304 vs 316 Stainless Steel PC Enclosures: Which Is Best for Food Manufacturing?

What’s the Difference Between 316 and 304 Stainless Steel?

Both grade 316 and 304 stainless steel belong to the austenitic class of stainless steels. They look near-identical and have similar levels of nickel and chromium, which gives them exceptional toughness, durability and resistance to environmental hazards.

Grade 304 is the world’s most widely used form of stainless steel and is found in standard household appliances, commercial kitchen equipment and interior design applications. Grade 316, on the other hand, is typically reserved for more heavy-duty applications that require proven protection from harsh substances.

The reason for this is 316 stainless steel’s 2-3% molybdenum content, which allows it to offer enhanced resistance to acid, chloride and chemical corrosion by reinforcing the strength of its self-healing passive chromium layer. This makes grade 316 much more suitable for use in acidic, high-salinity food manufacturing facilities as well as marine and coastal environments and pharmaceutical production plants.

As it offers superior damage resistance to grade 304, products made from 316 stainless steel are typically more expensive. However, in many cases, the larger upfront cost is offset by its long-term value: because 316 stainless steel can endure harsher conditions, it tends to last much longer than lower-grade alternatives.

Why Use IP65 316 Stainless Steel PC Enclosures in Food Manufacturing?

Molybdenum’s presence in 316 stainless steel means that computer enclosures made from this material can perform effectively in food production plants, providing protective PC housing that won’t degrade upon contact with corrosive agents or cause disastrous contamination issues.

This gives manufacturers the confidence their equipment will continue to perform as expected in all conditions without impacting the safety of the production line.

Corrosion Resistance

The salts, brines and washdown chemicals found in food processing environments can wear down 304 stainless steel’s passive chromium layer, triggering breakdown and decay.

The addition of molybdenum to 316 stainless steel transforms this thin self-healing film into a resilient barrier that is much more difficult for corrosive elements to attack. Its presence speeds up the time it takes for the passive layer to heal after exposure to aggressive contaminants, which stops rust and crevices from forming on equipment surfaces.

This valuable trait means that 316 stainless steel computer enclosures have a superior lifespan to protective units made from lower grades, giving them the ability to safeguard enclosed hardware and ensure manufacturing efficiency for a longer period of time.

Hygiene Assured

Over time, acids, chlorides and chemicals can combine to create microscopic holes (pits) within equipment made from 304 stainless steel and other less well protected metals. These crevices quickly become traps for organic food debris, which can often be impossible for sanitisers and cleaning tools to penetrate.

Hidden foodstuffs allow bacteria such as listeria, salmonella and E. coli to breed and multiply, forming a protective biofilm that is highly resistant to disinfectants. Deploying 316 stainless steel enclosures that resists attack from acids, chemicals and chlorides minimises these bacterial risks, reducing the possibility of emergency line stoppages, decontamination procedures and product recalls that can cost manufacturers money and compromise public health.

Improved Equipment Visibility and Performance

The chemical composition of 316 stainless steel helps PC enclosures made from this material to act as a solid barrier against harmful contaminants. When combined with other key features, this ensures that equipment enclosed within these cabinets performs reliably in all conditions and can be easily accessed by frontline workers.

An axial fan recirculates air around the enclosure to prevent the build-up of heat and maximise hardware longevity, with the option to add a 150w anti-condensation heater to protect computer performance in cool conditions. A polycarbonate window provides a clear view of enclosed monitors, making it easy for operators to access essential information and complete data input tasks without opening the enclosure.

Water-repellent gasket seals create a durable elastomeric barrier that protects the units from the ingress of moisture and dirt, preventing equipment from experiencing irreparable damage that can force production lines to a standstill.

What Types of Corrosion Resistant Computer Enclosures are Available?

Armagard 316 stainless steel enclosures can protect a range of essential shop floor computer equipment, providing coverage for computers, displays and printers in various sizes:

• Waterproof Industrial Computer Enclosure: The waterproof industrial computer enclosure uses food-grade 316 stainless steel to protect an enclosed PC and widescreen monitor up to 22". Rated to IP65, it safeguards equipment in temperatures from -5°C to +40°C and can be wall or stand mounted for reliable visibility.
• Waterproof Industrial Computer Workstation: Compatible with VESA monitors up to 24", the IP65 waterproof industrial computer workstation protects PCs and screens in washdown settings. It features space for a keyboard shelf, sliding keyboard tray or integrated membrane IP65 keyboard, allowing frontline workers to carry out everyday data entry tasks with ease.
• Food Manufacturing Digital Signage Cabinet: The food manufacturing digital signage cabinet enables plant managers to improve communication across the factory floor. They can be used to display crucial performance metrics and important updates, giving operators consistent visibility of production line efficiency.
• Stainless Steel IP69K Monitor: Rated to IP69K for high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns, the stainless steel IP69K monitor guarantees exception display durability in the most challenging environments.
• Waterproof Printer Enclosure: This stainless steel label printer enclosure enables factory operatives to print and retrieve labels without leaving the shop floor. It is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, and can be mounted on a stand/trolley, floor standing enclosure or suitable stable surface.

Why Choose Armagard for Stainless Steel Computer Enclosures?

Since 1991, Armagard has specialised in the design and manufacture of protective enclosures for PCs, displays, printers and more. Our IP65 rated stainless steel cabinets are used by many leading food manufacturers such as Mars, Kellogg’s and Rossdown Farms, keeping plant equipment performing reliably in more than 50 countries.

When you partner with us, you will benefit from over 30 years of industry experience as well as a market-leading five-year warranty and lifetime technical support from friendly, helpful and informed staff who will work alongside you to find the best solution for your needs.

Looking to invest in a 316 stainless steel enclosure for your food production facility? Get in touch with a member of our team today.