Mt. Pleasant, PA (August 18, 2022) – For almost 40 years, ITSENCLOSURES has been engineering heavy-duty, industrial enclosures, like the IceStation brand of products – the leader in computer, printer, and monitor enclosures. ITSENCLOSURES’ monitor enclosure line includes the IO28 monitor enclosure, available in both NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X versions.

The NEMA 4 IO28 enclosure is constructed out of carbon steel (14/12 gauge CRS welded construction), can be deployed outdoors or indoors, and is designed to protect a wide screen monitor (up to 22 inches) and a thin client computer. Ideal for areas with limited space, the enclosure measures 28” high x 26” wide x 8” deep. The durable NEMA 4 rated is offered in blue, gray, or any custom RAL color (for additional charge).

The NEMA 4X IO28 enclosure is fabricated out of type 304 stainless steel (14/12 gauge) and is the perfect fit for the food & beverage and/or pharmaceutical industries. The IO28-4X features a sloped top – for wash down applications – which prevents water from pooling.

Both IO28 enclosure doors feature a padlock staple and a viewing window (19.25” wide X 12.25” high and 22.8″ diagonal) which is available in polycarbonate or tempered safety glass. The enclosure door is opened with two quarter-turn, flathead screwdriver style latches. Key locking latches are also available as an upgrade.

“We continue to be the leader in built-to-last, industrial enclosures. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, monitor enclosures are ideal for deploying computers/monitors in harsh manufacturing environments. Like many of our IceStation products, these enclosures evolved from a need to use electronics in a place where they would not survive unless properly protected,” said JT Spangler, President/Owner of ITSENCLOSURES. “This product has been on the market for many years and continues to sell to new and returning customers.”

Both enclosures include an integrated VESA mount, which eliminates the need to utilize the monitor stand. For access behind the monitor, the VESA bracket tips forward to provide space to house a small form PC and surge protector. For proper airflow, the VESA support has a built-in 100 CFM fan. ITSENCLOSURES offers additional thermal management options, including a closed loop heat exchanger, outdoor filtered fan system, and a vortex cooling unit (requires compressed air).

The IO28 enclosures can be customized to include a fixed or fold down keyboard tray or roll-out keyboard drawer (folds down to offer an ergonomic wrist rest). The monitor enclosures can be mounted to a wall or pole using a universal mounting bracket, bolt-down pedestal, or mobile pedestal. A waterproof, cable entry gland can be installed to route cables into the enclosure.

Mr. Spangled added, “We provide effective enclosures, for any operating environment, to protect vital electronics from dirt, dust, fluids, grease, lint, fibers, and corrosive materials.”

ITSENCLOSURES is always adding more exciting enclosure products to the marketplace. IceStation enclosures are shipped fully assembled and ready to use upon arrival and  Always Made in the USA!

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To ensure the proper performance, it is important to select an enclosure with gasket material that is designed and rated for the installation environment (inside or outside). According to Peter Taraborelli, in his blog, Best Rubber Gasket Materials for Weather Resistance, “The location of a gasket is of utmost importance, especially if it is going to be exposed to the elements. For this reason, it’s imperative to choose top quality weather resistant materials to enhance the longevity and performance of outdoor gaskets. There are several important factors to think about in regard to weather resistance including sunlight, temperature, ozone, and inclement weather conditions (rain, hail, sleet, snow, etc.).”

The three main types of gasket applied to computer enclosures are strip (most widely used gasket), foam in place, and die cut. Manufacturers can select the material width and thickness for each gasket application, as well as adhesive type, for a simple direct application to an enclosure. Enclosure gasket can be made of a variety of materials which offer varying temperature ranges, chemical resistance, and other important characteristics.

