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ENCLOSURES


Developing enclosure systems for multiple electronics applications


What happens inside an enclosure can have a tremendous impact on the exterior, and we’re not just talking about the electronics. Subtle differences in how the parts of an enclosure fit together can produce significant benefits; not just for one model in isolation.


G


et it right on the inside and the possibilities really open up; one simple design feature can drive the development of an entire enclosures system, a whole range of models to suit applications as diverse as desktop and portable instrumentation, 19” rack electronics or touch screens VESA-mounted on suspension arms, brackets and poles. For enclosures manufacturer METCASE, the process started with something even more fundamental. It began with this question: “What if we could fabricate an aluminium electronic enclosure to the same fine tolerances found on housings moulded from plastic?”


The result was TECHNOMET, a range of desktop and portable instrument enclosures with a modern, cohesive design and no visible fixing screws. The enclosures are characterised by contoured front and rear bezels that sit snugly in the main case body. These diecast bezels are a key factor in what makes the enclosures so adaptable and so easily customisable.


Bezels offer several advantages. They enhance the appearance of the housing. For 19” cases, they enable the front panel to be removed while the enclosure is still in the rack, speeding up inspection and maintenance of the electronics.


There is a downside to bezels, traditional old- style ones at least, in that they can restrict the availability of bespoke enclosure sizes. These


and desktop mini-racks for 19” (84HP) and 10.5” (42HP) subracks, chassis and front panels. All the enclosures share a common design language so they all match visually. Within this system are three models: the original TECHNOMET instrument enclosures, which includes a sloping-front variant and portable housings with a tilt/swivel carry handle, TECHNOMET 19” and 10.5” portable mini-racks, TECHNOMET-CONTROL VESA/wall/ pole-mount housings for panel PCs, HMIs, touch screens and displays.


Fig 1: METCASE’s New TECHNOMET-CONTROL VESA-Mount HMI Enclosures


bezels tend to be diecast, so unless they are modular in construction, they can prevent housings from being manufactured in custom heights and/or widths.


No such worries for TECHNOMET. Unlike many other fabricated metal housings, it features modular component design. This enables it to be manufactured in custom heights, widths and depths, quickly and more cost- effectively. Inside, the chassis is pre-punched to accommodate snap-in guides for circuit boards, complementing the four M3 PCB pillars in the base.


This smart design has made it easier for METCASE to transform TECHNOMET into a series of new variants. They suit applications as diverse as desktop and portable instrumentation, VESA-mount HMI displays


All three models share the same elegant styling, and also similar technical features. These include snap-on trims to hide the fixing screws, and M4 threaded pillars on every panel for earthing. TECHNOMET and TECHNOMET 19” both have removable rear panels for ease of access. For TECHNOMET- CONTROL, access is via the removable base panel on the underside.


New TECHNOMET-CONTROL has been designed principally to accommodate Siemens TP screens (KTP400 to TP1200), but it can also house displays by Beckhoff, B&R and other manufacturers. On the rear, there is a standard VESA MIS-D 100 mounting for a control arm or wall bracket. Accessory kits enable the enclosures to be fitted flat to walls or attached to poles and masts Ø50 mm or larger.


METCASE Marketing Director Robert Cox said “Ease of customisation is critical to the design of any new model we develop. Every enclosure will need some form of customisation, usually the machining of apertures for controls and the printing of legends, logos and graphics. “By taking it a stage further and making custom sizes easier to manufacture, it opens up a world of possibilities and benefits. Customised enclosures can be manufactured in lower volumes more cost-effectively, making them viable for niche applications.” METCASE carries out all customisation work in-house to ensure consistency of quality.


Fig 2: METCASE’s TECHNOMET Table-Top/Port- able Instrument Enclosures


30 MAY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


Fig 3: METCASE’s TECHNOMET Table-Top 19” Rack Enclosures


https://www.metcase.co.uk


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