Feature

Specifying enclosures – Installed environments and enclosure materials

The installed environment and enclosure material are intrinsically linked, and both need to be fully considered to provide optimum protection for internal electrical and electronic systems. The main choice is between different types of plastic and metals.

06/10/2021 16:27:54

Here, Mandy Thompson, Sales Manager at BCL Enclosures, looks at the properties of the materials used in the company’s standard plastic enclosure ranges.

ABS is tough, aesthetically pleasing, and available in a variety of colours and finishes. It provides good all-round protection and performance and can be standard or flame retardant, plus resistant to impact, water and dust. Its light weight is another factor.

Although suitable for many applications, a drawback is that ABS will eventually discolour and possibly become brittle in situations where it gets long-term exposure to strong UV light, although this can take considerable time and should be balanced against the projected life of the system it is protecting. ABS is therefore generally more suited for enclosures for interior use, but can be useful in some exterior situations with no risk of high UV. It is an excellent, cost-effective solution for many designs...

Read the full article in DPA's October issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.