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Aluminium vs Steel Enclosures: Pick the Right Box for the Job, Not Just the Look

Aluminium vs Steel Enclosures: Pick the Right Box for the Job, Not Just the Look

22/05/2025

Whether you’re protecting switchgear, wiring up an EV charger, or mounting comms gear out in the sticks — choosing between aluminium and steel enclosures can make or break your install. At Smart Vietnam, we custom-build both. Here's how they stack up — no fluff, just the facts.

Aluminium Enclosures – Light, Rustproof & Ready for the Outdoors

If you’re working coastal, remote, or anywhere soggy, aluminium’s your best mate. It’s light, doesn’t rust, and looks sharp. We use proper marine-grade aluminium, so it holds up in tough conditions.

Top Picks:

  • High-grade aluminium – checker plate or smooth

  • Thicknesses: 1.5mm to 3.0mm

  • Naturally rust-free – no dramas near the beach

  • Great for solar gear, EV chargers, comms boxes

  • Easy to lift, mount, and won’t bust your back

Spot-on for:

Outdoor setups, humid zones, coastal jobs, electrical & data gear

 

Steel Enclosures – Solid, Secure & Tough as Nails

When strength’s your top priority, go steel. These are built from mild or galvanised steel, with up to 4.0mm thickness for extra grunt. Perfect for factories, workshops, or anywhere gear cops a beating.

Top Picks:

  • Mild or galvanised steel – built thick

  • Thicknesses: 1.5mm to 4.0mm

  • Powder-coated or zinc-plated for rust resistance

  • Handles impacts, vandalism, and heavy mounting gear

  • Best for indoor switchboards, machine panels, server racks

Spot-on for:

Workshops, factories, warehouses, plant rooms, high-security installs

 

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Aluminium Enclosure Steel Enclosure
Weight Light as – easy to lift & install Heavy – solid and secure
Rust Resistance Top notch – doesn’t rust, no worries Good with coating – but don’t scratch it
Strength Tough enough for most jobs Built like a tank – handles knocks & rough treatment
Heat Handling Great for electronics – disperses heat well Warms up faster – not ideal for heat-sensitive gear
Security Good, but lighter build High – hard to break into, tamper-proof
Mounting Easy to wall or pole mount Better for floor or frame-mounted setups
Looks Sleek, clean, modern Industrial, rugged, business-first
Best Use Outdoor electrical, solar, data, EV charging Indoor panels, server boxes, plant control systems

 

So, What’s the Verdict?

  • Go Aluminium if you're outdoors, near the ocean, or working with lightweight setups.

  • Go Steel if you’re on-site, in a factory, or protecting heavy, high-voltage gear.

Simple as that.

 

Why Pick Smart Vietnam?

We don’t just bend metal – we build fit-for-purpose enclosures that last.

  • Custom sizes, knockouts, cut-outs, mounting holes
  • IP-rated builds for weather protection
  • Powder coat or raw finish – up to you
  • Built tough, shipped fast, backed by real service

Need help picking the right box?

Give the team at Smart Vietnam a bell — we’ll get you sorted with a custom enclosure that works as hard as you do.

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