Feature Enclosures


FIBOX’s Steve Gallon explains how enclosure manufacturers are meeting the growing demands of OEMs the industry.


he UK enclosures industry has changed out of all proportion during the last 30 years. Back in those days GRP was seen as an expensive alternative, specified by the large water and utility compa- nies. Similarly, the use of wall mounted plastic enclosures was basically limited to electrical con- tractors looking for the cheapest box, with PVC being the material of choice and invariably purchased from an electrical wholesaler. Although the sheet steel enclosure industry remains strong, the emer- gence of high grade thermoplastic enclosures as viable alternatives has completely changed the landscape of


Answering the demand for more T


Right and below: these days


These days there are a number of different factors that need to be taken into account before specifying an enclosure for any given applica- tion, such as environmental consid- erations which are now a high priority. And, in most cases, these decisions are made by a committee consisting of representatives from different disciplines within the com- pany - the value chain.


More than just a box


Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now demand far more from the enclosures they specify, which means that for the companies that


enclosure suppliers must be able to provide a


comprehensive customising service - from a simple hole for a cable gland or pushbutton to highly complex milling, corporate colours and graphics, internal bracketry and fixings - all these and much more are now the norm in the decision process of design and R&D engineers


manufacture them, a complete pack- age of products and services must be offered if the OEMs are to be served as efficiently as possible.


In the past the stigma relating to anything plastic proved restrictive. The perception was that if it was steel it was strong and would last. Recently the horrors of PVC have been exposed by the ROSH Directive but back then it was a case of Hobson’s choice. However, nowadays, high grade mate- rials such as polycarbonate and ABS are readily available to design and R&D engineers who are looking for more than just a box. IP, flammability and temperature ratings, UV stabilisa- tion, resistance to corrosion and ROHS compliance top the list of requirements.


The recent recession hit electrical and electronic manufacturing hard and cutbacks have seen many compa- nies looking to their enclosure sup- pliers to provide more than just the


Enclosures from the smallest to the largest.


ENCLOSURES POWER DISTRIBUTION CLIMATE CONTROL


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