3 Types of Enclosure Gasket:

Polyurethane:

Temperature Range of -40° to 158°F (-40° to 70°C)

Easy to create irregular shaped gaskets

Neoprene:

Most common material used for gasket

Temperature Range of -67° to 250°F (-55° to 120°C)

Waterproof; Offers resistance against chemical, abrasion, and tears

Silicone:

Temperature Range of -40° to 450°F (-40° to 232°C)

Resistance to UV and other weather related elements

High Temperature Resistance

Regular enclosure gasket maintenance will ensure optimal performance! Even gasket that is properly specified for the application should be examined for damage, such as tearing or gouging. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to replace the entire door vs. just the gasket. This will ensure that UL and NEMA ratings are still maintained. Gaskets perform a critical job in keeping particulate matter outside of the enclosure. David Greenfield, in his article ‘Enclosures: Critical Specification Factors’ sums up the importance of gaskets, “The gasket is the most critical component for maintaining the enclosure seal, and it must be maintained to ensure proper protection.”

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When it comes to maintaining sanitary equipment in the food and beverage industry, operators should be proactive about the overall cleanliness of their facility. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the biggest overhaul of American food safety laws since the 1930s. “The legislation gives the federal Food and Drug Administration the authority to impose new rules to prevent contamination and allows the agency to order, rather than simply suggest, the recall of tainted foods. It also authorizes the creation of a food tracking system to quickly pinpoint the source of outbreaks.”

Food and beverage manufacturing requires very strict cleanliness action plans to prevent catastrophic food problems. Computer systems that operate conveyors and tools/utensils, that are in direct contact with food products, are at high risk for contamination. Food recalls are not a new occurrence, but they can be prevented with well-planned and sanitary practices. Keeping surfaces clean in a plant that produces products for human consumption is extremely imperative.

Being proactive about sanitation can eliminate a potential headache in the future. Building a clean production line starts with sourcing a NEMA 4X computer, printer, electrical, or monitor enclosure that is perfectly designed for wash down applications. Peter Wood, in his article, “Improving Hygiene and Sanitation of Food-Grade Conveyors,“ discussed the importance of NEMA 4X enclosures and equipment, “Food processors require different degrees of sanitation, with meat and dairy processors often relying on the most stringent high pressure wash downs that use caustic cleaning agents that minimize the risk of bacterial growth. To withstand high pressure wash downs, the equipment should feature NEMA 4X- or IP 66-rated electrical enclosures and components while wipe-down sanitation routines demand less water ingress protection.”

What is the most hygienic workstation a manufacturing plant can use?

Choose a NEMA 4X enclosure solution that will not harbor microbial contaminants during the sanitation process. The enclosure should feature a sloped top and clean edges to allow for excessive water runoff. Sanitary leg kits are also a popular feature for ensuring that water does not collect under the enclosure, while providing clearance between the NEMA 4X enclosure and the floor. Other popular features include lift off hinges and a minimum of 304 stainless steel construction (316 stainless steel may also be required). Additional considerations include water temperature and chemical mixes and rinses that are used during the wash down process. These items can impact various components that are installed on the computer enclosure, such as gaskets, locks, and window materials.

If feasible, it is recommended that a manufacturing facility make the necessary upgrades to their production line to keep everything sanitary and safe from harm and contamination. It can be detrimental if one area lacks the cleanliness over another. If installing the correct NEMA 4X enclosure, food contamination or a safety recall can be avoided.

Not sure where to start? Speak with an enclosure expert that has experience deploying electronics in a wash down environment.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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When deploying computer enclosures in outdoor environments, the installation will present a unique set of challenges. The risk of equipment failure requires computer equipment to withstand solar heat, rain, snow, sleet, and extreme temperatures. In addition to environmental concerns, one must consider the technical aspects involved in installing electronics in the outdoors. To be effective, the internal assembly must be designed to withstand harsh conditions and offer the necessary security to protect equipment.

