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!

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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Barcode label printers are utilized every day in factories, shipping centers, industrial buildings, and harsh production areas (both inside and outside). Stainless steel, printer box enclosures, with a NEMA 4X rating, are a perfect enclosure solution for the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries. These built-to-last printer enclosures will protect against harsh washdowns, dirt & dust, lint, fibers, and corrosive materials.

The IceStation PB20-4X printer enclosure comes standard with an adjustable, sliding shelf that holds up to 80-pounds, a stainless-steel hinged printer door (the hinge can be installed to open from the top, bottom, left, or right), waterproof gasket to provide a durable seal, quarter turn compression latches, a removable solid rear panel, and a lockable front door.

What can be added to create the perfect NEMA 4X printer enclosure?

Roxtec Cable Entry Gland
In order to insert cables, cords, and wires into the stainless-steel printer enclosure, one should consider having a cable entry gland installed. Installation involves punching a 2.5” knock-out into the stainless steel body and then fastening the cable entry gland into place. The Roxtec Cable Entry Gland has 4 points of insertion which will provide a waterproof and dustproof ‘compressed seal’ around the cables. The rubber seal functions like an onion, whereas the end user can remove layers to create a diameter just large enough to run the necessary cables/cords.

Enclosure Mounting
If a desk, workspace, or countertop is not available for a stainless-steel printer enclosure, then a stainless-steel pedestal can be attached to the enclosure to bolt the printer configuration to the floor. A mobile pedestal – with lockable castors – can also be procured to move the printer enclosure around the factory or manufacturing floor. Both pedestals are adjustable for differing operator heights. A wall mount may also be utilized if floor space is limited.

Hinged Printer Door Gas Spring
A gas spring closure can be added to the hinged printer door (HPD) on the front door to keep the HPD semi-closed. This helpful add-on is perfect for a factory floor, where workers may fail to remember to close the door after grabbing labels/printer materials. With the gas spring, the door will open at an 89° angle and will close on its own. While not completely keeping liquids out of the enclosure if the operator does not “lock” the latches on the door, the gas spring will still aid in cutting down on dust/dirt entering the printer enclosure.

Thermal Management
The PB20-4X can accommodate a few different types of thermal management, including a vortex cooling unit (which requires a compressed air hose and can provide approximately 2000 BTU of cooling), an outdoor rated (IP55) filtered fan system (power consumption of only 15 watts), and a NEMA 4X heat exchanger (heat is removed from the enclosure and contains two 4” fans at 100 CFM; mounts on the outside – flush to the enclosure). Heaters, available in various wattage sizes, are also offered and can be installed on horizontal uni-strut or simply placed in the enclosure.

The PB20-4X will protect many different kinds and shapes of printers on the market without adding any accessories, but add-ons will make the printer enclosure more robust for any user. Quality printer enclosures are often less expensive than the printer in which they are protecting, which make it a smart investment for any company! Nobody can afford costly downtime. Plus, the printer enclosure is built to last, so it is likely that it will house various models of printers for many years to come.

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 manufacturing environments, the demand for label printers continues to rise at a fast rate. From product labels to serial numbers to shipping labels, it is almost impossible for a product to ship out of a factory or warehouse without some type of identification sticker. It is no secret that warehouses, plants, and factories are oftentimes dusty and dirty and printers cannot survive in such harsh areas. The solution is an environmental enclosure. Printer enclosures can protect popular label printer brands like Zebra, Dymo, Brother, Seiko, or Sato from dust, dirt, grease, or even hose directed water and chemicals.

When configuring a printer enclosure for your company or customer, be sure to ask 3 questions to ensure the enclosure is appropriate for your specific needs.

How will the label(s) be accessed?

Before purchasing printer enclosures, understand how often the labels will be printed. This will dictate if a slot in the window door or a hinged printer access door should be installed/utilized on the enclosure. Busy manufacturing factories can print upwards of 100 labels every hour, if not more. A slotted path is ideal for continuous label access and will feed the labels quickly and efficiently out of the cabinet. A hinged printer door is a better solution for a company that only prints a minimal number of labels per hour.

