HOW TO SPECIFY THE RIGHT ALUMINUM ENCLOSURES FOR MACHINE-CONTROL ELECTRONICS

MACHINE CONTROL: TOUCH SCREEN OR BUTTONS?

The choice of enclosures for industrial machine control has never been wider. Options range from the latest profile-based HMI enclosures for touch screens to advanced diecast housings for buttons and switches.

And then there are diecast command enclosures. Like profile-based HMI enclosures, they are more likely to be mounted on a suspension arm. But being diecast, they tend to have greater strength and higher IP ratings. In many ways, they represent the best of both worlds.

PROFILE-BASED ALUMINUM HMI/PANEL ENCLOSURES

Elegant aesthetics have taken the new generation of aluminum HMI enclosures to the next level; they offer virtually edgeless flush-fit mounting for a glass screen or a metal front plate. Smart, modern panel enclosures such as multiPANEL (IP 65) and profiPANEL (IP 65) underline and showcase the quality of the precision technology inside.

These housings are also extremely easy to customise. They can be specified in bespoke plan sizes from 5.91" x 5.91" to 31.5" x 31.5". Effectively, it is custom sizing built in as standard – right from day one.

Both models are constructed from aluminum profiles. And while premium multiPANEL is the flagship range, profiPANEL has a greater range of standard depths – nine (2.36" to 11.81") compared with multiPANEL’s two (2.75" and 3.35").

However, multiPANEL offers a series of access options as standard: either a bolted rear wall, a bolted rear door or a hinged and lockable rear door. For profiPANEL, there is simply a bolted rear wall as standard. Both units can be mounted on either a suspension arm for maximum manoeuvrability or on simple wall brackets for pivoting about the vertical axis.

DIECAST COMMAND ENCLOSURES

Enclosures such as commandCASE (IP 66) and aluFACE (IP 65, IP 66) are the diecast alternative to housings such as multiPANEL and profiPANEL. Their strength and higher IP ratings make them better suited to more challenging industrial environments.

Like the two profile-based housings, commandCASE is ideal for touch screens, while aluFACE – which has a deeply recessed front panel – provides greater protection for buttons and potentiometers (though it too can accommodate displays).

DIECAST ALUMINUM ENCLOSURES FOR MACHINE CONTROL

Robust, ‘go anywhere’ diecast aluminum enclosures are an excellent way to safeguard smaller control units destined for walls, bulkheads and machines. They are very resilient with higher ingress protection than the IP 65 HMI enclosures listed previously.

Ingress protection tends to start at IP 66 for these diecast housings, ensuring they are completely dust-tight and able to protect the electronics from temporary flooding. IP 67 enclosures can withstand immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths to one metre. IP 69K is the rating to specify for applications involving regular high-pressure washdowns.

All these ratings are complemented by lid-closed installation, a key feature on many ROLEC diecast enclosures. Separate channels for the mounting screws and lid screws allow housings to be installed or removed while still sealed. The electronics can then be inspected in a location that is free from dust and spray.

Lid-closed installation is a feature of models such as:

• aluCASE (IP 66, IP 67, IP 69K) – premium enclosures
• aluDOOR (IP 66, IP 67, IP 68, IP 69K) – premium enclosures with structurally integrated lid hinges
• aluPLUS (IP 66, IP 67) – available in industry-standard sizes
• aluDISC (IP 66, IP 67, IP 69K) – for ‘round’ applications such as pipe control systems.

Enclosures such as conTROL feature a deep lid recess for large buttons. These tough and inexpensive housings also benefit from built-in RFI/EMI shielding, eliminating the requirement for a costly and fiddly shielded gasket.

The conductivity needed for a Faraday Cage is created by a patented tooth and rail system that is pre-cast into the lid and base. This system is particularly useful for enclosures that have to be opened regularly – something that would shorten the life of a fragile shielded gasket.

ACCESSORIES FOR INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES

Specifying the right enclosure is important but don’t restrict your research to just the housing itself. It is also important to consider the availability of accessories for any given range. Does it include mounting brackets or an installation kit?

Can the enclosure be specified with hinges or lid straps? Are mounting plates or supporting rails available? What type of cable glands will you need? And if the enclosure mounting and lid screws are concealed by clip-on trims, is there a selection of colors for identification or branding purposes?

SPECIFY CUSTOMIZED ENCLOSURES FOR MACHINE CONTROL

Specifying a standard enclosure and having it customized has always been a smart choice: it is quick, cost-effective and convenient. And now the process is even faster, thanks to two key factors: the wide range of standard enclosures now available, and advances in CNC machining and digital printing. Shorter set-up times and lower initial costs make customization viable even for smaller batches.

Enclosure modification services at ROLEC include CNC machining, engraving, laser processing, powder coating, painting, digital printing, screen printing, RFI/EMI shielding, transparent windows for displays, and assembly of accessories.

GET EXPERT TECHNICAL ADVICE

Contact our expert team for specialist advice on specifying standard and customised enclosures for machine control – and don’t forget to request a sample.