There is more to selecting the correct computer enclosure than just a low price.
To the untrained eye, various computer enclosures may look exactly the same. However, not all enclosures are created equal! A high-quality, tough, industrial enclosure maintains a better appearance in a manufacturing environment over time and will protect vital electronic components better than subpar enclosure products. When a customer makes a decision based solely on the lowest price, they fail to consider the reliability of electronics. Electrical components housed inside of a dependable, protective enclosure will have a longer life and will continue to work, even in the harshest of environments.
3 Factors that Set Computer Enclosures Apart
Enclosure Construction
One of the most important factors in determining the quality of a pc enclosure is the material construction. For a durable product, the gauge or thickness of the steel - used to build the body of the enclosure - should be 14 gauge. The higher gauge of steel used equals a thinner material. According to CustomPart.net, “Gauge (or gage) sizes are numbers that indicate the thickness of a piece of sheet metal, with a higher number referring to a thinner sheet. The equivalent thicknesses differ for each gauge size standard, which were developed based on the weight of the sheet for a given material.” For example, a cabinet that uses 18 or 20 gauge steel is the equivalent material of a standard filing cabinet. This thin material will not have the necessary ruggedness to withstand a manufacturing environment for a very long period of time.
For more information on gauges of steel, visit Sheet Metal Gauge Size Chart
Enclosure Hardware
The type and quality of hardware that is used on the cabinet is also important! High quality enclosure products will use high quality, American made hardware (usually made of stainless steel) for the doors, drawers and/or latches. Stainless steel hardware will last a lifetime and is corrosion resistant. According to the blog, The Differences Between Chrome, Nickel, and Stainless Steel Hardware, “True stainless steel hardware is typically made from a metal alloy that doesn’t have plating. Its composition does contain chromium and/or nickel to make it durable. Quality stainless steel hardware is corrosion, tarnish, and scratch resistant.” Many lower priced enclosure options utilize inferior, imported hardware that may fail in a short period of time.
Enclosure Finish
Steel enclosures with a powder coat finish are less likely to scratch than a traditional “wet spray” paint finish. The process of powder coating requires a clean surface that is sprayed with electrostatically charged polyester powder, and then finished with curing in an oven. According the Power Coating Institute website, “Powder coating is a high-quality finish found on thousands of products… Powder coating protects the roughest, toughest machinery as well as the household items you depend on daily. It provides a more durable finish than liquid paints can offer, while still providing an attractive finish. Powder coated products are more resistant to diminished coating quality as a result of impact, moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other extreme weather conditions. In turn, this reduces the risk of scratches, chipping, abrasions, corrosion, fading, and other wear issues.” Powder coating is also advantageous if using the computer enclosure outdoors, as it is more UV resistant when compared to liquid paints.
Research an enclosure company that will provide a superior product in a reasonable timeframe. Communication is key to building an enclosure that will suit the needs of your manufacturing process. The old saying holds true “you get what you pay for.”
For More Information, Visit:
The Importance of Customizable Computer Enclosures
Avoid Computer Enclosure Startup Pitfalls with the Proper Planning!
