Feature: Enclosures
Figure 2: OKW’s EVOTEC line offers desktop and wall-mounted control units
All this IIoT sensor technology needs enclosures robust enough to meet the challenging demands of the modern smart factory
• Versatile lugs at each end that offer not just screw holes but also apertures for cable ties, making installation extremely rapid; and
• A concave recess in the rear section, enabling stable and secure mounting on poles and rails – without compromising wall mount stability. Today’s new IIoT enclosures need to be stronger and more
resilient than the average plastic housing. So, ABS – as good as it is – may not be the first choice of material. Although great for a wide range of working environments, the average factory can prove overly demanding for ABS. For this reason, EASYTEC is moulded from a flame-retardant ASA+PC- FR blend. ASA provides enhanced UV stability while the polycarbonate (PC) offers greater impact resistance – it’s the plastic used in CDs and riot shields. EASYTEC’s design also features something more commonly
found in handheld enclosures: ergonomic soft contours. Although it may appear superfluous, given that these enclosures are mounted on poles and walls, they will be handled at some point, even if only during installation. The soft curves also satisfy another important requirement – aesthetics. Enclosures must look as smart, modern and futuristic as the 21st century
Figure 3: ROLEC’s technoPLUS IP 67 enclosures for pole-mounted electronics
factories they inhabit. Equally, they should feature the same design language as other enclosures in the factory. That’s why EASYTEC has been styled to match OKW’s EVOTEC designer desktop- and wall-mounted enclosures. The soft contours common to both ranges come into their
own when the sloping-top version of EVOTEC is used in a desktop or wall-mounted role. They make it easier for a user to operate a touchscreen or membrane keypad; see Figure 2. A good IIoT sensor enclosure should also offer superior
ingress protection (at least IP 65) and tamperproof Torx assembly screws. These are small but important details in a smart factory where a mismaintained sensor can have significant consequences – data is the lifeblood of Industry 4.0. However, there are use cases where IP 65 is not enough.
Industrial enclosure manufacturer Rolec has brought IP 67 and IP 69K protection to the world of pole-mounted plastic enclosures in the form of technoPLUS. Originally designed for outdoor masts, these robust pole-mounted enclosures are equally at home in factories. They can be mounted either horizontally or vertically with plastic or metal straps; see Figure 3. Retaining straps hold the lid in place to make installations at height much easier.
Cornering the IoT/IIoT enclosures market Most plastic enclosures tend to be square or rectangular, which, sadly, does not make for easy corner mounting.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk November/December 2020 59
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