ENCLOSURES
TECHNOMET portable instrument enclosures from METCASE
However, if you aren’t dealing with enclosures daily, that can sometimes be harder than it sounds. A specialist enclosure manufacturer can help you establish the best size of housing for your PCBs, controls, and interfaces. They will also help to ensure your preferred enclosure is as futureproof as possible with sufficient extra space for any additional components that may be added later. Standard enclosures with a wide choice of sizes also offer uniformity of appearance should you wish to launch any larger (or smaller) devices in the future.
4. Will they help you to specify the best metal for your enclosure?
Aluminium is the most popular metal for 19” rack-mounted, desktop and wall-mounted enclosures because of its durability, corrosion resistance, and light weight. The grade is important because it affects the bend radius required when folding the metal. If more strength is needed, your enclosure manufacturer may recommend mild steel, or Zintec or galvanised steel for better corrosion resistance.
5. Can they improve enclosure accessibility?
Ease of access to the enclosure is always important, especially if regular inspections and maintenance are needed. Your chosen manufacturer should suggest features such as removable panels and quick-release fasteners. Sometimes a quick change of fastener type may be all it takes to ease access. Quick-turn thumb-twist screws are an option for those who need very fast access to the circuitry inside.
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TECHNOMET 19” rack enclosures from METCASE
Experience is crucial. Look for an enclosures manufacturer that has been around for decades, one that has provided solutions for many different projects and applications. They can pro-actively suggest refinements that you may not have considered.
6. Can they meet your enclosure ventilation requirements?
Depending on the heat generated by the electronic components, you may need to improve the cooling. Enclosure manufacturers should offer a full customisation service that includes adding ventilation holes, creating space for heat sinks, and adding threaded studs for mounting fans.
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7. Will they provide complete accountability?
It is always better to deal with a single-source supplier that is fully accountable for the whole manufacturing and customisation process from start to finish. This will ensure better quality, faster delivery, and less administration, saving you time and money. It is also better for the environment because the enclosures will not need to be shipped between sub- contractors.
All customisation work should be done in-
house by your chosen manufacturer: cutouts, internal brackets, and fixings and inserts such as studs, standoffs, self-clinch nuts and cable tie mounts.
Your chosen supplier should offer custom colours and digital printing of legends, logos, and photo-quality graphics. They should also be able to manufacture the enclosures in bespoke sizes to meet your design and functionality requirements. In short, they should provide the complete solution.
8. Will they supply the best enclosures for your budget?
Some of the most advanced and customisable 19” rack cases are also some of the most cost-effective. The simple reason for this is smart design. Rack cases with a flat front are more cost-effective to manufacture than those with bezels, and the manufacturer should pass those savings on to you.
9. Can the manufacturer shorten lead times?
Smart manufacturers create standard enclosures which make customisation quicker and more cost-effective. This should help to shorten lead times. Good communication is also crucial; experienced manufacturers will always be keen to ensure that your timeline aligns with their production and delivery schedules.
10. How precise is their technical documentation?
Good manufacturers should provide excellent documentation; precise, accurate technical drawings for approval purposes, to help you make an informed decision. This ensures clarity so you both know exactly what to expect.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 37
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