SPCC vs SGCC: Which Steel for Your Enclosure?

Compare cold rolled and galvanized steel, and when to choose each.

Two common steel choices for enclosures: SPCC (cold rolled) and SGCC (galvanized)

SPCC: smooth, dark gray surface

Easy to bend, weld, paint

But rusts quickly if uncoated

Always powder coat or plate

SGCC: zinc-coated silver surface

Corrosion resistant even without paint

But harder to weld (zinc fumes), and powder coating adhesion is weaker

When to choose SPCC: indoor enclosures that will be powder coated

This is the default for 90% of cabinets

When to choose SGCC: outdoor enclosures that won't be painted, or where you want galvanized rust protection under paint

Cost: SPCC is cheaper, SGCC about 20% more

At Yiguangnian, we default to SPCC + powder coating for most enclosures, and recommend SGCC only for specific outdoor applications.