ENCLOSURES
Specify The Right Diecast Enclosures For Today’s Industrial Electronics
Diecast aluminium enclosures are often first the choice for safeguarding industrial electronics in challenging environments. They offer excellent protection against impact, dust/water ingress and
C
ast aluminium is typically stronger and more durable than GRP or plastic. Aluminium dissipates heat better. It also resists chemicals, though GRP can fare better in highly corrosive environments, or where weight reduction is key. Seemingly similar aluminium enclosures can offer very different advantages, so it pays to examine their specifications in detail. Subtle nuances in design can deliver performance benefits.
Good ingress protection is essential. For industrial applications, IP 66 is usually the minimum requirement. These enclosures are completely dust-tight, with protection against temporary flooding.
IP 67 enclosures must be able to withstand immersion (150 mm to 1 metre) for at least 30 minutes. IP 68 offers immersion to an agreed depth and duration greater than specified for IP 67. Meanwhile, IP 69K enclosures can cope with high pressure water jets and steam cleaning.
Allied to this is ‘lid closed’ installation, a feature on enclosures such as ROLEC’s premium aluDOOR (IP 66, IP 67, IP 68, IP 69K) and aluCASE (IP 66, IP 67, IP 69K) diecast housings.
Securing the lid to the main body is important too. No installer wants to drop an enclosure lid from height or over water. Lid retaining straps are one option, but aluCASE takes it a stage further with integrated hinges.
Meanwhile, aluDOOR’s lid is hinged as standard, opening 100° for easier access. A2 stainless steel lid screws and threaded inserts ensure a corrosion-resistant assembly in extreme conditions. The lid is secured with tamperproof Torx screws.
Enclosure aesthetics are now a higher priority. Until comparatively recently, round diecast enclosures were a rarity because flat sides are needed for mounting cable glands. However, this limited the options for designers wanting an enclosure to match circular pipework or machinery. ROLEC created aluDISC (IP 66, IP 67, IP 69K), a diecast housing with a large circular main
Modern diecast enclosures from manufacturers such as ROLEC provide superior protection for industrial electronics
“ 30 JUNE 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS Good ingress
protection is essential. For industrial
applications, IP 66 is usually the minimum requirement. These enclosures are
completely dust-tight, with protection against temporary flooding.
area for operating elements, but also two flat sides for connectors. Like aluCASE and aluDOOR, it has lid closed installation and concealed fixings.
Aluminium is a much better choice than ”
plastic or GRP when it comes to protection from electromagnetic interference, but RFI/ EMI can still affect these enclosures in certain circumstances.
Traditionally, the solution has been to add an EMC gasket. However, these can be fragile and expensive. Fortunately, there is a solution. Enclosures such as conFORM and conTROL have dispensed with EMC gaskets completely. Instead, the enclosures have a ‘tooth and rail’ system which ensures continuous contact between base and lid.
When specifying enclosures, always choose a manufacturer that can provide the full range of customisation services in-house: CNC machining, engraving, display windows, powder coating, painting, photo-quality printing, and assembly of accessories. This ensures quality, saves time and money, and reduces administration.
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