Cabinets in Stainless Steel
cabinets for demanding industrial environments

Q: When are materials other than stainless steel more suitable?

Stainless steel cabinets are used when the environment has high demands on corrosion resistance, hygiene, or cleaning. However, in less demanding environments, other materials may be fully sufficient and more appropriate. Other materials can be a better choice when: installation takes place in dry and clean indoor environments, there are no special hygiene or corrosion requirements, low weight or easier processing is prioritized, the budget is limited and the environment is non-critical. In these cases, sheet metal cabinets or plastic enclosures often provide the same function, with easier handling and lower total cost.

Q: What is the difference between AISI 304 and AISI 316?

The choice between AISI 304 and AISI 316 is mainly about the corrosion environment: AISI 304 is the standard choice for most industrial and hygienic indoor environments. AISI 316 is used when an acid-resistant cabinet is required, for example when exposed to chlorides, chemicals or coastal environments. If the environment is uncertain or varies over time, the choice of material should be discussed before making a decision.

Cabinets in Stainless Steel are used when the environment places higher demands than what painted electrical cabinets can handle.
A stainless steel cabinet is common in food, process industries and outdoor installations where corrosion, hygiene or cleaning are crucial.
In some applications, acid-resistant enclosures are required to withstand chemical or coastal environments.

Explore our range of cabinets in stainless steel

Cabinet | E COR X

Stainless steel wall-mounted cabinet | AISI304L & AISI316L | Incl. Mounting plate | IP66

Cabinet | E COR-TX

Stainless steel wall-mounted cabinet | Integrated rain canopy | AISI304L & AISI316L | Incl. Mounting plate | IP66

Cabinet | E NUX X

Stainless steel floor-standing cabinet | AISI304L & AISI316L | Incl. Door & rear panel | IP55

Cabinet | E MOX X

Cabinet | E COMP X

Stainless steel Wall / Floor-standing cabinet | Stable monoblock construction | AISI304L & AISI316L | Incl. Mounting plate | IP55

Enclosure E GRAN X

Stainless steel junction box | With screwed-in panel | AISI304L &; AISI316L | Screwed cover | IP66 - IP69K

Related product areas

In many applications, there are more rational alternatives:

Sheet metal equipment cabinets → for dry industrial environments with normal requirements

Plastic enclosures → for chemically exposed environments or low mechanical stress

Cabinets & enclosures → overview of the entire range

Choosing not to use stainless steel can be just as right as choosing it.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Cabinets in Stainless Steel

When should you choose Cabinets in Stainless Steel?

Choose stainless steel when the installation is exposed to:

frequent cleaning, flushing or aggressive cleaning agents
high hygiene requirements, e.g. in the food, pharmaceutical or process industry
moisture, condensation or corrosive atmosphere
outdoor environments or coastal installations

Stainless steel is used when the surface layer, tightness and durability of the material are crucial for operational reliability over time.

When are materials other than stainless steel more suitable?

Stainless steel enclosures are used when the environment places high demands on corrosion resistance, hygiene or cleaning. However, in less demanding environments, other materials may be more suitable and appropriate.

Other materials may be a better choice when:

installation takes place in dry and clean indoor environments
no special hygiene or corrosion requirements exist
low weight or easier processing is prioritized
the budget is limited and the environment is uncritical

In these cases, cabinets in steel plate or plastic boxes often the same function, with easier handling and lower overall cost.

What is the difference between AISI 304 and AISI 316?

The choice between AISI 304 and AISI 316 is mainly about corrosion environment:

AISI 304 is the standard choice for most industrial and hygienic indoor environments.
AISI 316 used when an acid-resistant enclosure is required, for example when exposed to chlorides, chemicals or coastal environments.

If the environment is uncertain or variable over time, the choice of material should be discussed before making a decision.

IP rating for stainless steel enclosures – what does it mean in practice?

The IP rating determines how well the cabinet protects the equipment against dust, moisture and flushing.
In stainless steel applications, this is often linked to cleaning method and surrounding environment.