STI Enclosure Materials Catalog
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| Enclosure Material | Composition | Construction | Typical Installation | Environmental Considerations | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate | Thermoplastic polymer | Thermoset | Indoor and outdoor | Greater impact and UV Restance than fiberglass. | Light weight, will not dent, easy to modify, modifications more accurate than fiberglass, no touchup after cutting or drilling. Does not block RF. | Extended UV exposure can cause yellowing. Requires accessories for heat transfer. Low scratch resistance. |
| Fiberglass | Glass reinforced polyester | Thermoset | Indoor and outdoor | Lightweight and corrosion resistant. |
Light weight, will not dent, easy to modify,
no touchup after cutting or drilling. Does not block RF. |
Extendended UV exposure tends to fade color |
| Carbon Steel | Typically hot or cold rolled steel | Formed sheet steel with welded seams | Primarily Indoor | Typically powder coated surface offers limited resistance to corrosives | High strength. Carries heavier loads. Least expensive enclosure option. | Modifications can be difficult and require touchup to prevent corrosion. Requires accessories for heat transfer. Can be dented. |
| 304 Stainless Steel |
Approximately 8-10.5% nickel and
18-20% chromium by weight. Also contains manganese, silicon and carbon |
Formed sheet steel with welded seams | washdowns, inddor and outdoor applications | Increased resistance to oxidation and most solvents, alkalis and some acids comparted to carbon steel |
High strength. Carries heavier loads.
Corrosion resistant. |
Dents easily. Difficult to cut and drill. Expensive. |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Same as 304 stainless steel, but also molybdenum | Formed sheet steel with welded seams |
Indoor and outdaoor use.
High thermal conductivity |
Addition of molybdenium greatly increases corrosive resistance including chlorine, sea water, sulfates, bromides. | High strength. Carries heavier loads. High corrosion resistance. |
Dents easily. Difficult to cut and drill.
Most expensive enclosure option. |
STI Enclosures • 2306 Airport Road, Waterford, MI 48327 • P: 248-673-9898 • F: 248-673-1246 • www.sti-usa.com