When deploying computer enclosures in a hot, harsh environment, thermal management considerations should be at the top of the project list.

Thermal management is an important item to contemplate. Electronics always generate heat and that heat needs to be abated. An overheated enclosure can be detrimental to vital equipment. In many instances, filtered fan systems are the perfect way to cool the enclosure.

As you might imagine, many sizes of fans and filters are available on the market and should be carefully analyzed, including the air performance rating. In addition, some fans are designed to run continuously, while others can be efficiently combined with a thermostat to only turn on when needed. It is also important to take into account the location of the fan and/or fans on the pc or computer enclosure. Location could be the difference between cooling and just blowing hot and harmful air! 

When it comes to electronics in enclosures, heat can be very damaging in many ways!

Looking for the top thermal management for your next enclosure purchase? There are a few options that might be a worthy solution, such as air conditioners, vortex cooling units, heat exchangers, and various fan systems. Simply put, a filtered fan system can be the most cost effective method of cooling electronics in a NEMA 12 computer enclosure. This statement assumes that the ambient temperatures are not too extreme based on the recommended operating temperatures for the electronics. The website, Electronics Cooling, sums up how a filtered fan system operates, “filter fans cool enclosures… [using] the ambient temperature outside the cabinet by drawing filtered ambient air into the cabinet. At the same time, the heated air within the cabinet is blown out an exhaust vent. The exhaust is also filtered, which creates airflow resistance and a slightly higher pressure inside the enclosure.”

What toll will heat and humidity take on electronics in manufacturing environments?

When choosing a computer enclosure, it is always a good rule of thumb to determine the necessary thermal management. An enclosure that has an internal temperature of over 95°F generally calls for a cooling system that is more powerful than a filtered fan system. Ambient air flow, through a filtered fan system, will not provide enough cooling power to regulate temperatures inside the computer enclosure within the recommended operating temperatures. 

The term “custom” often gets a bad reputation for translating into expensive and lengthy lead times. 

However, this is not always the case when researching the best computer enclosure for a factory or plant deployment. The importance of choosing an enclosure provider that utilizes off-the-shelf items - to customize a solution that meets the users’ needs - is critical.

The right enclosure solution is more than just simply picking out a box. Enclosures are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials with numerous options for mounting, connecting and climate control. End users and system integrators can simplify the process by choosing a customized solution that ships ready to be used upon delivery.

Dust-free, dry and spotless production areas are not possible when working in a dirty, harsh industrial environment.

Equipment will get dirty during the manufacturing process and it is, more than likely, required to be cleaned on a daily or weekly basis. It is simply unavoidable. It is imperative to use large format LCDs on the factory floor for everything from inventory to process control to employee scheduling. How can everything exist in harmony?

Numerous options exist for differing environments and sizes of LCDs, but which one is the right choice?

Do not overlook cooling! 

Many system integrators tend to load up computer enclosures with various electronics, but fail to consider the abundance of heat that is produced - by each unit - in a sealed enclosure.

Finding a good balance between maximizing production and increasing efficiencies with electrical equipment can often be a tough task. When configuring how much equipment can be housed inside an enclosure, taking the approach of “more is better” is not always the best idea. If not properly managed, increased loads of electrical apparatuses -- plus the amount of heat produced -- can have damaging effects on the reliability of equipment.

Expensive equipment can overheat inside of a sealed pc enclosure, thus causing electronics to cease working or, at the very least, drastically slow down. Some type of cooling or heating (in frigid, cooler environments) is necessary to maintain a consistent, medium temperature during operating and non-operating hours. By keeping electronics operating at optimal temperatures, a company will save money and a lot of precious time!

A number of challenges present themselves when deploying sensitive electronics in a manufacturing setting.

Computer enclosures make for a safe, reliable way for system integrators to protect equipment. However, before agreeing upon a computer enclosure for a harsh, industrial environment, a number of significant issues should be considered. For example, what kind of material should the enclosure be made of or how many peripherals will be stored inside of the enclosure? The following 6 items should play a key role in the enclosure selection process.

In most manufacturing settings, electrical and electronic equipment is housed in an industrial computer enclosure that is specifically designed to protect against the exterior environment (which is often harsh or hazardous). However, even in a sealed NEMA rated enclosure, moisture and water can enter the enclosure under a variety of circumstances. The designated person in charge of quality control should note issues that may occur and stop them before they have a chance to destroy equipment that is vital for the company.

Select the RIGHT Outdoor LCD enclosure!

Digital signage is everywhere! Most outdoor applications require some type of enclosure to protect the LCD and media player from weather, temperature fluctuations and vandalism.  When chosen correctly, a LCD enclosure will ensure operation, up time and integrity to the overall solution.