Mt. Pleasant, PA (February 28, 2023) – With almost four decades of industrial enclosure engineering and expertise under its belt, ITSENCLOSURES is happy to spotlight the NEMA 4X PB20 stainless steel printer enclosure. This state-of-the-art enclosure is designed specifically for the protection of barcode printers on a harsh factory floor. The PB20-4X enclosure is fabricated out of 304 stainless steel and measures 20” High by 20” Wide by 24” Deep.

The NEMA 4X printer enclosure boxes will protect against dirt, dust, hose directed fluids, and corrosive liquids, which are often in abundance in industrial and factory settings. On the interior of the enclosure, the PB20-4X offers an adjustable 20-inch extended sliding shelf, which provides easy access to the printer and media/labels. The sliding shelf can support printers weighing up to 80 pounds. A stainless steel hinged printer door, to retrieve printed materials, is available on the front door. Both doors provide waterproof gasketing and quarter turn compression latches.

JT Spangler, CEO/Owner of ITSENCLOSURES, is passionate about the company’s stainless steel enclosure offerings, “In the last 8 or so years, we have had great success with our NEMA 12 printer enclosure, which holds various brands of label printers, including Zebra, Brother, Sato, Dymo, and Rollo. We knew that a NEMA 4X version would also do quite well in the marketplace. The stainless steel printer box enclosure is a natural fit in our best-selling printer enclosure product line. We also knew that the NEMA 4X PB20 would be perfect for the pharmaceutical, beverage, and food industries.”

Based on the printing application, ITSENCLOSURES’ offers printer enclosures available in NEMA 12, NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X ratings. A customer can customize the printer enclosures with stationary or mobile pedestals at varying heights. Plus, various thermal management options are available, including a filtered fan system or vortex cooling unit. For a fee, a sealed cable entry gland can be installed in the rear of the enclosure for dust tight, waterproof wiring and cabling. A polycarbonate window can also be added in place of the hinged printer door.

“Our enclosures are tough and built to last. We take pride in the quality and sturdiness of each and every product that leaves our facility. I have visited factories that have been using the same IceStation enclosures for over 25 years. To me, that speaks volumes about our company and our heavy duty products,” added Mr. Spangler.

ITSENCLOSURES fabricates the most durable electronics enclosures on the market and ships every product completely assembled and ready to use upon delivery. For more information on ITSENCLOSURES and their 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 representative.

For more information, visit the PB20-4X product page

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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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CONTACT AN ‘ITSENCLOSURES EXPERT’ AT 1-800-423-9911 -or- SEND US AN EMAIL:  INFO@ITSENCLOSURES.COM

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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!

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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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.

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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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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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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Stainless Steel, NEMA 4X enclosures (304 or 316 SS with a NEMA 4X rating) are ideal for harsh, industrial environments where corrosive liquids pose a threat to electronic equipment. A NEMA 4X rating ensures that the enclosure is approved for indoor and outdoor use, and will provide protection against corrosion, dust, splashing fluids/liquids and hose directed water. In fact, most weather conditions (snow, rain, sleet) will not damage the enclosure. When planning an enclosure deployment, consider accessories that will maximize utility and provide the most effective solution for the user.

5 Common NEMA 4X Accessories

1. Cable Entry Gland
   Using a cable entry gland provides an effective way to run cabling, wires, or cords into the enclosure without water or dirt entering the unit. The process is simple: multi-diameter, rubber modules, with a frame and a compression unit, are used to seal wire and cable penetrations (commonly 1, 4, or 9 cables). The frame can be installed by punching a hole through the wall of the NEMA 4X enclosure. Cables can be run through the modules (adjustable by peeling off layers), so that the diameter of the hole corresponds to the size of the cable or wire. Using lubricant, the modules are installed around the cables. Once the compression unit has been tightened, a tight seal is created.
2. Waterproof USB Connectors
   Connect a keyboard, mouse, handheld scanner, or even phone/tablet charger to the front of the freestanding enclosure with waterproof USB connectors. The units are installed by punching a hole into the enclosure and installing the USB connectors to the front or side of the enclosure body. The connectors are an excellent addition to an enclosure with an external keyboard tray or sloped work surface. When the USB cords are unplugged, a cap can be screwed into place to prevent tampering.
3. Sanitary Legs
   Most freestanding computer enclosures are equipped with industrial-grade castors, but wheels are not always ideal for a heavy wash-down in the food processing or pharmaceutical environments. Castors can be removed and replaced with stainless steel sanitary legs. Sanitary legs offer product stability and additional height to the overall enclosure. During wash-down, legs make it easier to deeply clean under the enclosure. In some instances, stainless steel bolt down legs can be used to anchor the cabinet and provide a permanent installation on the factory floor.
4. Industrial Keyboards
   Perfect for factory and manufacturing settings, NEMA 4X keyboards with pointing devices should also be considered when purchasing a freestanding enclosure workstation. High-impact, industrial keyboards will offer the ultimate protection against corrosive liquids. These rugged keyboards are usually enclosed in a stainless-steel case with silicone rubber keypads, which provide watertight seals. Most industrial keyboards can withstand wet, wash-down cleaning solvents used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Thermal Management
   Extend the lifetime of enclosed electronics with the proper cooling. When in a sealed enclosure, computers, printers, monitors, electronics, and peripherals generate heat. Heat will raise the ambient temperature inside the enclosure to a level that is higher than the recommended operating range. NEMA 4X thermal management options include air conditioners, heat exchangers, and vortex cooling units (requires compressed air). Heaters with a built in thermostat can also be added for frigid environments.

These 5 common industrial accessories are just a sampling of what can be added to a NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure. When deploying an enclosure in a manufacturing or factory situation, NEMA 4X rated accessories help to provide an elevated level of protection and keep downtime to a minimum. As is always the case, time is money and a company cannot afford to have equipment fail, especially electronics.

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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