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Selecting hardware finishes compatible with carbon steel enclosures

I am not very experienced in using low carbon steel as structure for electronic enclosure (about 3 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft). We need to insert some PEM (press in, self clinching stud) hardware for mounting purpose. We are planning to build 10 of such enclosures with total about 200 PEM hardware used. I have a problem to choose the material for the PEM. They have stainless steel and carbon steel with either passivated or zinc plating available. Can you recommend what material and plating should be used. Is there any plating need to be applied on the carbon steel enclosure? The enclosure will be used in tropical area in Asia with location near the sea.

Thanks in advance for your help.

John landre
Electronics mfgr - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2003

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Starting with the enclosure issue, carbon steel will quickly corrode unless it is protected with plating and/or paint. One or the other is absolutely required. Zinc plated PEMS would be the best bet, and if the enclosure is also zinc plated there would be no galvanic corrosion issue.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003