ENGINEERING & PERFORMANCE

Why the i-800 Incinerator Is Built to Perform — and Built to Save You Money

When choosing an incinerator, performance, durability, and value are key. The i-800 is a reliable, high-performing unit designed for repeated exposure to intense heat — without the price tag that often comes with Corten steel builds.

So why does the i-800 use 5mm mild steel? Here’s everything you need to know.

Fabrication and welding of the Inflame i-800 rural incinerator

Built from 5mm mild steel — for a reason

We’re often asked why the i-800 uses 5mm thick mild steel rather than Corten. The answer is simple: mild steel offers the best balance of heat resistance, cost efficiency, and maintainability for an incinerator.

Mild steel handles high heat exceptionally well. It retains approximately 60% of its yield strength at 538°C (1000°F). Its thermal conductivity is around 45 W/m·K, which helps ensure even heat distribution across the unit. Mild steel also expands and contracts uniformly under heat, minimizing the risk of warping or cracking over time.

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Excellent Heat Resistance Designed for repeated exposure to extreme operating temperatures.
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Even Heat Distribution Thermal conductivity around 45 W/m·K helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the unit.
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Reduced Risk of Warping Uniform expansion and contraction under heat helps minimise structural stress over time.

How mild steel helps keep the i-800 affordable

Choosing mild steel helps keep costs under control while still delivering a durable, high-performing product. Material cost savings range from 30% to 60% compared to Corten steel.

Mild steel is also easier to work with, which helps reduce welding time and labour costs. It doesn’t require specialised treatments or environmental conditions to maintain performance, further reducing production complexity and overall price.

These efficiencies translate directly into value for customers — making the i-800 a more accessible option without compromising on durability or real-world performance.

Proven durability in the field

The i-800 has proven itself in demanding real-world conditions. Customers consistently report excellent heat retention, efficient combustion, and strong resistance to structural fatigue.

Some users have noted up to a 15% improvement in combustion time efficiency and up to 20% less heat loss during operation compared to thinner-walled or alternative material units.

These real-use results demonstrate that the i-800 performs not just in theory, but in demanding day-to-day rural applications where reliability matters most.

Why not Corten steel?

Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is widely known for its rust-like protective patina and outdoor appearance. It’s commonly used in architectural and landscaping applications.

However, high-heat environments present very different operating conditions. The protective patina on Corten steel begins to deteriorate around 400°C, while incinerators regularly operate between approximately 600°C and 1,100°C.

Repeated exposure to flame and cooling methods such as water can compromise the protective surface layer over time, increasing the risk of corrosion in high-heat applications.

Corten steel is also significantly more expensive — often around 1.5 to 2.5 times the cost of mild steel per tonne. Given that its primary benefits do not extend to continuous high-heat applications, mild steel offers a more practical and cost-effective solution for incinerator use.

Built for performance, simplicity, and value

The i-800 combines heavy-duty construction, efficient airflow, and durable materials to deliver dependable operation across rural New Zealand.

Its straightforward design, strong high-heat performance, and practical pricing make it a reliable solution for farms, lifestyle blocks, orchards, and rural waste management applications.