Many people perceive that computer enclosures are extremely expensive, but the perception could not be farther from the truth!
The initial investment may be higher than the alternative (not using a heavy-duty, tough, industrial enclosure), but the lifetime of electronics housed inside of the enclosure will be maximized when properly protected. Downtime and costly electronics replacements are never issues that a busy manufacturing facility wants to deal with, especially when problems can be prevented. Inexpensive enclosures may be appealing on the surface, but will cause problems in the future. You get what you pay for! Expensive, vital electronics should be protected in a high quality NEMA rated enclosure to ensure the manufacturing process is up and running 24/7.
Computer Enclosure Benefits
Electronics Flexibility
One advantage a computer enclosure presents is the flexibility to change, over time, the electronics that are housed inside of the cabinet. Electronics and technology are forever changing at a rapid pace. Therefore, by using an industrial enclosure, integrators, panel shops, OEMs and engineers are able to modify or add electronics rather quickly. Operators of these systems have the flexibility to use different brands, sizes, types of PCs and monitors and are not locked into specific equipment from vendors. According to the article, ‘Report: Emerging Technologies Put Jobs in Public, Private Sectors at Risk,’ technology is moving fast, “Industries are already feeling the effects of improved computing power, mobile Internet, cloud computing and big data, but the World Economic Forum (WEF) believes further adjustment will be needed as these technologies improve and become more common in workplaces.”
Environmental Protection
Manufacturing and plant settings are particularly challenging areas for electronics to exist. By housing the electronics in a NEMA rated computer enclosure, the system can be used in a harsh, outdoor or uncontrolled indoor environment. As Dave Perkon, Technical Director for Control Design Magazine, explains in his article, ‘Design Basics of Control Enclosures in Machines, Automation and Industry,’ “These ratings define the ability of the enclosure or related accessory to withstand harsh industrial environments. NEMA and IP ratings are similar in that both specify protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and liquids. NEMA also specifies protection against corrosive substances.” Enclosures are available with varying NEMA rating levels such as NEMA 12, NEMA 4, or NEMA 4X. The always important ratings allow engineers and system integrators to specify the appropriate level of protection and avoid deploying over-designed or highly over-priced systems.
Customization
Selecting an enclosure that allows the user to “grow” into the cabinet is very imperative. Customizable features like a large viewing window for monitors (generally 24inch wide screen or greater), enough space to house a PC, printer and UPS and ample work space for a keyboard and mouse are helpful for maximizing the life of any enclosure. Gasketed split panels (to run cables, wiring, and electrical cords) are essential when installing additional equipment, or even scaling back equipment inside a computer enclosure. The ability to add or remove cables and still maintain the proper protective seal is crucial. Standard enclosures might not contain everything that is needed, so it is wise to ask for a list of additional options and accessories. For a little extra money, you can design the perfect enclosure that will last for many, many years!
All of these features should be standard enclosure options. They will also give users the flexibility to change electronics over the course of time, because let’s face it – electronics are ever changing and will continue to evolve over time. Also, many enclosure companies will offer an extended or lifetime warranty on the enclosure, as long as the end users do not manipulate the enclosure in any way. If you want the enclosure to last for a long time, then buying a heavy-duty, strong enclosure will be the best decision. Durability is always the key and makes excellent business sense!
For more information:
-- AVOID COMPUTER ENCLOSURE STARTUP PITFALLS WITH THE PROPER PLANNING!
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
