Deploying a NEMA-rated printer box enclosure will allow a Zebra barcode printer to be installed in a multitude of areas.

At busy warehouses and distribution centers across the country, barcode tracking has been actively used for decades. It is how companies do business in the digital age. However, not every environment is created equal! Less than ideal conditions may make the use of a Zebra barcode printer especially challenging in a manufacturing setting.

Luckily, there is a perfect solution! Deploying a NEMA-rated printer box enclosure will allow a Zebra barcode printer to be installed in a multitude of areas that would normally be out of reach. 

Installing a purge control on a computer or pc enclosure is a popular method for deploying expensive electronics in hazardous areas.

Throughout the world, classified areas are commonplace in manufacturing environments. The classified areas exist to prevent hazardous gases and dust from igniting in the presence of electronics. Based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), there are two divisions used to describe classified areas. Division 1 is more hazardous than Division 2, because dangerous elements are more likely to be present in these areas. Therefore, Division 1 requires a higher level of protection than Division 2 locations.

For decades, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) have relied on static menu boards in the drive-thru. This strategy is ineffective, limited in nature, and 'old school.' Digital is Dynamic!

In the past few years, most QSRs have deployed some form of digital signage INSIDE the store, but not in the drive-thru. Ironically, approximately 70% of a QSR’s business is derived OUTSIDE at the drive-thru.

When installed inside of a server rack enclosure, there are many factors that can affect the performance of electronics.

Popular reasons for using thermal management, include: environments that are hot and dirty or electronics that produce a good amount of heat inside of an enclosure. For example, if the temperature outside an enclosure will reach 110° F or above, the internal components must be kept at a cooler temperature. However, proper cooling or ventilation is dependent on the environment and contents of the rack enclosure.

Why is cooling such an important factor in a rack enclosure solution? At the beginning of a project, if thermal management is not properly configured, several things could go wrong with the enclosed electronics. Faults in electrical components and overloads may lead to a tripped breaker, decreased life expectancy, or an unexpected equipment shutdown. According to James Stratford, in his article, ‘The Importance of Thinking Thermal Early in the Design Process’, “It is very important to consider and deal with thermal challenges early in the design process and with assistance of specialists if you don't have them in house. Doing this can lead to a better, more reliable end product with predictable performance that avoids the risk of components running at excessive temperatures that shorten their life expectancy and risk erratic performance.”

By deploying a printer enclosure with the correct thermal management, a Zebra printer can operate in a multitude of areas.

Many Zebra printers use a process called “thermal transfer” to produce small or large high-quality prints on labels. The innovative method uses a precise heated ribbon to create long lasting images on the surface of a label or tag. Zebra printers can create robust wristbands, colorful cards, product identification tags, or certification labels.

With the versatility to create durable labels, it is natural for manufacturers, distribution centers, or warehouses to utilize these printers on the factory floor. However, not all areas are created equal!

In today’s day and age, retail establishments are able to deploy instant credit kiosks in the store to ensure a much smoother transition.

Furniture, appliance, mattress and jewelry retailers rely on providing credit or financing options to customers. As a retailer, offering the correct credit options is critical for completing a sale. Without credit, potential customers may leave the store and never purchase a single item!

For years, retailers utilized the traditional pen/paper application, followed by the ‘call in the credit application’ method. This practice often leads to frustration for the customer(s) and the store. But, in today’s day and age, retail establishments can now deploy instant credit kiosks in the store to ensure a much smoother transition. What are the benefits of these convenient kiosks?

Touch foil allows users a smooth ‘touch experience’ on large format LCDs and transforms non-conductive surfaces into interactive surfaces.

Traditionally, touchscreen foil is applied to an LCD enclosures’ glass window and transforms a standard commercial grade LCD into an interactive LCD. Sensors, combined with a flexible foil, are adhered to curved or flat surfaces to enable a unique user experience. According to the visualplanet website, “Touch foil is constructed of two clear, micron-thin laminated plastic sheets with an embedded mega-thin grid of sensing wires that lead to an electronic controller. When the glass is touched, the location is identified through the glass on the touch foil’s wire grid and communicated via the controller to the computer to carry out the action on the screen – just like using a mouse.”

A presell digital board can be one of the most influential sales tools for a Quick Service Restaurant!

The most important communication tool in a QSR’s drive-thru is the main menu board.  However, a presell board can be one of the most influential sales tools for the restaurant. The presell board is the first advertising message the customer will see in the que line. If the que line is 2-3 cars deep, a customer might be starting at the presell board – this means that it can be very influential. Therefore, in a drive-thru, a digital presell message will not only impact a check average, but can also shape the customer’s entire experience. The content strategy plays an integral part in the restaurant’s success with the digital menu board program.

Dust-tight, waterproof enclosures protect a computer, monitor, printer, and various other peripherals from harsh elements, like splashing fluids, dust, dirt, and fibers in the air.

However, while the enclosure is keeping materials from entering, it is also preventing heat from exiting the cabinet. The build-up of heat - inside of the enclosure - can slowly damage electronics that are being protected from the exterior environment.

Thermal management will keep the overall heat load to a minimum by removing excess heat. A filter fan system generally keeps electronics cool in ambient temperatures below 90°F. Filters will ensure particulate matter is kept outside of the enclosure, away from important electronics. Depending on the installation environment, there are a few choices available for filter fan systems. What are the differences between outdoor and indoor filter fan systems?

In 2010, new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations were put into place regarding accessible design for disabled Americans.

These changes particularly impact how digital signage can be installed in public places. Installations may include self-service kiosks, LCD enclosures, and video walls, just to name a few. These types of digital signage need to adhere to the proposed guidelines for ADA compliance. Ultimately, it just makes good business sense that a digital signage message is reachable and viewable to all users of the system. For example, one of the guidelines require a non-glare finish and 70% contrast between the sign background and lettering.

For the purpose of this blog, we will only address items associated with installing digital signage enclosures. For more helpful information on creating ADA friendly content, reference Kiosk Marketplace’s article “Meeting the ADA Compliance Challenge.”