These items should be considered prior to installing environmentally protected computer enclosures:

Temperature Extremes
If the proper heating and cooling are not incorporated into the system, computer enclosures – deployed in extreme warm or cold environments – will not fare well. Natural convection cooling is not an option for all-weather, outdoor enclosures. A closed loop cooling or internal heating system is vital for keeping outside elements away from the internal electronics, while maintaining the appropriate operating temperatures. Heat exchangers, vortex cooling units, and outdoor rated air conditioners are all feasible closed loop cooling systems. Heat build-up, from direct sunlight, may require insulation inside of the enclosure. Prior to installing the cabinet, consult an enclosure expert for a thermal management recommendation.

Environmental Elements
Electronics and liquids do not mix! Water can negatively affect the exterior and interior of an enclosure. If the correct enclosure is not specified, liquid can enter the enclosure through inferior gasket or door openings. Additionally, differences in ambient air temperatures can cause condensation to form on the inside of the enclosure. Condensation may form as the temperature cools at night or when the equipment is powered down during off hours. Moisture will most likely lead to corrosion that will affect the lifespan of the electronics. In addition, unwanted dust and dirt – within an enclosure – drastically increases the chance that electronics will overheat or cause a failure.

NEMA Rating
If utilizing an enclosure in demanding environments, a NEMA 4 enclosure should be selected. NEMA 4 computer enclosures (powder coated steel) protect against most weather conditions (rain, sleet, snow), and damaging dirt and dust. If the enclosure will be exposed to corrosive materials (salt air, heavy washdown, harsh chemicals), the protection of a stainless steel NEMA 4X cabinet may be necessary. In addition, a NEMA 4X enclosure will absorb and conduct heat more efficiently than other materials – stainless steel enclosures are especially advantageous in a direct sunlight application. NEMA 4/4X enclosures feature heavy-duty gasket, hinges, and latches to eliminate points of entry for water, oil, dirt, and dust.

Cable Access
How the enclosure will receive power is often an oversight when installing a NEMA 4 or 4X enclosure. Because these enclosures almost never feature any type of split panels or general openings for cable pass through, a sealed cable entry gland – that will maintain the NEMA rating – is a must! NEMA 4X rated cable glands will prevent dust, dirt, and water from entering the enclosure through even the smallest hole. Failure to pay attention to cable access will jeopardize the enclosure system.

When planning a waterproof, computer enclosure deployment, failing to take these considerations into account will lead to unwanted, and often costly, problems. Guarantee performance, quality, reliability, and the maximum life span of electronics with a ‘built-to-last’ enclosure solution. Research, completed at the beginning of the process, will lead to a solution that will protect for many years into the future!

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Industrial enclosures for computers, printers, and electronics come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials. When searching for the best fitting enclosure for a specific environment, it is paramount to consider what material the enclosure will be fabricated out of and how it will perform under severe conditions. A buyer or end user should also analyze the enclosure’s NEMA rating because it will determine if the enclosure can withstand harsh circumstances, such as dust, dirt, grease, oil, hose directed fluids and corrosive materials.

3 Strong and Reliable Materials

Carbon/Mild Steel
Heavy-duty mild steel (low carbon steel) is commonly used for NEMA 12 and NEMA 4 computer, printer, and rack mount enclosures. The website, Fractory, describes the versatility of mild steel, “Due to its excellent properties, mild steel has become an in-demand material in various industries. It has unparalleled weldability and machinability, which has led to an exponential increase in its usage…. It is the most common type of metal used around us.” Most mild steel enclosures are produced from hot or cold rolled steel. Mild steel enclosures can be deployed both indoors and outdoors but will not withstand corrosive environments. A powder coated finish will improve the overall durability and longevity of an enclosure constructed out of mild steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel computer, monitor, and printer enclosures are popular for corrosive industrial environments (pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industry). Type 304 stainless steel is the industry standard for NEMA 4X enclosures. However, Type 316 stainless steel may be desirable for its higher grade, which includes 10% nickel. Nickel provides increased corrosion resistance to chlorides and other commonly used harsh chemicals in washdown atmospheres. Super Steel Fabrication, out of Eugene, Oregon, breaks down the real advantage of stainless steel, “Stainless steel is a low carbon steel that must have a minimum of 10% chromium. The addition of chromium to the steel causes the formation of a chromium-oxide film which gives stainless steel its unique properties such as its resistance to corrosion and its ability to heal itself when in the presence of oxygen.” The one downside — stainless steel can cost upwards of 2-3 times as much as mild steel enclosures.

