Choosing Mounting Brackets and Housings for Harsh Service

Housing and Bracket Materials for Daily Washdown and Salt Exposure

Machines that are washed daily or operate near salt require materials that resist corrosion and maintain structural integrity. SUNLITEC uses 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, and 6063 aluminum for housings and brackets in harsh environments. 316 stainless steel is preferred for marine or coastal applications due to its higher resistance to chloride-induced pitting. 304 stainless steel is suitable for general washdown conditions. 6063 aluminum offers a lightweight alternative with good corrosion resistance when paired with powder coating.

Why Material Choice Matters on Heavy Machinery

On vehicles like forklifts, excavators, and cranes that are exposed to water, chemicals, and salt, material degradation can lead to bracket failure or housing leaks. A bracket made of untreated steel may rust within weeks. A 316 stainless steel bracket maintains strength and appearance over time, even after repeated washdowns. The die-cast aluminum housing with powder coating provides a durable, non-conductive surface that resists chipping and corrosion.

Lens and Sealing for Wet and Dirty Environments

All housings with IP67 or IP68 ratings use polycarbonate lenses that are resistant to impact and UV degradation. The IP69 rating is used on models designed for high-pressure washdowns, such as those on cleaning vehicles or mining machinery.

Matching Material to Machine Type and Environment

For daily washdowns on forklifts or buses, use 304 stainless steel brackets with IP68-rated housings. For marine or coastal applications like vessels or offshore cranes, use 316 stainless steel brackets and housings with IP69 protection. For inland mining or construction equipment, 6063 aluminum with powder coating is sufficient and reduces weight without sacrificing durability.

Testing for Real-World Durability

SUNLITEC tests all housing and bracket assemblies in-house using a salt spray corrosion testing chamber, vibration test machine, and high-low temperature alternating hot and humid chamber. These tests simulate real-world conditions over time.

How to Specify Materials in Your Purchase Order

When ordering, specify the housing material (304 stainless, 316 stainless, 6063 aluminum), bracket material (stainless steel, aluminum), lens type (polycarbonate), and sealing rating (IP67, IP68, IP69). All SUNLITEC product pages list these fields, so you can copy them directly into your specification without interpretation.