ENCLOSURES FEATURE
Specifying Electronic Enclosures For Modern Automation Technology
Automation continues to grow rapidly in global manufacturing. Latest forecasts from Allied Market Research point to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% between now and 2031.
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anufacturers are seizing on the benefits offered by IoT/IIoT, decentralised enterprise resource planning (ERP), artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing (3D printing) and collaborative robot systems. Companies are boosting quality, cutting costs and saving time.
Many are doing so by using digital twin simulations and edge computing (bringing applications and data closer to devices and users) to help reduce implementation costs. Electronics designers can help them still further – simply by specifying easily customisable standard enclosures for their automation technology.
Any electronics enclosure destined for automation must be ergonomic and robust – especially in harsh industrial environments. Each enclosure must have plenty of flat surfaces for installing networking interfaces. And they must be available in a wide range of sizes and versions – enabling swift and simple customisation. Each model should also offer plenty of accessories for additional functions. Some of the most important enclosures will also be the very smallest – cleverly designed, fast-fit housings for the proliferation of sensors that now abound in today’s Industry 4.0 smart factories. Speedy installation is vital given how many sensors each system needs. OKW Enclosures Ltd has pioneered development in this field and continues to do so with the launch of its new MINI-DATA-BOX enclosures. This little gem with its weight- saving diamond-cut lid can be specified with (or without) flanges for fast installation using either cable ties or screws.
Its high ingress protection class (IP 65) is complemented by enhanced UV stability. The enclosures are moulded from tough ASA+PC-FR (UL 94 V-0), increasingly the plastic of choice because it withstands UV degradation better than ABS.
To meet demand, OKW launched MINI-DATA- BOX in 32 different versions based on two
22 FEBRUARY 2023 | ELECTRONICS TODAY
basic shapes (square and ‘edge’/rectangular), four plan sizes, two heights and two standard colours (traffic white RAL 9016 and anthracite grey RAL 7016).
And if the tie-or-screw-fit flanges idea sounds familiar, it’s because OKW is capitalising on the success of its EASYTEC (IP 65) sensor enclosures – again in ASA+PC-FR, and again in two heights but this time in larger plan sizes and one standard colour (off white RAL 9002). OKW’s Marketing Director Robert Cox said: “Standard enclosures have changed dramatically – even over the last few years. The automation market has been instrumental in driving that change.
“Off-the-shelf enclosures have become much more specialised, so much so that they almost look bespoke. This is reducing the amount of customisation work required, making these enclosures viable even in small volumes,” he added.
For devices larger than sensors, there is SMART-BOX – a contoured ASA+PC (UL 94 V-0) enclosure with industry-centric technical features generally found only on diecast aluminium housings. Benefits include a recessed lid for a membrane keypad and hinged flush-fitting trims to hide the case fixings.
Significantly, there are also separate channels for the lid and mounting screws. This design enables ‘lid closed’ installation – protecting the seal and electronics when the enclosure is being screwed into place in challenging industrial environments. Two retaining straps hold the lid when it is open, stopping it from being dropped. This is a useful feature when SMART-BOX is being installed at height.
An alternative to SMART-BOX is to use tried- and-trusted DIN rail enclosures – perfect for time controllers, relays and signal distributors in cabinets or supply boxes. But not all DIN rail
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