Non-Metallic
A non-metallic material is commonly used in junction boxes or electrical style enclosures. These enclosures are easily modified on job sites and weigh far less than carbon/mild and stainless steel enclosures. Non-metallic enclosures made of fiberglass are commonly used in various sectors of industry. According to Structural Fiberglass, Inc. in Bedford, Pennsylvania, fiberglass has many advantages, including: high impact strength, non-conducive, low maintenance, easy to assemble, corrosion resistant, chemical resistant, and fire resistant. It is often a more cost-effective solution compared to stainless steel enclosures in corrosive environments.

When deciding what enclosure will work best in a specific environment, one other important consideration is weight. Depending on the application, a lightweight enclosure may be preferable when mounting to a pole, ceiling, or wall. For example, an object that weighs around 2 pounds when made of aluminum can weigh 6.5 pounds if fabricated from steel.

The overall material of the enclosure should be one of the first factors to consider when finding a new enclosure solution. There are many design factors that arise when determining the type of enclosure material that is best for a project.

Once the enclosure material is decided upon, everything else should fall into place.

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Looking for a desktop computer enclosure that can house a monitor (up to 24-inches or 27-inches with window modification), computer, keyboard, and mouse? Introducing the NEMA 12 IceStation Desktop TITAN by ITSENCLOSURES!

Measuring 31-inches high by 30-inches wide by 30-inches deep, the 14-gauge steel, half-height TITAN is a heavy-duty, industrial enclosure that will protect your valuable electronics against dust, dirt, lint, grease, and light/splashing fluids.

Out of the box, the Desktop TITAN includes the following:

• Adjustable monitor shelf with built-in VESA mount
• Integrated keyboard drawer with ergonomic wrist rest
• Viewing window: 24-inch tempered safety glass for 24-inch monitor
  • Polycarbonate window available (special request)
  • Option to upgrade the enclosure window to accommodate 27-inch monitor
• Sloped work surface for documents, data sheets, drawings, folders, tablet, and pencils

Additional accessories to create the ‘perfect’ Desktop TITAN:

Bolt Down Pedestal – A bolt down pedestal can create a freestanding computer enclosure workstation for end users. The steel pedestal (black powder coated) creates stability and is adjustable vertically (33 to 43-inches in 1-inch increments) to create a proper height for most workers and personnel.

Mobile Pedestal – If the computer enclosure needs to be relocated and positioned in various locations on a factory/manufacturing floor, the desktop TITAN can be fitted on a mobile pedestal. The pedestal is 11-gauge material, black powder coated, cold rolled steel. The four casters have a 3.5-inch wheel diameter, and the front castors are lockable, while the rear swivel.

Either pedestal can be powder coated any RAL color for an additional charge.

ROX Cable Entry Gland – To easily run cables into the computer enclosure, a sealed cable entry gland can be installed to provide power to the enclosed electronics. Cables can be routed through close-fitting modules, which will protect against dust and water entry. The modules peel away (like an onion) to allow for varying cable diameters. Modules are installed around the cables and a compression unit is tightened for a compact seal.

Surge Protector/Power Cord – All Desktop TITAN enclosures require power and adding a 6-outlet surge protector and 10-foot power cord to the inside of the computer enclosure will enable a user to plug in up to six electronic units, including a monitor and a computer.

Thermal Management – A filtered fan system with thermostat, air conditioner (1,000 BTU or 1,800 BTU), heat exchanger (NEMA 12), vortex cooling unit, and various small heaters can be added to the Desktop TITAN. If unsure which system will work best for your specific needs, consult an ITSENCLOSURES representative for a cooling (or heating) recommendation.

