cost, options, durability, and resistance to corrosion and adverse industrial environments, stainless steel enclosures are a better investment. Overall, the performance and durability of stainless steel enclosures outmatch carbon steel. Stainless steel enclosures have the required certifications for use in marine, industrial, and healthcare environments due to their superior corrosion resistance.
Furthermore, the ability to customize a stainless steel enclosure for any industrial application versus choosing an off-the-shelf carbon steel enclosure makes stainless steel even more attractive.
Contact us online or call Integra Enclosures at 440-269-4966 to discuss your stainless steel enclosure requirements. We can help you select or design a solution that meets your specifications.
