Industrial enclosures protect computers, printers, monitors, and other electronics from the conditions around them. Choosing the right enclosure material starts with understanding those conditions.

Dust, water, cleaning chemicals, corrosion, temperature, and installation requirements all influence material selection. The enclosure’s construction and NEMA rating must also suit the equipment and environment.

3 Common Industrial Enclosure Materials

Mild steel, stainless steel, and non-metallic materials offer different advantages. Here’s how they compare and where each may be appropriate.

1. Mild Steel Enclosures

Mild steel, also called low-carbon steel, is widely used for industrial computer, printer, monitor, and rack enclosures. Its strength makes it a practical choice for applications requiring durable construction.

A powder-coated finish provides a protective layer, although damage to that finish can leave the underlying steel vulnerable to corrosion.

Mild steel is commonly used for NEMA 12 enclosures and certain NEMA 4 applications. It may be suitable when:

• Dust, dirt, grease, or debris are primary concerns
• Heavy-duty construction is needed
• Environmental exposure is compatible with the protective finish

Where moisture or corrosive substances are present, evaluate whether the coating provides sufficient protection and how it will be maintained.

2. Stainless Steel Enclosures

Stainless steel offers corrosion resistance and cleanable surfaces, making it a common choice for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and other demanding processing environments.

ITSENCLOSURES uses Type 304 stainless steel for its NEMA 4X computer, monitor, and printer enclosures.

Stainless steel may be suitable when:

• Equipment is exposed to moisture or washdowns
• Corrosion resistance is important
• Frequent cleaning is required

Stainless steel is not resistant to every chemical or cleaning process. Confirm compatibility with the substances, concentrations, temperatures, and exposure conditions in the application.

3. Non-Metallic Enclosures

Non-metallic materials, such as fiberglass and polycarbonate, are commonly used for junction boxes and electrical enclosures.

Depending on the material and design, they can offer lower weight, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation. They may be suitable when:

• Lower enclosure weight is important
• Environmental exposure is compatible with the material
• Electrical insulation is a consideration
• The enclosure can accommodate the equipment and mounting requirements

Temperature limits, UV exposure, impact resistance, and chemical compatibility vary by material. Evaluate the specific enclosure rather than treating all non-metallic options as interchangeable.

Mild Steel vs. Stainless Steel Enclosures

Both materials provide durable construction. The main distinction is their resistance to the surrounding conditions.

Powder-coated mild steel can serve many industrial applications where its finish provides appropriate protection. Stainless steel may be preferable where corrosion resistance and frequent cleaning are priorities.

Compare the expected exposure, cleaning process, maintenance needs, and cost before selecting either material.

Weight and Mounting Considerations

Enclosure weight matters when mounting to a wall, pole, ceiling, or other supporting structure. Consider the total installed weight, including the equipment, shelves, accessories, and thermal management components.

Steel and stainless steel enclosures are generally heavier than comparable non-metallic options. However, dimensions and construction also affect weight.

Confirm that the enclosure, mounting hardware, and supporting structure are suitable for the installation.

How Does NEMA Rating Affect Material Selection?

Material alone does not establish an enclosure’s NEMA rating. The complete design, including doors, seals, hardware, and openings, affects its environmental protection.

Different materials can meet the same enclosure type requirements. For example, NEMA 4X is not limited to stainless steel; appropriately designed non-metallic enclosures can also provide that level of protection.

Choose the required NEMA rating based on the exposure your equipment will face, then evaluate which materials are compatible with the application.

Choosing the Right Enclosure Material

Before comparing options, gather these details:

• Equipment: Dimensions, weight, access needs, and heat output
• Location: Indoor or outdoor use and expected temperatures
• Contaminants: Dust, dirt, grease, chemicals, or corrosive substances
• Cleaning: Water exposure, washdown conditions, and cleaning agents
• Installation: Mounting method, available space, and structural support
• Protection: Required NEMA rating and any other application requirements

Use this information to evaluate the enclosure as a complete system, including its material, finish, seals, cable entry, and thermal management.

Find the Right Protection for Your Equipment

ITSENCLOSURES can help you evaluate steel and stainless steel enclosure options, NEMA ratings, and available configurations for your application.

Explore our industrial computer enclosures or contact ITSENCLOSURES to discuss your equipment and operating conditions.

The post Types of Enclosure Materials appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

Mt. Pleasant, PA (December 10, 2021) – With over 35 years of enclosure experience, ITSENCLOSURES carries various rack enclosures, including the IR40-12 Rack Mount Enclosure. Constructed out of heavy-duty 12-gauge steel (frame and doors), the rack enclosure measures 40” High by 24” Wide by 42” Deep, making it one of the deepest enclosures in the ITSENCLOSURES line of products.

The IR40-12 is perfect for various industrial and factory settings and is equipped with 19-inch wide, fully-adjustable mounting rails with 20U (35 inches) of interior rack mount space. The front door (opening 19.5″ x 35″) features a full view glass window and both the front and back doors have two key locking latches. A fastener secured split entry panel on the bottom and top of the enclosure allows for dust tight cable/cord/wire entry.

The durable side panels are constructed out of 16-gauge steel and can be removed, in order to join together multiple IR40 enclosures. With industrial grade casters, the IR40-12 can be positioned on the manufacturing floor with ease. Need to secure the cabinet to the floor? Bolt down legs are available to be installed in place of the casters.

According to JT Spangler, Owner/President of ITSENCLOSURES, innovative industrial products make ITSENCLOSURES stand out from the crowd, “We are not surprised that our industrial products, like the IR40 rack mount enclosure, sell quite well every year. They are one of our best enclosures and the name ‘ITSENCLOSURES’ continues to resonate amongst our customers. IceStation products are always tough and built to last for many years. Computers, peripherals and any other vital electronics are carefully protected in our products.”

Thermal management options include a filtered fan system, which can be installed in various places on the rack enclosure. The fan and exhaust have positive pressure that will eliminate harmful dust and dirt entry. A NEMA 12 heat exchanger, which contains two 4-inch, 100 circulating fans, is another viable option. For warmer environments, air conditioners or a vortex cooling unit are available to help create the perfect temperature to successfully operate servers, uninterrupted power sources (UPS), and other electronics.

Customize the IR40 with fixed or sliding shelves, cable management, a power cord, and rack mountable power strips.

NEMA 12 enclosures protect against dust, dirt, lint, fibers, grease, and splashing fluids, which are prevalent in most manufacturing settings. ITSENCLOSURES skillfully designs and builds the most durable electronics’ enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. All products are made in the USA.

For more information about ITSENCLOSURES and their large array of products, visit www.ITSENCLOSURES.com, email info@itsenclosures.com, or call 1-800-423-9911 to talk to an ITSENCLOSURES sales representative.

For more information on the IR40 or a free quote, visit the IR40 Product Page.

The post Product Spotlight: Rack Mount Enclosure IR40 appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

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

The post Creating the Best Desktop Computer Enclosure appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

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

The post Selecting an Electrical Enclosure – Items to Consider appeared first on ITSENCLOSURES.

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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