The IceStation half-height TITAN is available in Blue, Gray, or any custom RAL color of your choice – for an additional charge. If you need an enclosure (in an industrial setting) for a desk, table, or countertop, then the desktop TITAN is the perfect choice.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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4 important factors to consider for the perfect solution:

1. Environment  

Knowing about the overall installation environment is critical to choosing the right enclosure. If the enclosure will be installed near water, dust, dirt, grease, or any type of contaminants, be familiar with the NEMA (or IP) rating that will provide the appropriate level of protection. Excessive heat is also an area of concern. Internal components need to have ample room to ‘breathe’ inside of an electrical enclosure.

2. Electronics

Make a list of the internal components that will be installed on the inside of the enclosure. Understand the amount of heat (wattage) the electronics will produce, as well as the required minimum and maximum operating temperatures. It is important to know if the selected enclosure will be able to dissipate the heat load. Thermal management should be considered for most environments, as proper airflow is vital to keeping electronics ‘cooled down.’ For a recommendation, ask an enclosure specialist to provide a thermal management worksheet. Based on the data provided, a recommendation can be made for cooling and/or heating the enclosure.

3. Accessibility

Will you need to access different sides of the enclosure to reach components? For instance, will there be enough space to reach a pertinent wire? Consider how cables or conduit will enter/exit the enclosure and be mindful of the maintenance personnel that will service the electrical enclosure. If the electronics are placed too close together, a routine procedure can turn into an arduous task. Always account for the proper amount of internal space – this will provide room for the proper airflow and access for a technician’s hands. Also, be aware of any obstacles that will reside on the sides, front, top, bottom, or back of the electrical enclosure. This information is also helpful in determining the swing or span of the door.

4. Room to Grow

The smallest or least expensive electrical enclosure is not always the best solution. Although space equates to a lower cost, consider the long-term sustainability and reliability of the equipment. Electronics are ever changing. Does the enclosure provide room to grow?  Do not choose a size that provides just enough space to house the current list of electronics. Consider any potential future components that may need to be installed. Remember, if the enclosure is not an adequate size to install a control, the entire system will need to be replaced later. It is never an easy task to change out an enclosure once the components have been installed, so make sure it is correct on the initial installation!

Consider all options for deploying enclosures at your factory or manufacturing facility. Obviously, before installation, weigh all pros and cons. It cannot be stressed enough: homework and research, at the beginning, will greatly decrease the need to replace or repair electronics down the road. Find a solution that will protect and secure your valuable equipment. In turn, purchasing a “cheap” or substandard enclosure can mean downtime and lost money!

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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Mt Pleasant, PA (August 5, 2021) – ITSENCLOSURES (Integration Technology Systems) designs, engineers, and fabricates the most heavy-duty computer enclosures, monitor enclosures, printer enclosures, and rack/electronic enclosures on the market.

Designed specifically for heavy washdown environments, the NEMA 4X IceStation TITAN (IS603027-4X) enclosure body is constructed out of 14-gauge, type 304 stainless-steel and 12-gauge doors with a #3F vertical finish. The computer enclosure stands 60” high by 28” wide by 27” deep, with a sloped top for cleaning and water run-off.

The stainless-steel TITAN’s lower portion provides ample space to house a computer, printer, UPS, power supply, and additional electronics. An adjustable shelf, attached to uni-strut, is standard and can be used for easy placement of electronics. The rear door (50.95” high by 24.85″ wide) is ideal for accessing the back of the electronics stored inside of the enclosure. The lower front door (27.45” high by 24.85″ wide) and rear door feature lift-off hinges for easy door removal, quarter turn, knob-style compression latches, and dual durometer EPDM gasket to ensure a water-tight seal.

“Over the past few years, the stainless-steel IceStation TITAN has become one of our best selling NEMA 4X enclosures,” exclaimed JT Spangler, President and Owner of ITSENCLOSURES. “The NEMA 4X TITAN’s stainless steel body – with almost no ‘nooks and crannies’ – makes it the perfect computer enclosure for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industry. Available in NEMA 12, 4, and 4X, our IceStation TITAN enclosures are heavy-duty, built to last computer enclosures and are a robust addition to any factory, plant, or distribution facility.”

