Enclosure Materials
B&R Enclosures supply a wide range of enclosures manufactured from various materials. Material selection depends on the application, environment and expected service life.
Site-specific conditions can significantly influence material choice. Where possible, selection should be based on the performance of similar materials in comparable environments. The following information is provided as general guidance only.
Stainless Steel
B&R manufactures enclosures from 316-grade stainless steel, offering excellent resistance to saltwater and harsh environmental conditions. These enclosures typically provide the longest service life while maintaining structural integrity and appearance.
316 stainless steel also delivers an attractive, premium finish. B&R enclosures feature a specialised N4 surface finish, designed to minimise corrosion and provide a clean, brushed-metal aesthetic.
Steel
Steel enclosures are suitable for applications with minimal corrosion risk or where enclosures may be subject to scratching or physical damage. They are strong and robust, however, once the powdercoated surface is damaged, steel can become susceptible to environmental corrosion.
Aluminium
Powdercoated aluminium offers improved corrosion resistance compared to steel and can be considered the next step up in performance. It provides better resistance in saltwater environments but is generally not recommended where strong alkalis are present.
Aluminium is well suited to remote or difficult-to-access locations due to its lighter weight, often allowing for manual installation without mechanical lifting equipment.
Plastic
Plastic enclosures are commonly used for applications with minimal structural requirements or where corrosion would be problematic for metal enclosures. They provide a versatile and cost-effective solution.
However, plastic enclosures are not as strong as metal alternatives, have limited size options for industrial applications, and can be susceptible to degradation from prolonged UV exposure.
Understanding Our Material Options
Indoor – No Gas, Chemicals or Fine Dust
Most enclosure materials are suitable for clean indoor environments. Selection should be based on:
-
Equipment requirements
-
IP rating (dust and water ingress protection)
Recommended materials (cost-effective):
-
Plastic
-
Zinc-coated steel
Indoor – Gas, Chemical Contaminants or Fine Dust Present
Chemical exposure varies by substance and materials can react differently.
Recommended material:
-
316 stainless steel – suitable for most chemical environments and ideal where fine dust is present to minimise corrosion risk.
Hazardous Areas
If the area is classified as hazardous (potentially explosive):
-
An explosion-proof or increased safety enclosure may be required.
-
These are typically high-grade stainless steel.
-
Ensure the enclosure is certified for hazardous areas.
Outdoor – No Gas, Chemicals or Fine Dust
Suitable materials:
-
Aluminium
-
Zinc-coated steel
-
Plastic (UV exposure may cause discolouration but does not affect structural integrity)
Outdoor – High Salt Deposition (Non-Coastal)
Common in mining and industrial regions, these environments pose a high corrosion risk.
Recommended material:
-
316 stainless steel – provides superior corrosion resistance compared to mild steel or lower-grade stainless.
Coastal – High Salt Deposition
Coastal environments present a significant corrosion risk due to chloride attack from saltwater. Incorrect material selection often leads to premature failure.
Recommended material:
-
316 stainless steel – best suited for coastal conditions, depending on local salt deposition levels.
Standards & Installation Guidance:
-
AS 2699.1 specifies stainless steel for areas with salt deposition exceeding 60 mg/m²/day.
-
Mount enclosures to maximise natural rain washdown.
-
If washdown is not possible, regular cleaning is required.
Alternative:
-
Aluminium offers good corrosion resistance but provides less protection against tea-staining than stainless steel.
At B&R, we select only high-quality materials for our enclosures. This ensures long-term performance, durability and confidence in both our products and our manufacturing standards.
316 Stainless Steel
316 stainless steel is valued for its:
-
Exceptional corrosion resistance
-
High structural strength
-
Clean, professional appearance
Its naturally occurring chromium-rich oxide layer provides superior protection, making it ideal for coastal, high-salinity, and hygienic environments.
Key applications:
-
Coastal and marine environments
-
Food processing and washdown areas
-
Environments exposed to organic and inorganic chemicals
B&R uses only premium-grade 316 stainless steel, supported by advanced manufacturing and finishing techniques.
We are proudly accredited by the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA).
For more information, visit assda.asn.au.
Surface Finish
Our stainless steel enclosures are finished to enhance both appearance and performance.
-
N4 surface finish
-
Maximum Ra 0.4 μm
This low surface roughness improves corrosion resistance and makes cleaning easier, particularly important in coastal and food-grade environments.
Tea Staining
Tea staining is a surface discolouration commonly seen in high-salinity areas. While it may affect appearance, it does not compromise structural integrity.
Learn more at xxxx
Zinc Coated Steel
Zinc coated steel is primarily used in our B&R branded enclosure range. It features a hot-dipped zinc–iron alloy base that, when combined with pretreatment and powdercoating, delivers excellent corrosion protection.
Pre-Treatment Process
All zinc coated steel enclosures undergo a controlled, automated pre-treatment process following fabrication:
-
Alkaline cleaning
-
Freshwater rinse
-
Iron phosphate coating
-
Freshwater rinse
-
Demineralised water with polymer additive
Titration testing is performed to ensure compliance with required specifications.
Powdercoat Finish
Our powdercoat system is designed for durability and consistency:
-
Average thickness:
-
100 μm (ripple finish)
-
70 μm (gloss finish)
-
-
Minimum thickness:
-
60 μm external
-
25 μm internal
-
-
Fully compliant with AS/NZS 4506:1998
Testing & Quality Assurance
All powdercoat finishes are rigorously tested to Australian Standards to ensure colour consistency, adhesion and durability:
-
Coating thickness – AS 1580.108.1:1994
-
Cure / solvent resistance – AS/NZS 4506:1998
-
Adhesion (cross-cut) – AS/NZS 1580.408.4:1993
-
Colour matching – AS 2700:1996