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55thanniversary


electronics and electrical equipment is increasingly installed in factory environments, protection from accidental impacts has become increasingly important. If so, metal enclosures typically offer better mechanical protection than plastic ones. Will the ingress of dust and water be


something to be considered? If so, then the enclosure should offer a minimum sealing level of IP65 as specified in IEC 60529. However, the trend towards higher IP ratings ‘just in case’ can lead to over-specification and therefore unnecessary additional cost. Are there likely to be oil and chemicals


present? Good corrosion resistance requires enclosure materials such as stainless steel or GRP. Are particularly high or low temperatures expected? The operating temperature range of different materials is another thing to consider when specifying the project’s enclosure.


EnclosurE matErials The main choice is between ABS and polycarbonate plastic, aluminium, stainless steel and GRP. Polycarbonate and GRP are better for outdoor use because of their high resistance to UV embrittlement and colour fading. Aluminium enclosures are either die-cast or


extruded. Aluminium is robust, non-corrosive, lightweight, non-magnetic, easily machined, gives good impact resistance and is electrically conductive. For applications where protection against shock damage is important, where EMC is likely to be an issue or where high temperatures, dust or water are expected to be present, an aluminium enclosure is often the preferred choice. Stainless steel is particularly suited for


use in pharmaceutical and food processing plants, where its cleanability, strength, and corrosion resistance are beneficial. It also has high impact resistance. GRP is lightweight, stronger than many


metals, non-magnetic, non-conductive and it is chemically inert.


EnclosurE modifications While standard products have many benefits such as field-proven designs, good availability and no up-front


NRE costs, they will inevitably need to be modified for use in a project. The project developer has three choices. Purchase standard products and undertake


the modifications in-house. However, many electronic OEMs may not have the plant, equipment, expertise or interest in undertaking machining, printing and painting procedures in their own premises. If there is in-house capability, to modify the housing as a part of the overall assembly process could be the best way to proceed. Unfortunately, more standard units than are actually wanted will have to be purchased to allow for set-up procedures, prototypes and wastage. Purchase standard products and outsource the


modifications to external contractors. There are additional costs, time penalties and logistical complications associated with managing the process of sub-contracting, often to multiple suppliers, potentially further increasing the final cost as each process will require extra units to allow for first-offs and set up wastage. Use the original enclosure manufacturer


to modify the standard product. By far the most cost- and time-effective option is for the original manufacturer to provide a modified version of a standard enclosure, configured to meet the specific requirements of the project. The enclosure manufacturer will have the specialised production equipment to undertake any modifications that will be required. There is no need to over-order to allow for set-up and wastage quantities. It is certainly of great benefit to involve the standard enclosure manufacturer as early as possible in the development cycle so that unachievable modifications are not required – holes too close together is a basic example. Hammond, in common with many other


enclosure manufacturers, offers in-house modification capability in a wide range of processes. • Precision CNC Milling of holes, cut-outs, pockets, tapping and countersinking.


• UV digital flat and embossed printing. • Engraving of logos and text in both plastic and metal.


• Pressed in hardware: nuts, studs and standoffs. • Custom moulding colours. All ABS, flame retardant ABS and polycarbonate enclosures can be moulded in any custom colour subject to a minimum order quantity.


• Custom painted colours – powder coating in either smooth or textured finish. In addition to the in-house capability, service is another key focus. To specify the modifications


required, customers can download PDF drawings or 2D and 3D CAD


files for all products from www.hammondmfg.com. The required modifications are marked up on the drawings and returned. A quote is prepared and upon receipt of order, approval samples are produced. Once the samples are accepted, volume


A Hammond machined and printed enclosure


www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


production starts. This streamlined process reduces dwell time and removes possible errors if information from a customer drawing


is re-entered into Hammond’s CAD system. Consider the benefits of choosing the right enclosure. To list but a few: it provides


mechanical protection for the housed electronics; it protects against the ingress of dust, dirt, water and other substances. The material from which it is manufactured will be suitable for the environments in which the product will be installed. It provides security against unauthorised access and it provides suitable surfaces for the mounting of external components: I/O and possibly external power supply interfaces, knobs, switches, keypads and displays. Involving the enclosure manufacturer as


early as practicable in the design process will save time and money during the development phase and throughout the production cycle.


hammond electronics t: 01256 812812 uksales@hammfg.com hammondmfg.com


hammond


congratulates design solutions


“From one long-established brand to


another, Hammond congratulates Design Solutions for providing design engineers with enormous amounts of information


about software, materials and components for 55 years. An impressive achievement


to have navigated the numerous challenges that have evolved as time has passed.


The introduction of digital magazines was going to render print obsolete overnight, then sophisticated web search engines


were going to administer the coup de grace to any publications that have survived. Both predictions have turned out to be


somewhat wide of the mark; print remains one of the important communication


channels through which manufacturers reach their target audiences. Here’s to the next 55 successful years.”


JULY/AUGUST 2026 design solutions 1971-2026 51


ENCLOSURES


FEATURE


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