The large viewing window is available in tempered safety glass or a polycarbonate plastic. The monitor door is hinged at the bottom and folds down to accept up to a 24-inch monitor. An adjustable monitor shelf, with popular VESA mounting patterns, is included for monitor installation. Below the monitor, the NEMA 4X TITAN computer enclosure has a sloped work surface with a 5-degree slant, for a keyboard, mouse, switches, or to simply use as a desk/writing surface.

Heavy-duty, swivel casters are a standard feature. When the enclosure is in its desired location, the front casters lock into place. For areas that require a stationary workstation, stainless steel bolt down legs or stainless steel sanitary legs can be installed in place of the castors.

Customize the NEMA 4X TITAN with accessories, including sliding shelf brackets, 19” wide rack mount rails, waterproof USB ports (for outside connections), a sealed cable entry gland, a power strip, a sub-panel, an industrial keyboard or various thermal management options, such as a heat exchanger, outdoor filtered fan system, or vortex cooling unit.

Proudly ‘Made in the USA,’ ITSENCLOSURES ships its innovative products completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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In an industrial setting, a dust-tight, waterproof enclosure can protect a computer, a monitor, a printer, a keyboard, and various other electronics from harsh elements, like splashing fluids, dust, dirt, lint, and fibers in the air. However, while the enclosure is keeping materials from entering the cabinet, it is also preventing heat from properly exiting. The build-up of heat – on the inside of the enclosure – can slowly damage electronics. Thermal management (like a filtered fan system) will keep the overall heat load to a minimum by removing excess heat. Plus, filters will ensure particulate matter is kept outside of the enclosure and away from electronics.

What fan system will work for you and your specific environment? What are the differences between outdoor and indoor filtered fan systems?

Indoor Filtered Fan:

Filtered fan systems are designed to force hot air out of an enclosure. With forced air, a filtered fan system will aid in ‘cooling’ down the inside of an enclosure. Without some type of cooling, heat build-up will negatively affect electronics and cause them to work less effectively or even fail completely.

Filtered fan systems also create a positive pressure on the inside of the enclosure and keep dust and damaging contaminants from harming electronics. Depending on the size of particulate matter in the air, a filter can be used in varying thicknesses and can be made of different materials, including aluminum and synthetic fiber. For a fan to run properly, filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. The gasket seal around the fan and exhaust housing will also keep dust and splashing water from entering the cabinet.

Filtered fan systems are more economical than most thermal management systems and installation is rather simple. Indoor fans should only be used in areas with light splashing or dripping of liquids. Avoid using ‘indoor’ filtered fan systems in wash-down applications as they do not maintain a waterproof seal. In addition, harsh cleaning chemicals have the potential to destroy filters and can even eat away at fan blades.

Outdoor Filtered Fan:

If deploying an enclosure outdoors (in sun or shade) or in a wet, wash-down environment, consider how much precipitation/liquid is going to be in contact with the fan. Outdoor filtered fans often have a lockable cover to offer protection from harsh elements and will shield the fan from hose directed fluids. The exhaust is usually located on the bottom of the fan system, to prevent water from penetrating the inside of the enclosure. In order for the fan system to fail, an operator would literally have to spray water upwards into the fan housing. The outdoor filtered fan assembly is usually sloped for proper runoff to occur during wash-down or in the event of heavy precipitation, like blowing rain or sleet. Filters should also be changed regularly, and most can be quickly changed from the outside of the enclosure. Some filters are even moisture resistant. Other considerations include the materials used for the blades and the body of the fan. Plastic parts will withstand exposure to various types of cleaning products/liquids and harsh UV light.