What is the level of protection?

Label access goes hand in hand with the level of enclosure protection. If dust, grease, or water is a primary concern for enclosing the printer, consider the trade-offs of using a printer access door over a slotted path. A printer access door will provide an environmental seal around the enclosure to keep dirt, dust, and liquids away from the printer. Also consider environmental concerns, such as freezer locations or cold warehouses, which pose problems for thermal transfer printers. Small heaters or filtered fan systems are common thermal management systems installed on printer enclosures to provide heating or cooling throughout the year.

What is the return on investment?

Integrators may be conflicted with the decision to spend a large amount of budget on environmental printer enclosures. Considering the price of the enclosure, is it worth spending money on a NEMA rated printer enclosure or could the printers be used daily without any protection? Understand the actual cost of replacing a barcode printer – contemplate the cost to purchase a new unit, as well as, the downtime associated with employees unable to use the printer to complete tasks.

First and foremost, make sure that the chosen enclosure(s) is NEMA rated to protect against harmful elements in a factory, warehouse, or plant. Printer enclosures will extend the life of a barcode label printer, while offering security and protection from outside factors. In the industrial enclosure industry, ‘you get what you pay for’ is a very honest statement. Always shop around and find the enclosure solution that will best fit the needs of your business, while providing a safe environment for your printer.

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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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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Within an enclosure, the ability to direct light towards vital electronics helps improve maintenance efficiency. Distributing light throughout a cabinet is advantageous for accessing electronics or performing intricate tasks. The good news: an enclosure light is generally very easy to install. A few of the installation options include: a magnet, a screw (or 2) for din rail or rack channel, or a clip mount.

Popular choices for computer enclosure lighting include a simple on/off switch, a plug, or a motion sensor that can be mounted on the inside of the computer enclosure. The motion sensor eliminates the need to reach into the enclosure to turn on the switch, thus saving time, energy, and money.

LED lighting offers energy saving technology (low wattage) and has a longer life than previous lighting options (up to 60,000 hours vs. only 5,000 hours). The additional cost for LED lighting will pay for itself in no time!

Computer enclosure lighting also come with the option of integrated electrical outlets built into the unit. The outlets provide a convenient power source that can run internal components, as well as, any tools used while performing maintenance in the enclosure. Eliminate the need for power extension cords, which can become a tripping hazard for employees.

The interior of enclosures can be quite crowded with limited space available. Mount the light in a manner that provides maximum visibility to the internal equipment. Research to confirm that the computer enclosure lighting fixture can be mounted horizontally or vertically inside the enclosure wall.

An enclosure light is a simple accessory that can be a huge help if performing maintenance on a computer and/or for changing labels or media on a barcode printer. By adding a light, an operator will be able to use the computer enclosure or cabinet to its full potential!

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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What is the process for selecting a NEMA rated industrial enclosure for a manufacturing environment? Purchasing an enclosure from a ‘big-name’ supplier does not mean that the enclosure is the best fit for the equipment or the end users that will be using the enclosure system. From a functionality standpoint, the enclosure’s worth may far exceed the original purchase price. If the electronics are difficult to install or if there is a considerable amount of installation time, then the purchase price of the enclosure alone is not reflective of the overall ’real cost’ of the installation.

The following steps will help manufacturers or integrators determine the ‘real cost’ of doing business with an enclosure supplier and help assist in the project timeline.

1. Hidden Costs

Buyer beware! Every company, small or large, is looking for ways to save a few dollars. Upon receiving the initial quote(s), consider the total cost of ownership for the enclosure system. If the industrial enclosure does not come assembled, recognize the amount of time and energy that will be required to build each individual system. Additionally, consider the time needed to install the wide-ranging electronics. Also, understand what accessories are standard versus add-ons/upcharges that will increase the overall enclosure price.

