ENCLOSURES
Specifying the right 19” enclosures for your electronics
Aluminium enclosures for 19” rack electronics may look similar but the technical benefits each model offers can be very different. Specify in haste and you could miss vital opportunities to enhance quality, cut costs and reduce maintenance time.
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tandard 19” rack cases that can be easily customised are the recommended starting point for applications such as networking, communications, industrial computers and control systems, AV equipment and laboratory instruments.
These standard rack cases are much more cost-effective than bespoke housings – even though fabricated metal enclosures require much less tooling at the start than their plastic counterparts.
But specify the wrong standard rack case on day one and you risk limiting your design options. Right at the start, you need to ask yourself: “How will the end users gain access to the electronics when the case is mounted in a rack?”
This is essential because it will determine whether or not your rack case will need bezels. And that matters because bezels can affect how easily a rack case can be manufactured in custom sizes, as well as how the case will look – and how simple it is to add colour highlights for branding.
A front bezel enables you to remove the front plate of a rack case and gain access to the electronics without having to pull the unit from the rack. Bezels also look more elegant. But there are trade-offs; bezels can increase the price of a rack case. They can also limit custom sizing options if their design allows for bespoke lengths in only one dimension (if at all). The alternative is to specify a 19” rack case with a flat front, rather than bezels. Instead, the front panel extends beyond the sides and is punched with standard obround rack mounting holes. These allow for adjustment during installation in a rack.
A good example is METCASE’s bestselling COMBIMET 19” range. It is the specialist
enclosure manufacturer’s most versatile and customisable rack case – and also its most cost-effective. Unlike METCASE enclosures with bezels, COMBIMET can be specified in custom heights, widths and depths.
Distinctive front handles make it easy to pull the enclosures from the rack for maintenance. The front, rear, top and base panels can be easily removed. All cases (1U to 6U or custom heights) can be specified with vented or unvented top and base panels. And for electrical continuity, there is an earth stud on every panel – making electrical certification of the equipment easier.
Furthermore, METCASE has been quick to evolve and broaden the COMBIMET range as customers have requested bespoke sizes and versions. So what were once custom variants are now standard options. The range now includes U-shaped wraparound tops that offer faster access to the electronics, Super- deep 24” (610 mm) cases for server racks, and Open Top versions for easy cable access and maximum ventilation. German company Commeo specified customised COMBIMET rack cases for its energy storage units. Commeo retained the standard black (RAL 9005) finish, one of two off-the-shelf colour options for COMBIMET (the other is light grey RAL 7035). Then METCASE simply machined the specified apertures for interfaces, controls and LEDs, and printed the logo and legends.
Not all rack cases will be destined for large cabinets. Many users install them in desktop and portable mini-racks. And again, taking
20 FEBRUARY 2023 | ELECTRONICS TODAY
time to specify the right technical features pays dividends…
TECHNOMET 19” represents the new generation of rack mount enclosures. METCASE wanted to create an aluminium mini-rack with the same fine engineering tolerances as a moulded plastic housing.
The result is a cohesive design with diecast bezels that flush-fit into the main case body, creating a smooth appearance. Snap-on diecast trims hide the fixing screws. The housings are also available in bespoke heights and depths.
Every 19” TECHNOMET for 84HP subracks, chassis and front panels has recessed ABS handles for ease of portability. There is also a 10.5” (42HP) version with side handles or a tilt/ swivel carry handle that doubles as a desk stand.
It is now easier than ever to specify fully customised 19” enclosures from manufacturers. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the standard enclosures are virtually the finished item from the start (and they usually arrive fully assembled).
Secondly, CNC machining of apertures for controls and interfaces becomes faster with each successive investment in new technology. And photo-quality digital printing of legends, logos and graphics requires much less set-up time than traditional methods – making it viable for low-volume orders.
Metcase
www.metcase.co.uk
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