CASES & ENCLOSURES JUST AN ENCLOSURE? FOREMOST
However, as soon as we begin to consider the items the enclosure will be used to contain, where it will be installed and how it will be used, a series of increasingly complex questions have to be answered. Fully understanding the requirements of the application and specifying the right enclosure can, depending on the setting, make the difference between the success of the project or its failure. For example, failure to specify the right enclosure for use within a concrete installation can have expensive consequences. Not selecting the right level of functional integrity for protection of an electrical system in the event of a fire could create an even more serious outcome. When selecting an enclosure, it is crucial to be
I
provided with the sufficient level of advice in order to make the right specification, first time. The first step is usually Spelsberg’s technical telephone and web support, called Pro-Active. Technical support operatives ascertain specific applications’ needs to advise on critical decisions on the enclosures’ key features and properties. Alongside understanding the application, engineering expertise will help determine aspects such as the climatic conditions and resistance to weather, temperature and ingress of dust and liquids, as well as the level of impact resistance required. The application could even be coastal or for marine use, with challenges relating to corrosion and UV protection in addition to water ingress. An obvious but crucial factor is the fit, especially where close dimensions could mean that the enclosure fails to fit the allocated footprint, or where knock-out points for the entry of cabling, for example, are not provided with sufficient access. Spelsberg provides a sample enclosure based on the specification and dimensions for customer testing in as little as 24 hours. Dependent on location of the application, the
n one respect, an industrial enclosure is simply a casing used to retain and position electrical components or equipment, while protecting them from external conditions and intrusion.
enclosure may require diverse mounting options, which could also include the mounting options of internal components. Whether the application will be stand-alone, or may require the benefits of modular extension, should also be considered. Some applications may have more standard requirements but need the benefit of easy installation to reduce resources and cost on site. Spelsberg is also frequently challenged with
bespoke projects which could include the sourcing and assembly of specific items, such as castor wheels or a special type of door handle. Complex enclosure challenges requiring specific engineering expertise includes a rail project, which required bespoke design of a plate to protect and shield the cables entering the signal cabinet. Severing the connection would mean closure of that section of rail network and significant financial penalties, so the ability to create a bespoke enclosure solution was critical to the overall success of the project. Another example of responding to complex bespoke requests includes military specifications, such as an enclosure for a control unit which required a non-reflective, self-extinguishing outer coating to avoid reflections, crucial for night operations. Engineering advice is also frequently involved to accommodate specific requirements relating to the mounting of internal components and the entry of cabling or access points. To this extent, Spelsberg offers a custom CNC machining service to finish an enclosure with, for example, the right cut outs, hinge fixing points or threaded holes required for the application. The company is currently working on a unit to monitor passengers’ temperatures on entry to railways and airports. The enclosure requires specific, high precision cut outs for precise placement of thermal imaging cameras and the CNC work is complex, involving specialised software to transpose the customer’s drawings to make a specialised cut out with an exact match. Spelsberg has a range of enclosures 5,000 products strong, but ultimately it will advise on, design and manufacture the exact enclosure for the customer’s specialised application requirements.
Spelsberg UK
www.spelsberg.co.uk
STOCKS FIBOX NEO ENCLOSURE
F
oremost Electronics, the engineering- led Essex based importer and specialist distributor of electromechanical components, can now supply the latest stand-alone
enclosure series from specialist manufacturer FIBOX. The new NEO enclosure has been specially designed for industrial control, IoT and building automation and is a safe choice for applications that require a very protective and robust solution offering high ingress protection while being non-corroding. The FIBOX NEO is a modern design with a large viewing area and is reinforced against impact dust, snow and caustic substances. It is double insulated and has double walled base corners as well as integrated rain canopy. Very simple and fast to install NEO offers extra installation space and extensive surface areas for customising and easy maintenance.
KEY FEATURES OF THE FIBX NEO INCLUDE:
LTE and Industry 4.0 ready
Two materials: polycarbonate and ABS with hinged cover IP66 / IP67 & IK08 rating Flame resistant (UL 94 HB) Wall and pole mounting options Optional extras and customisable design
Three sizes: 320x220x150mm, 320x320x150mm and 420x320x150mm
Nine accessory sets for creating application specific solutions
Foremost Electronics
www.4most.co.uk
54 Autumn 2022 UKManufacturing
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