2. Customization

Prior to shipping, custom doors and knockouts (for push buttons) provided by the enclosure manufacturer will save the end user or system integrator a significant amount of time during large deployments. Pre-cut panel monitor doors – built specifically for an HMI or industrial touchscreen – eliminate the need to make the cutouts on site, which saves time and money. Also, consider printer access doors, bolt-down legs, sliding shelves, power supplies, locks/hinges, and rack mount rails. These are popular customization features that will enhance the enclosure functionality.

3. Think Ahead

Avoid choosing the industrial enclosure that is the lowest price on the marketplace. The old saying still rings true, “you get what you pay for.” The cheapest product is probably the lowest price for a reason. It is critical to think at least 5-10 years into the future. Will the enclosure withstand the installation environment (harsh as it may be) and will it accommodate the everchanging sizes and styles of electronics in the future? Thermal management should also be considered, if the electronics, being housed in the enclosure, produce a large amount of heat.

4. Knowledgeable Sales Reps/Engineers

The sales department is, most likely, the first contact a system integrator will have with an enclosure supplier. A sales rep should be friendly and willing to help design the best solution for your application. If you need help configuring a system, the rep should ask general questions to narrow down the enclosure request. For highly customized projects, request access from the engineering department. Choosing an industrial enclosure manufacturer that is willing to answer your questions intelligently will bear the most fruit.

5. Warranty

Inquire with the industrial enclosure company on the warranty. Ask a very simple question: theoretically, how long should the products last? Also, what is the process for submitting a claim if something would need to be serviced or replaced altogether? Companies that offer a limited warranty or no warranty at all may already know that the product is going to fail. Invest in an industrial enclosure solution that is built to withstand a rugged manufacturing environment.

When it comes to a manufacturing or factory setting, many options exist for industrial enclosures. Before purchasing equipment, consult with other knowledgeable business partners or associates that have experience in deploying industrial enclosures. Always consider variables like cost, materials, construction, and warranty before a purchasing choice is made for the deployment. The lead time for delivery should also be clearly conveyed from the first quote to the purchase order.

Do not make the mistake of specifying a product that will perform well below expectations.

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 (January 27, 2021) – Innovating in the field of industrial enclosures since 1985, ITSENCLOSURES announces a newly designed IceStation enclosure: the PB56-12 – NEMA 12 freestanding Printer Enclosure.

The printer enclosure is constructed to shield laser-jet printers or label barcode printers on harsh and dirty factory floors. The PB56-12 enclosure is fabricated out of 12-gauge painted steel and measures 56” high by 26” wide by 26” deep. The maximum printer dimensions for the PB56-12 are 14″ high x 20″ wide x 23″ deep in the top of the enclosure and 25″ high (19.5” if utilizing a filtered fan system) x 20″ wide x 23″ deep in the bottom of the enclosure. The bottom portion can also be used as storage for labels, paper, ink, or other necessary printer materials.

The IceStation enclosure has lockable lift and turn compression latches on the front and rear steel doors (12-gauge) for security and protection from harsh elements. The top door comes standard with a hinged printer door – which maintains a tight seal via gasket and forceful industrial magnets – to retrieve labels or documents. A second hinged printer door can be added to the bottom door for an additional charge.

The top interior of the enclosure features an adjustable 22” extended sliding shelf, which provides access to the printer to switch out labels, paper, ink, or other media. The sliding shelf can be adjusted vertically and will support printers weighing up to 100 pounds.

“As printing applications become more and more prevalent in factories, plants, and industrial facilities, we found that manufacturing enterprises need heavy-duty, industrial printer enclosures. The PB56-12 enables an end user to have one or two printers in a freestanding enclosure and the overall height makes it easy to retrieve printed materials. At ITSENCLOSURES, our goal is to continue to innovate and create products that are useful in industrial environments. Versatile enclosures are the cornerstone of our core business and we guarantee all of our products forever and a day,” said JT Spangler, Owner and President of ITSENCLOSURES.

