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Stainless steel finishes in electrical enclosures: protection and design in the service of industrial efficiency

20 January 2025
Stainless steel finishes in electrical enclosures: protection and design in the service of industrial efficiency

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for electrical enclosures due to its corrosion resistance, robustness and ease of sanitisation.

However, an element that is often underestimated, but crucial for optimal performance, is the choice of surface finish.

Indeed, stainless steel finishes not only influence the aesthetic appearance of electrical enclosures, but also determine important functional characteristics, such as protection against chemicals and moisture, electrostatic dissipation and ease of cleaning.

Why is the finish crucial for electrical enclosures?

The different surface finishes of stainless steel offer specific advantages:

  • Corrosion protection: certain finishes increase resistance to external agents, ensuring a longer switchboard life.
  • Reduction of electrostatic risk: in environments with a high electrostatic charge, specific finishes minimise the risk of dust or spark build-up.
  • Ease of sanitising: smooth, non-porous surfaces are essential in sectors requiring impeccable hygiene, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
  • Aesthetics: the appearance of the electrical enclosure can be a determining factor in environments where design matters.

 

Main finishes for stainless steel electrical enclosures
MATT FINISH (2B)

Manufactured by cold rolling and pickling, it has a smooth matt surface It offersexcellent corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning and workability, making it ideal for general industrial environments, food and pharmaceutical equipment

SATIN FINISH (SN)

This semi-gloss finish, achieved by brushing, combines aesthetics and practicality It is resistant to scratches and fingerprints, making it perfect for visible applications such as exterior panels of machinery and electrical enclosures in environments with high hygienic requirements.

SCOTCH-BRITE FINISH (SB)

With a slightly rough texture, this finish offers increased wear resistance and improved grip It is suitable for use in aggressive environments, such as chemical or industrial environments, where robustness and a technical appearance are required.

GLOSSY FINISH (BA)

With a highly reflective and smooth surface, this finish is appreciated for its sleek and modern design. However, it requires more maintenance to avoid halos or fingerprints It is used in high-end aesthetic applications or in controlled environments where hygiene is paramount.

Main surface treatments of stainless steel
DECAPING

Chemical removal of surface oxides and impurities resulting from machining.

  • Advantages: Restores the corrosion resistance of the steel. Uniform, contamination-free surface. Ideal for aggressive or humid environments.
  • Area of use: Electrical enclosures used in chemical, marine or industrial environments with a high risk of exposure to corrosive substances.
PASSIVATION

Chemical treatment that increases the natural oxide protective layer of steel.

  • Advantages: Further improves corrosion resistance. Protects against chemical contamination. No aesthetic changes to the surface.
  • Area of use: Sectors such as food, pharmaceutical and chemical, where steel must maintain its protective properties in sterile environments.
ELECTROPOLISHING

Electrochemical treatment that makes the surface extremely smooth and shiny.

  • Advantages: Maximum resistance to corrosion. Reduction of friction and impurities, facilitating cleaning. Elegant and professional aesthetic appearance.
  • Area of use: Electrical enclosures for sectors with very high hygiene requirements, such as food, pharmaceutical and biomedical, or for applications with high aesthetic demands.
SANDBLASTING

Mechanical treatment using abrasive particles to matt the surface.

  • Advantages: Uniform matt surface with a fine texture. Removes surface contamination and imperfections. Good scratch resistance.
  • Area of use: Applications in industrial environments where a technical appearance without aesthetic priorities is required.

How to choose the right finish?

The choice depends on a combination of factors:

  • Environment of use: in humid or chemically aggressive places, opt for resistant finishes such as pickled.
  • Hygienic requirements: sectors such as pharmaceuticals require smooth surfaces for ease of sanitisation.
  • Aesthetics: the finish must blend harmoniously with its surroundings.
  • Regulations: regulations can influence the choice of finish to ensure compliance.

 

The benefits of quality finishes for productivity and safety

An electrical enclosure with a well-chosen finish offers:

  • Increased durability and reduced maintenance costs.
  • Improved operational safety through resistance to external agents.
  • A well-kept appearance that can reflect the excellence of your industrial plant.

 

Why choose Irinox for your electrical enclosures?

Irinox solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of each industrial application.

Visit our section dedicated to stainless steel electrical enclosures to find out more about the finishes available and the characteristics of our products.

 

Request a personalised consultation

Do not hesitate to contact our team of experts for support in choosing the ideal product.

We are ready to answer all your questions and guide you towards the most suitable solution for your needs.