Metal Materials
Cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC): Typically 1.2-2.5mm thick (refer to GB/T 708-2019), galvanized or powder-coated, low cost and high strength (tensile strength ≥270MPa), suitable for industrial-grade electrical cabinets, but attention must be paid to rust prevention in humid environments.
Stainless steel (e.g., 304/316L): Excellent corrosion resistance (316L salt spray test can reach over 1000 hours), but higher cost (approximately 3-5 times that of cold-rolled steel sheet), mostly used in highly corrosive environments such as chemical plants and coastal areas.
Aluminum alloy (5052/6061): Lightweight (density 2.7g/cm³), good heat dissipation, but weaker load-bearing capacity, suitable for light-duty distribution cabinets or high-frequency equipment cabinets.
Non-metallic Materials
Engineering Plastics (PC/ABS): Excellent insulation properties (volume resistivity > 10¹⁵ Ω·cm), but poor high-temperature resistance (long-term operating temperature < 120℃), commonly used for low-voltage distribution box enclosures.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP): Strength close to steel (tensile strength 300-500 MPa), and resistant to acids and alkalis, but expensive, mostly used in specialized industries such as rail transportation.
Emerging Materials Trends and Environmental Requirements
With the popularization of green manufacturing concepts, the following development trends are emerging in electrical cabinet materials:
Recyclable Composite Materials: Such as recycled polycarbonate, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining mechanical properties.
Lightweight Design: Achieving a 20%-30% weight reduction through structural optimizations such as honeycomb aluminum panels (Data source: *China Chassis and Cabinet Technology White Paper 2023*).
Fire Resistance Upgrades: Some industries have already required cabinet materials to meet the UL94 V-0 flame retardant rating, promoting the application of flame-retardant engineering plastics.