The freestanding enclosure has a gasketed, tool free split panel for dust tight cable entry and industrial grade casters, which lock in the front and swivel in the rear. If the enclosure is required to be bolted to the floor, a set of 4.5” high bolt-down legs can replace the castors. Lift eyes, on the top of the enclosure, can also be used to transport the enclosure into place.

Numerous thermal management options are available for the PB56 printer enclosure. The most popular cooling device is the filtered fan system, which creates positive pressure on the inside of the enclosure and prevents dirt or dust entry. For cooler environments, a thermostatically controlled heater can be installed to maintain ideal operating temperatures.

“Our printer enclosures will protect a customer’s printer and significantly limit downtime. Quality and durability make ITSENCLOSURES stand out from the competition. We simply make the best, most durable enclosures in the United States and we do it with American steel and an American work force,” added Mr. Spangler

The freestanding printer enclosure is coated with a polyester powder paint finish and available in blue, gray, or any custom color found on the RAL color chart. The PB56-12 offers NEMA 12 protection, meaning the printer enclosure will safeguard against dust, dirt, light/splashing fluids, lint, grease, and fibers in the air. It is built to withstand harmful elements from entering the enclosure.

Designing durable enclosures for over 35 years, ITSENCLOSURES (Integration Technology Systems) manufactures the best electronics enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. Every product is fabricated in Western Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh.

PB56-12 Product Page: Click Here

For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and the wide array of state-of-the-art enclosures, please visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, send an email to info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES sales representative.

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As companies are shipping more items, they need to print more of their own labels for shipments and product tags. In-house thermal label printers are becoming commonplace in manufacturing and industrial fields. Although it is always beneficial to have thermal label printers on the factory floor, these pricey printers cannot be exposed to dust, dirt, grease, or splashing fluids. If overheated or dirty, the printers will be rendered useless. A dust-free, label printer enclosure is the perfect solution for protecting a printer from harsh particles and elements.

When researching a viable, “off the shelf” solution, what should the enclosure include?

4 Valuable Label Printer Enclosure Features:

1. Sliding Shelf

A sliding shelf is ideal for changing the print media and labels, which are normally on the left or right side. Before installation, determine the weight of the printer to make sure the shelf can support the load. To avoid tipping, the enclosure may need to be mounted to a desk or table. Without a sliding shelf, the entire label printer would need to be regularly lifted out of the enclosure to be serviced, which will be difficult on a busy factory floor. The sliding shelf makes the side of the printer easily accessible. 

2. Printer Slot

The enclosure’s front door should contain a pre-cut slot for the labels to exit. If not, the door will have to be opened and closed every time labels are printed. Constant opening of the door will negatively affect the enclosure’s seal and could expose the enclosure to environmental threats. There should also be options for the slot location (on the door) at varying locations. Printers are available in many different sizes and the height of the slot is vital for efficiently feeding the labels out of the enclosure.

3. Cable Entry

To maintain a clean and dust-free enclosure, cables, cords, and wires must enter the enclosure through a sealed opening. The label printer enclosure should include some variance of a fastener secured split panel, which will prevent dust or dirt from enclosure entry. A sealed cable entry gland may also be utilized to protect from splashing fluids or liquids. Dust, dirt, and liquids will destroy the printer housed inside of the enclosure, so it is important to keep these contaminants away.

4. Lockable Door with Window

The front door of the label printer enclosure should be lockable with a tightly sealed latch to further protect the printer and eliminate users from changing the printer settings. Simply put, the lock will provide necessary security. A window, on the door, is also helpful, as it will show the printer’s display and offer a way to monitor the labels as they print and feed out of the slot.

As with any enclosure project, be sure to have the exact dimensions of the label printer. Also, make note of the entire wattage of the electronics, in case you will need to add thermal management. Most enclosure companies will supply a thermal management worksheet to determine how much cooling (or heating) may be necessary. Always research before deployment, so that the solution will last forever and a day!

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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