Octopus TV enclosures produces 95% of all TV enclosures in steel. The reason for this is strength and durability. Due to the weight of the TV inside the enclosure, steel has been preferred. However demand has also requested TV enclosures to be near salt water, therefore aluminium is required OR wash down industrial manufacturing has requested stainless.
Here’s a detailed comparison of steel sheet metal, aluminum, and stainless steel:
1. Composition
- Steel Sheet Metal: Made of iron and carbon, with other elements depending on the grade. Often plain or galvanized (coated with zinc to resist corrosion).
- Aluminum: A lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its corrosion resistance due to an oxide layer that forms naturally.
- Stainless Steel: An alloy of iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium, which provides excellent corrosion resistance.
2. Strength and Durability
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Strong and durable, suitable for structural applications.
- Less corrosion-resistant compared to aluminum or stainless steel.
- Aluminum:
- Lighter but not as strong as steel.
- Good strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for lightweight applications.
- Stainless Steel:
- Stronger than aluminum and most standard steels.
- Excellent durability and wear resistance.
3. Corrosion Resistance
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Prone to rust unless coated or painted.
- Galvanized steel offers better rust protection.
- Aluminum:
- Naturally corrosion-resistant due to its oxide layer.
- Performs well in salty or moist environments.
- Stainless Steel:
- Extremely corrosion-resistant, especially grades with higher chromium or nickel (e.g., 304 or 316).
- Ideal for harsh or marine environments.
4. Weight
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Heavier than aluminum.
- Aluminum:
- Lightweight (about 1/3 the weight of steel) makes it suitable for transportation and aerospace industries.
- Stainless Steel:
- Heavier than aluminum but comparable to regular steel.
5. Cost
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Generally the most affordable option.
- Aluminum:
- More expensive than steel due to the complex extraction process.
- Stainless Steel:
- More expensive than regular steel due to added chromium and nickel.
6. Applications
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Construction, automotive, and general fabrication (when weight isn’t a concern).
- Aluminum:
- Aerospace, transportation, packaging, and decorative applications due to its lightweight and corrosion resistance.
- Stainless Steel:
- Food processing equipment, medical devices, architecture, and marine applications for its strength and resistance to corrosion and staining.
7. Workability
- Steel Sheet Metal:
- Easy to weld, form, and work with.
- Aluminum:
- Softer, easier to cut, and shape but more challenging to weld.
- Stainless Steel:
- Harder to work with compared to regular steel or aluminum due to its strength and tendency to work-harden.
