The first thought that probably comes to mind when faced with the difficulty of buying a corrosive cabinet is: Should I get a plastic cabinet or a steel cabinet? So relax, a few really basic criteria could determine this choice. We’ll offer you some helpful advice and assist you in making a selection that will be a wise long-term investment.
Corrosive Steel Cabinets
corrosive for steel The size of a dangerous goods cabinet can range from 30 to 250 litres, and it is frequently made of galvanised steel that has been epoxy- or powder-coated. These cheaper cabinets are almost entirely made of steel and come in a variety of styles. These are more frequently utilised for poisonous, oxidising, and flammable compounds.
Corrosive Plastic Cabinets
Hazardous Plastic Goods Typically composed of polypropylene, cabinets have a capacity range of 30 to 250 litres. The more expensive choice is plastic cabinets, which can cost up to 50% more than metal cabinets. Plastic cabinets do have some significant advantages over metal cabinets, as we will examine later, but there are certain things to bear in mind.
The greatest option for my facility
Plastic Cabinets – When storing corrosive materials, a 100% plastic cabinet is without a doubt the ideal option for your facility if you’re searching for a high return on investment. A plastic cabinet’s higher price may be difficult to justify at first, but you should expect it to survive at least twice as long as a steel cabinet used to store corrosive materials. However, polypropylene, the material used to make plastic cabinets, can survive strong acids and bases directly on the surface for extended periods of time without significantly discolouring.
Steel Cabinets – While a plastic cabinet is undoubtedly the finest option, there are times when a steel cabinet is the only option due to financial constraints. Corrosive materials can still be stored in steel cabinets, but you must take into account the lower lifespan of the cabinet. Depending on how many acids and bases are stored within, a metal cabinet can last 4 to 8 years. On epoxy and powder coatings, acids and bases can be particularly corrosive. Once the surface has cracked, chemical vapours can hasten the oxidation process and cause rusting to occur quickly, especially in the hinges, locks, and closing mechanism. When selecting your choice, be sure to take this loss in longevity into account.
Is it entirely plastic?
Make sure the plastic cabinet you are buying is 100% plastic before making the purchase. Even though plastic may have been advertised, make sure it is! A plastic cabinet’s lifespan may be shortened by any steel components, whether they are within or outside. Asking the provider the inquiry is nothing to be afraid of. A cabinet is only as sturdy as its weakest point, so make sure there isn’t any steel in the handles, locks, closing mechanisms, or hinges. Spending more money on a plastic cabinet and then having the hinges and handles rust within a few years is the absolute last thing you want.
Appearance
There is a propensity to lean toward the white and greys if you want to create a tidy, bright, and modern facility. A steel cabinet comes in a wide variety of colours since the steel has been coated with the colour. Contrary to popular misconception, a cabinet is not need to follow any specific colour scheme. Although it’s common to see yellow for burning items and blue for corrosive ones, you aren’t actually compelled to use those particular colours for each class of dangerous goods. This provides you the freedom to select a cabinet that complements your lab and is more aesthetically pleasing. White is a fantastic colour for a steel cabinet because it complements modern facilities and looks beautiful wherever.
Contrarily, plastic is typically found in shades of grey or black. In a lab setting, light grey looks fantastic and helps draw attention to the DG diamonds.
Conclusion
Plastic cabinets are by far the finest option if you want to maximise your investment. Metal cabinets might be the best option if you have a tight budget and don’t mind a shorter lifespan. Both are effective, but the longevity should be the primary factor.
If you would like to learn more details about Steel Cabinet, kindly schedule a call with specialist of Lenchong to clarify to solve your doubt.
