In electrical engineering and product design, electrical enclosures serve as a protective barrier for sensitive electronic components and are critical in the overall performance and durability of devices. When designing electrical enclosures, choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions you will make. Below, we explain how to choose the right materials for your electrical enclosure by breaking down the key factors to consider and the most common types of enclosure materials.
Key Considerations for Material Selection
Before we get into the weeds of what each material offers for electrical enclosures, designers must first consider key factors like environmental conditions and cost implications.
Environmental Conditions
Material selection for electrical enclosures begins with a careful assessment of environmental conditions. Factors such as whether the enclosure is intended for indoor or outdoor use, whether it will face exposure to saltwater or industrial chemicals, and whether it must withstand extreme temperatures influence the suitability of certain materials. It’s crucial to choose materials based on their resistance to corrosion, UV radiation, and moisture ingress.
Mechanical Properties
Another vital consideration is the mechanical properties of the materials. The strength, durability, and flexibility of the material determine its ability to safeguard electronic components from physical damage.
In high-impact environments, materials with superior toughness are preferable. Weigh these mechanical properties against the operational demands the enclosure will face.
Cost Implications
Designers and fabricators cannot overlook the cost implications of the material. While high-performance materials may provide excellent protection and durability, they come with a premium price tag.
Balancing cost with performance requirements ensures the final selection is both economically viable and functionally suitable. Manufacturers and designers must evaluate the long-term value of their material choices, accounting for factors such as maintenance costs and potential replacement needs.
Exploring Commonly Used Materials
Now that we understand how to choose the right materials for your electrical enclosure, we’ll dive deeper into the most common materials for electric enclosure fabrication and what each brings to the table.
Metals
Metals like stainless steel and aluminum provide robustness and high resistance to impact and temperature variations. Many favor stainless steel for environments where hygiene is paramount, thanks to its easy-to-clean surface. However, metals can be heavy and more expensive compared to other materials.
Plastics
Plastics, such as polycarbonate and ABS, provide a lightweight and cost-effective alternative. They are particularly advantageous in applications where weight is a factor, such as aerospace or portable devices.
These materials are also non-conductive, offering inherent safety advantages in electrical applications. However, plastics may not provide the same level of durability and heat resistance as metals.
Composites
Composites combine the benefits of various materials to offer a balance of strength, weight, and resistance to environmental factors. For example, fiberglass-reinforced polyester enclosures excel in outdoor applications due to their exceptional weather resistance and durability. The choice of composite materials allows for customization to meet specific application needs, although they can be more costly than standard plastic options.
Let Sytech Help Fabricate Your Electrical Enclosure
We hope our explainer helps you decide which material is ideal for your electrical enclosure. If you need a fabricator for a custom electrical enclosure, Sytech is here to help!
Our expert team knows everything about electrical enclosures and can help you design one that’s perfect for your application. Contact us and get a free quote for our services today.