Feature Specifying enclosures


The internal design of an enclosure is just as important as the external dimensions


which can be accessed separately. Following many years working with


rounding off the corners and producing edges which feature a


slight curve, the products will fit comfortably in the hand. Equally, manufacturers may reduce the width and depth of the product to allow the thumb of the hand holding the device a wider range of movement. Slightly more difficult to accommo- date are desktop enclosures which may be required to sit in many differ- ent locations or offer varying viewing angles. A standard solution for many manufacturers is to offer a traditional rectangular ‘box’ or a custom solution to create a bespoke shape for the OEM’s application.


Bespoke tooling can, however, be


costly, and typically results in increased lead times. Retex UK has therefore developed an extended range of desktop solutions to accommodate the majority of industry requirements. This includes instrument cases with


retractable feet, so the enclosure can either lie flat on a surface or at an angle, and sloping enclosures with a viewing


OEM’s, Retex offers a range of internal ‘maps’ for each of its product series, meaning the majority of designs can be accommodated within the product range. Options include PCB mounts integrated into the internal enclosure wall which allow the card to simply slide into place, and battery compart- ments with separation walls for AA or AAA or a PP3 battery, for example. Finally, it is best to find a manufac- turer that can act as a specification partner rather than simply a supplier, and speak to them about your design and ask how different products might suit your needs. While customisation is a fantastic way of tweaking a design to your needs, finding a standard prod- uct which closely matches them in the


‘Some projects may justify a bespoke enclosure but the majority won’t, so it is vital that designers and production teams have an understanding of how an existing enclosure design could meet their needs’


panel which is raised at a second, steeper angle.


The internal design


The internal design of an enclosure is just as important as the external dimen- sions, as it ultimately determines the suitability of a product to an applica- tion. Different fixing points will be required depending on the internal wiring of the product. For instance, there may be a requirement to fix a terminal block in place or to securely mount a PCB. Battery powered applica- tions may also require compartments


first place will save you time and money further down the line.


Retex UK T: 01933 234400 www.retexuk.com


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IT INFRASTRUCTURE


SOFTWARE & SERVICES www.rittal.co.uk


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