Recirculating Fan:

A third option is a recirculating fan. This simple fan system will help to distribute and circulate the air inside of an enclosure to help electronics run smoothly. These fans do not have an exhaust, nor do they require any filter media. Recirculating fans can also be used in conjunction with enclosures that are exposed to the elements with vents or louvres. Recirculating fans are ideal for NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures with electronics that will not produce a large amount of heat, such as monitors and computers. These fans can usually be attached to an enclosure’s uni-strut and do not require cutting into the enclosure body.

Thermal management is necessary to remove heat that is produced by electronics concealed in an industrial enclosure. A thermostat should also be used to regulate the temperature inside of the enclosure and to eliminate the fan from running 24/7. It is important to note that most fans can be installed by expertly cutting into the enclosure with a provided cutout template. Most of the cutouts are in the shape of a square. The fan and/or exhaust can then be snapped into place and screwed into the enclosure.

Additional aspects to consider include the voltage of the fan, the noise level of the fan, the minimum/maximum ambient temperature, and the fan CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. For an accurate recommendation, work with an enclosure expert to configure the best solution. (cooling worksheet)

While simple in operation, filtered fan systems can save electronics from failure!

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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When installing thermal management on heavy-duty computer enclosures, fan or air conditioner filters are essential in keeping particulate matter away from sensitive electronics. Filters will make it easier to keep oil, dust, dirt, fibers, and lint away from the inside of the enclosure system. However, after deploying an industrial computer enclosure, it is common for filter maintenance to be overlooked (or not checked on a regular basis). Depending on the harshness of the environment, filters should be checked at least 1-2 times a month (or possibly more) to ensure that airflow is properly circulated throughout the enclosure.

Here are some guidelines for enclosure filter replacement:

1. The filter has reached its cleaning limit

If the filter is packed full of dust/dirt, then it might be time to change it out or simply try to clean it. Many standard thermal management filters (fan systems, air conditioners, heat exchangers) can be washed and reused. Aluminum filters (and some mesh filters) can be washed with dish soap and warm water, providing a clean slate for continued enclosure fan use. However, it is crucial to note that a filter will eventually deteriorate and reach a level where cleaning is not possible. If this occurs, throw it out and install a fresh filter.

2. A preventive maintenance schedule

Manufacturing plants, across the country, could have the exact same airborne particulates, but each may require different enclosure maintenance schedules based on unique conditions. The ideal maintenance schedule should be based on the individual needs of each location. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation to create a baseline for your schedule to create the most cost effective, long term strategy.

3. The filter is no longer providing filtration

Grease or airborne oil will wreak havoc on the effectiveness of a filter and will quickly clog it – rendering it virtually useless within the enclosure’s fan system. It is simply not enough to clean the filters when you notice temperatures are starting to rise, as it is likely too late to correct the problem. Failing to maintain the proper maintenance – on an air conditioner or fan – will cause the enclosure’s fan system to be inoperable at the intended capacity and will lead to faulty parts, which will require replacement(s). This will all take a big hit on the yearly budget.

4. The environment varies throughout the year

To cool off the plant, manufacturing facilities are notorious for leaving doors open during the warm weather months. Seasonal fluctuations, in the air, may drive inconsistency with thermal management filtration. Pollen, for example, will be present during the summer, but non-existent during the winter. It is not enough to monitor the filters for a few weeks and figure out an anticipated maintenance schedule. Some months may be less harsh and dirty than others. It is vital to check your filters regularly, every month of the year.

Always find the ‘sweet spot’ between replacing filters too often and not doing so often enough. It will be ‘trial-and-error’ to figure out when to clean or replace. During the initial enclosure deployment, check and double check the filters every few days to make sure that air is flowing through them properly. A grimy filter will hinder the thermal management airflow process and could damage the electronics on the inside of the enclosure. Filters are not very expensive, so they should not be the reason that a computer, monitor, keyboard, or printer cease to work. Downtime can be detrimental to the bottom line. When it comes to filters – check and check often.

HAVE QUESTIONS?  LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN BEST ASSIST YOU! CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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