Feature: Enclosures
OKW’s new SOLID-BOX enclosures for indoor and outdoor industrial electronics
OKW’s new MINi-DATA-BOX ‘go-anywhere’ enclosures for small electronic devices
applications where chemicals pose a hazard, and some industrial electronic enclosures are moulded from more robust plastics such as UV-stable ASA. Otherwise, metal has ruled supreme for applications such as plant and machine construction. And yet, what if you could specify sealed plastic enclosures with
Think about the choices for your next
enclosure By Robert Cox, Marketing Director, OKW
E
lectronic enclosures broadly fall into three types: plastic for homes and offices, sheet metal for laboratories, and light industry and diecast aluminium for heavy industry. At least that’s how it has always seemed. But times are changing, and in the world of industry we are seeing plastic enclosures making big inroads.
Traditionally, metal has always been the material of choice for
enclosures destined for industrial applications. Diecast aluminium is strong, light and easy to machine. Welded stainless steel is even stronger – perfect for the uncompromising marine and offshore sector. Tere are glass reinforced polyester (GRP) enclosures for
54 July/August 2023
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
a very high level of impact protection? What if they had ingress protection ratings rivalling those of diecast aluminium housings – all the strength and watertightness of a metal enclosure, but lighter and much more cost-effective? Specialist enclosure manufacturers such as OKW are working
toward meeting this new demand: OKW’s new SOLID-BOX (IP 66, IP 67) is a prime example of a highly-robust plastic enclosure aimed at a metal-dominated market segment. SOLID-BOX is intended for use in a variety of applications such
as plant and machine construction, HVAC, Industry 4.0, IoT/IIoT, gateways, data loggers, ICT, electrical installations and agriculture, to give just a few examples. It is a modern IK 08 desktop and wall-mount enclosure, offering an alternative to stainless-steel housings. Te cases are moulded from a PC+ABS blend. Polycarbonate – the plastic used in riot shields – is very strong. Lid-closed installation is standard in SOLID-BOX – it’s a feature
usually found in diecast aluminium enclosures. It safeguards the seal and electronics when the enclosure is being deployed in challenging locations. Te housing can then be moved to a safer environment before opening the lid for inspection and maintenance. SOLID-BOX follows pioneering plastic enclosures such as
SMART-BOX (IP 66), an ASA+PC housing that sets a new standard in design and aesthetics. It, too, has features typically associated with diecast aluminium housings, including lid-closed installation, hidden fixings and a recessed top for a membrane keypad. But, unlike many aluminium enclosures, SMART-BOX’s screw-concealing trims are hinged, rather than clip-on. Tey remain attached to the lid at all times, so they can’t be dropped during installation, an important benefit when enclosures are being installed at height or in other difficult locations.
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