Aluminum enclosures V.S. Stainless steel enclosures
There is rarely a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to developing electrical and electronic equipment. Engineers and designers of devices need to pick parts carefully, depending on the features and requirements of each project. Choosing the suitable material for an electronic enclosure requires the same research and consideration as any other device component.
Know each material’s qualities, strengths, and weaknesses to make an informed decision. The enclosure materials that provide will be briefly covered in this guide. Additionally, we will examine many of the most well-liked enclosure-type possibilities for each material and discuss their benefits.
CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION
- It’s crucial to consider the properties of the material you’ll be working with before making a final decision.
- How will the weather (wind, humidity, temperature, etc.) affect your gadget?
- Will chemicals or salt water be a problem for your device?
- How should your gadget seem aesthetically?
- Will there be a wireless antenna built into your device for RF transmission?
- Do you need EMI/RF shielding for your device?
- Is your gadget vulnerable to hard falls?
- Is the enclosure of your device going to require any machining?
- Is there a specific ingress protection rating (like NEMA or IP) for your device?
Check out our NEMA and IP rating guide for additional details on this and other ingress protection rating systems. After compiling a list of requirements for an enclosure material, it’s time to investigate the available options.
Here, YONGUBOX compares and contrasts aluminum and stainless steel to highlight their key distinctions. When deciding on a material, it’s essential to consider its price, weight, strength, malleability, and intended uses. But if you’re going to use either of these metals to construct electrical enclosures, you need to thoroughly understand the qualities that make them terrific on their own.
COMPARISON OF ALUMINUM AND STAINLESS STEEL CONCERNING KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Indices of Relative Weight
Despite its seeming lightness, stainless steel is far more robust than aluminum. Because of this, aluminum is the material of choice for airplanes. That’s also why it’s easier to shape than stainless steel, which makes sense.
Deterioration
There is a significant distinction in the level of protection offered by the two metals, even though they both resist corrosion. Stainless steel comprises manganese, copper, iron, chromium, and nickel. Chromium is used as a corrosion-resistant additive.
Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion from chloride exposure makes it suitable for usage in saltwater situations. However, aluminum has its limits despite forming a protective layer’s oxidation and corrosion resilience from moisture. Because aluminum corrosion spreads swiftly once it has begun, it cannot be used in acidic or basic situations.
Thermal Conductivity
In contrast to stainless steel, aluminum is a superior heat conductor, making it a popular choice for automotive radiators and air conditioners. Aluminum is more cost-effective than stainless steel and a better choice if you need a thermally conductive electrical enclosure.
Welding
When compared to Aluminum steel, stainless is much simpler to weld.
Utility
Aluminum is more pliable and more straightforward to work with than stainless steel. Stainless steel is more challenging to deal with than other metals because it is more rigid and resistant to wear and tear.
Thermal Characteristics
Compared to aluminum, which can become brittle over 400 degrees, stainless steel’s temperature range is much more comprehensive.
Electrical Conductivity
Compared to other metals, stainless steel is terrible at conducting electricity. An excellent electrical conductor, aluminum has many practical uses. Aluminum is used for most high-voltage overhead transmission lines because of the metal’s high conductivity, low weight, and corrosion resistance.
Strength
Stainless steel is superior to aluminum in terms of its strength.
Meal Impact
Foods are less likely to cause reactions in stainless steel. Reactions between aluminum and food can alter both color and flavor.
Expense
Stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum, on average.
ENCLOSURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS BY YONGUBOX
YONGUBOX offers a wide selection of aluminum enclosures in classic designs for the manufacturing environment and budget-friendly boxes. Aluminum is frequently used for portable enclosures due to the metal’s lightweight and outstanding durability.
The IP65 rating and additional security features provided by YONGU sheet metal boxes make them an excellent choice for EMI shielding.
One-piece structure box, split-type structure box, and protected plastic end cover enclosure are the three types of electrical and electronics housings offered by YONGUBOX. They may all be modified in any way the customer desires.
- YONGU H37 204*48*L Electronic Aluminum Enclosures
- YONGU J12 66.2*27.5*L Aluminum Box for Electronic
- YONGU K10 168*54*L Plastic Junction Box
- YONGU K01B 70*35*L Shielding Box
- YONGU Split Plastic Pannal Box K20C 150*55mm
In general, they share the following characteristics:
- Aluminum cases for electronics
- Constructed to withstand rigorous use.
- Long-lasting and reliable; designed for repeated usage.
- Both Al 6063 and Al 5052 are high-quality aluminum alloys.
- Din rail compatible.
- Effective removal of heat
- Quick and straightforward to put together
- Contact between the raw inner surfaces can be used to create conductivity.
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